for those that go to a gym...

3boysmommy · **for those that go to a gym...**

I have an issue. I want HONEST opinions please..even if they are harsh.

I started going to a very small local gym when i started my new healthy lifestyle with Y'all. My Mom and I go early every morning. Another woman goes also. From the very beginning Ann( I'll call her) would use the eliptical machine. There are only 2 of these + treadmills and bikes. I decided to try one of these machines out, and ended up really liking it. Then one day a man started coming too and HE uses an eliptical also, so one of us does not get to use it since we all come at the same time. The gym is open at 6am, but we have been getting there at 10min 'til (the building is unlocked for something else so we take advantage)so we can get out of there earlier. So, by the the time Ann gets there at 6am I am using an eliptical and the man, who gets there early too, is too so she she does not get one. Today she acted very mad about this and actually commented to us that the gym is not supposed to be open until 6am (rolling her eyes and such). What should I do? NOT use the machine even if I am there first because she wants it? Keep getting there early and not worry about her (she could get there at 5:45 too)? The entire time we were there Ann was complaining out loud about her back on the treadmill and kept switching to the bike. I don't want to have her back hurt, but that is why I use the eliptical. I thought about doing the eliptical every other day, but I know SHE wouldn't do it for me.

Thanks for any advice!

3boys · 01-29-2007, 09:26 AM

I wouldn't worry about it all. It's first come first serve. You got there first, so it's all you honey. What I would do, is let someone (from management of the gym) know about what's going on. Who knows, maybe they might get an extra Eliptical. The same way you get up early to ensure you get that machine, she can get up early as well.

Christy · 01-29-2007, 09:55 AM

Too bad....the gym is a public place. In my opinion first come first serve!

If she wants to maybe request for more elipticals that would be her perogative...you shouldn't feel badly for using them. That is why they are there.....not just for her personal use.

I can, however, suggest that you change things up a little maybe which may help with the tension in the room:

Maybe do fifteen minutes on the eliptical, fifteen minutes on the treadmill
or a combination of your liking between different machines

To me, your cardio is best effective if you do RESISTANCE and interval training...so whatever you decide to do, make sure your heart rate is UP and you are working on resistance...any of the machines can do that for you. For treadmills it would mean increasing the incline and your speed. For bikes it would mean increasing the tension in the wheels. You can do interval work too: do three minutes "easy" and two minutes resistance....all the way through to a half hour of cardio. If you check out each machines' features, you will see a lot of them off "uphill" or "interval" or "fat burning" programs which will help you max your cardio work out. Try them out at different resistances...really push yourself ~ GET SWEATY!!!

It doesn't matter what your machine of choice is, just so long as you are pushing yourself. Working out SHOULDN'T be easy!!! It should be challenging...so push yourself to do better and whatever machine you use, make sure you use their features!

Claire · 01-29-2007, 01:33 PM

I was going to say exactly what Christy said. Try mixing it up and maybe you and Ann can switch every 15 minutes or so.

merandmalmom · 01-29-2007, 02:21 PM

I agree that it's a public place. I used to go to a gym where they probably had 30 and there were times when I couldn't get one. I didn't get MAD at the people who were there because they got one and I didn't. That would be pretty immature!

I think you could work out a tag team schedule. Or maybe you should point to out to the managers that another machine is needed!

desertmom · 01-29-2007, 03:40 PM

I agree. Talk to the mgmt. so they know this is a problem - if it's now, it's probably a problem later in the day, too, so they can know there's a need. And watch your time so that you don't get accused of "hogging" it. First come first served. Let her know that you mentioned it to mgmt, and that maybe her saying something would have even more impact to them.

Christy · 01-29-2007, 03:48 PM

Most gyms I've been to specify a THIRTY MINUTE MAXIMUM rule. Meaning, you can only use ONE machine for up to thirty minutes. If the gym is super busy they also have sign ups. So take for example: if you go to the gym at 9am and there is someone already on the treadmill, you simply sign up for 9:30. If he gets off before nine thirty, good deal for you, you now have forty five minutes before you need to get off of it!

there are ways around this...even though that lady was a pain in the butt. Just ignore her and do what you feel is right. Gym etiquette is all about being accomodating to others (wiping down your equipment after each usage and of course not hogging the cardio machines when it's busy) In my opinion you are doing nothing wrong, but if it would make you feel better, you can talk with the management about getting more cardio machines in, or maybe getting a sign up sheet, or like I suggested earlier, breaking up your half hour with two fifteen minute work outs on two different machines

Good luck!