As a hardcore gym rat, this is the season I hate most. This is the time of year will all the weak-will, chubby, fitness failures come is and get in the way of my workout. Thats right, if you are the type of person that just signed up for a gym membership, I hate you.

I know that sounds like the kind of thing that you would expect to hear from a meat-head gym rat. And it probably does not encourage you to keep going. But it doesn’t have to be like that.

While I hate all the first of the year people who will be quitting in a month, I have a lot of respect for the people who stick to their new years resolutions. So I have decided to do a series of posts on the things gym n00bs have done to annoy the regulars.

Tip #1:

Don’t Steal My Weights

If you approach a workout station and there is a towel and a notebook that has seen better days, or any sign that someone might be using it. DO NOT just barge in. Chances are I have walked away to get some water or more weights.

I know the gym is really busy so here is what you do:
- Start looking at your next station in advance, that way you can see if anyone is using it and you will have a good idea if you are going to be getting all up in someone’s grill.
- Ask if you can work in. Ya its really simple, ask nicely and you will get what you want. Here is a few pointers to keep in mind. If I am benching 225 and you want to jump in at 45, its not going to work out. Try to “work-in” with people who are lifting similar amounts or where the weights are easily reconfigured (such as machines). Second, if the I say, “I only have two more”. Just chill, I will do my two sets and the station will be all yours. I will probably even rest less just to get you in faster.

Moral of the story, be nice and be aware. The outcomes here are extreme. On one had you are dealing with over-testosteroned, jacked-up on stimulants, muscle freaks who are not thinking right (when I am lifting it feels like I am working with about 1/4 the mental processing power). But on the other if you earn a little respect you can ask any question you want and most just will be willing to BS, spot, handout advice, whatever you need.

Final note: Some women are really put off by the muscle freaks and it keeps them from the free weights. Don’t worry about it. We like to see women lifting and generally the reactions range from complete ignore to interest and willingness to help-out. It sounds like a bad cave man drama, but its mostly guys who have to worry about pissing off other guys.