Unfortunately, I was spoiled back in the US by the gym in the office building where I worked because I would go there right after work and usually have the place all to myself. And if I went on the weekend I *DEFINITELY* had the place all to myself. No lunks. No loud music. No waiting to use the equipment (even though there was only 2 elliptical machines). Little did I know at the time that I was in gym heaven.
Alas, that is no longer the case. And being a bit of an introvert I have some "issues" with the gym. These issues are not specific to Basic Fit (except maybe 1) nor are they specific to Dutchies. But I need to get these grievances off my chest, so please humor me.
1) all the noise, noise, noise, NOISE
a) The gym plays music throughout the facility at a level to which I am almost unable to hear my iPod without cranking up the volume so much I'm in fear of going deaf. I do understand and appreciate that on some level this is related to my inability to tune out background noise of any kind, but it is quite loud and annoying. And, from what I can see, bordering on unnecessary as almost everyone comes with their own music.
b) People DROP the weights which generates a thunderous sound and an ensuing vibration. IMHO, if you are dropping weight in such a fashion then 1 of 2 things is happening: 1) you are using too heavy a weight and are unable to maintain control until you lower it to its final resting place; 2) you want EVERYONE in the gym to acknowledge just how heavy a weight you are "pumping" and are therefore an ass.
Example: One day, as I was leaving the gym, this guy was using what appeared to be a barbell that was attached on one end to a weight lifting frame and on the other end were a SHITLOAD of weights. He was pushing the weighted end up in the air as the other end of the barbell pivoted on the floor. Welp, when he was done, he simply DROPPED THE BARBELL FROM ABOUT 5' OFF THE GROUND. Holy crap! WHY!?!?
c) People grunting while they work out. I'm not saying people aren't allowed to make some noise while they exercise/lift weights, but... COME ON! You're not pushing out a baby, nor are you lifting a car off someone, especially on a cardio machine. I contend that, here too, it MIGHT be done just to get some attention from other gym members "Look at me! I'm exercising so heavily I need to sound like a moose in rut!!"
2) abusing the equipment
a) Part of this complaint is tied to the second paragraph above. I think dropping the weights is bad for the equipment. I know 1 gym I went to back in the US explicitly stated that dropping weights was prohibited.
Example: Just this morning as I was entering the gym I saw a guy drop 2 weight discs on the floor at the same time. I cannot imagine that is good for the discs.
b) Another way people "abuse" the equipment is by occupying TWO MACHINES AT THE SAME FREAKING TIME!!! I've seen members leave their towel on 1 weight machine and then go use another one. COME ON! That's just rude!!
c) This last example isn't necessarily "abusing" the equipment, but it's kind of related to the example above and I didn't think it warranted its own category. There are people who spend A LOT longer on the weight machines just sitting there as opposed to the amount of time they spend actually lifting weights. I have no idea what they're doing... balancing their checkbook? stalking an ex? applying for a mortgage? But I'll pass by the machine and the person will be deeply absorbed in their phone for several minutes. I know there are apps out there to help one with their weight training goals, even the gym has an app, but the amount of time these people are spending JUST SITTING THERE far exceeds the amount of time required to enter the number of reps they just completed and at what weight amount. No matter what they're doing between reps, they are not actually using the machine and they are leaving it idle for a large amount of time.
3) smells
I have experienced the gamut of smells at this gym. One day I was walking behind the elliptical machines towards one that was unoccupied. I got a whiff of something rather pungent as I made my way. Pungent as in... "I'm doing my part to save the planet by not showering for 3 weeks". You can imagine that this smell DOES NOT get better as one exercises. I was trying to breathe through my mouth so as not to retch and discovered that I could actually TASTE THE SMELL.
On the other end of the spectrum was the guy who smelled like he had just taken a swim in a pool filled with cologne. GAW! As he exercised the smell just became stronger and stronger and stronger. Here again, I was trying to breathe through my mouth so as not to smell it. Cologne doesn't taste good.
Despite these complaints I will keep going as I have signed up for a year membership. Don't worry about me, I'll adapt. ;-)
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