RANT: The Gym Battle – Men vs. Women
Well, I had a very frustrating workout today.
I continuously keep getting reminded why I’m not a fan of commercial gyms and prefer to work out at home.
Well, I actually did go to a gym today … but then had a little run-in with someone while I was doing my thing (and minding my own business).
I’ve ranted about meat-heads in the gym before, but this guy really takes the cake!
A total meat-head decided to make a big stupid show of being a tough guy and, as a result, messed with the groove of my workout as well (which I think was pretty much his intention anyway).
I didn’t ask for it, and I sure didn’t deserve his rude behaviour.
But I found a way to have my fun with it anyway. LOL !!
I don’t let those morons intimidate me anymore. Bring ’em on. I can give as good as I get.
So, no wonder so many chicks are too intimidated to go to the gym, eh?
And, that’s one of the reasons the gyms have those TOTALLY LAME “Ladies Area” workout spaces in the back room. Man, the equipment back there sucks. (see: “Open Letter To Gym Owners” for my rant about THAT issue!)
All the more reason to get a good home workout in. Then you don’t have to worry about those idiots or the insulting equipment in the “Ladies Area”.
Oh, and btw, a great piece of equipment for home training is hands down the TRX Training System.
If you’re sick of morons in the gym and looking to get yourself set up quickly and inexpensively for some great and very effective home workouts, you definitely have to grab a TRX (see my post: “TRX Kicked My Butt !!” for more information about the TRX System)
Get TRX Suspension Training Here
Okay so now, help me out here:
What do you think was up this dude’s butt anyway?
Why’d he pick on me?
Why’d he ask for the only unavailable bench in the gym?
And why was he rude about it, considering we were the only two people in there and he obviously wasn’t showing off for someone else or attempting to pick me up (thank heavens).
Shoot me your opinion in the comments box, ok? I’m curious what you think his deal must have been.
Have a fit, fun and fantastic day.
Girlwithnoname
ps. be sure to see “Hey, Muscleheads!!” and “Is Banging the Weights Really Necessary?” for my other rants about this breed of gym-goer …
9042
August 25th, 2010 at 12:22 pm
Wow, what a (insert bad word here)! Sorry that you had to be put through that. I don’t blame you a bit for getting in his way after that. Behavior like his is uncalled for. It’s people like him that are the cause of the “Lunkhead” rule at Planet Fitness.
August 25th, 2010 at 12:28 pm
I think he liked you. He was probably trying to show off with his cell phone use, etc. He used the bench excuse to talk to you and when you didn’t offer to work out with him, or whatever, he got mad.
He may be an insecure jerk who doesn’t get a lot of dates because he can’t stop acting like that.
Try to forget it. Maybe even feel sorry for him.
August 25th, 2010 at 12:32 pm
well, he was kinda old enough to be my dad too, and very out of shape (read, huge gut), and I actually didn’t get the sense that he was in any way trying to get a date with me, which is what makes it all the more puzzling.
August 25th, 2010 at 12:53 pm
Another Vancouver fitness lady! Nice to see that! :)
I’m actually quite lucky; our ladies only section of the gym has the exact same equipment as the males section with the exception of a squat rack, which I believe is on its way in. Now normally I am like you and definitely don’t like working in the ladies only section, but we have some similar clientèle to your experience today. So when I am at this gym, I’ll opt for the ladies section. There is something just so wrong about having every single action in an area stop when a female walks in.
As for this guy; some people are just antagonists at heart, and all they want is a reaction. Especially if he cursed you out; talk about no tact!
August 25th, 2010 at 1:03 pm
Wow. Well then I guess chalk it up to a clueless jerk and don’t let him ruin your day.
I have a saying, “hurting people hurt people.” I feel sorry for people like that.
You are right. Too bad the jerks in the world make it more difficult for everybody else. Todd mentioned a “lunkhead” rule. That’s probably what your gym needs to enforce to protect other gym members from having a bad experience which is bad for their business.
August 25th, 2010 at 1:06 pm
Hey Bry!! Nice to see you…. where do you work out? I really must know. If you don’t want to publicize it here, use my Contact Tab at the top of the page to shoot me a private email. cheers.
August 25th, 2010 at 1:59 pm
WELL! What a jerk! I’m glad you stood up for yourself. I have people saying and doing ugly things all the time while I’m at the track. Usually it’s the teens, and the younger group that do it. That’s ok! I realize they are immature and it’s in their nature to do so. As for the man in the gym, he’s a man, and FOR SOME (not all)MEN, they are immature… and it’s in their nature to be rude and obnoxious… especially those OLD ones that are trying to be 21 again! =D Better luck to HIM next time… maybe he’ll learn to keep his thoughts to himself, and not harrass any more pretty ladies! As for you… Git’em tiger!
August 25th, 2010 at 2:24 pm
Hey Jackie, I can see from the video your experience in the gym upset you a little. The guy plain and simple was a jerk! I’m sure if there were others guys in there they may have punched his lights out.
Like you Jackie I don’t really like commercial gyms.I’m fotunate to be able to workout at home but when I used to go to a gym I couldn’t stand they way some guys behaved. It is anoying when you want to get to a piece of equipment and someone is working out right where it is, it is a pain or someone just sitting on equipment not even using it and when you politely ask them to move they give you a look.
Ah well such is life but it’s good to have a rant sometimes, it calms the nerves. Keep on keeeping on girl.
Colin
August 26th, 2010 at 10:23 am
Well, some people just really need to have their own way, and only feel good about themselves by bossing and even belittling other people. I’m happy to go to my gym, because I know that barely anyone is there, and the squat rack is (almost) always free. (when it is taken, it becomes free soon after; I think people know it’s my territory) ;) And, aside from trying to talk at me once in a blue moon, people tend to mind their own business and let each other do their own thing.
I’m glad you didn’t let him intimidate you; I would have been. I also would have reported him, though, because behavior like that is unnecessary, and I’m sure the gym owner, like mine, would want to ensure that his members feel comfortable and feel like they’re part of a family. Plus, I wouldn’t want him to be able to harass other members, either.
Have a good day!
Liza
August 27th, 2010 at 1:03 pm
Its not Men vs women at the gym. I cant stand these jerks either. Ive been going to gyms for 20 plus years in dozens of countries. Invariably i run into these boneheads…banging wieghts around. resting on benches, loud talking and cellphones. My favorite is the load grunting! If you arent squatting over 400 or benching over 350 or deadlifting over 500 DONT grunt! You are just showing off and noones interested. I didnt grunt when i did my 405 bench! Guys are wierd for sure. guys also think they may meet women at the gym for some strange reason they think that when they are hot and sweaty that women who are there to work out and probably in a hurry would like to meet them. So tiring! BUT dont let that stop you women from going to the gym. Go and stand up for yourselves. there are normally guys like me around ( steroid free) who have your back!
August 27th, 2010 at 1:06 pm
Thanks Stefan! I don’t back down and I don’t run. And I hope all the other chicks out there will do as I do. We have JUST as much right to be there as anyone. So there *stamps foot* LOL
October 5th, 2010 at 9:37 pm
i think this guy was one of those guys who wanted to pick you up BUT had confidence issues.. when men feel threatened, they try to act machooo lol cuz you look amazing! keep up the great work! women like you inspire me!im also the only girl in the weight room..usually but still gotta another 10 pounds to lose this year!
October 5th, 2010 at 9:39 pm
thanks gf. I really don’t think he was trying to hit on me. I really don’t. He was kinda old enough to be my dad… and he was just being an overall idiot before he approached me anyway.
Good for you for being in the weightroom with the big boys!! Keep at it, those lbs will come off sooner or later!
xo
October 16th, 2010 at 12:53 pm
Hi Jackie,
I’m currently having the same type of experience at my gym. This guy (a regular) tries to give me advice EVERY day. I don’t mind advice, if it’s from a source I trust. This guy is scrawny and uses poor form when lifting. Drives me nuts. Nothing I’ve done gets the message through that I’ve been working out for 30 years and don’t need his help. Grrrr. But at least he hasn’t sworn at me.