Get Big Tomorrow

I’m normally the last person to bitch about people doing annoying things at the gym because I’m sure that when I started going as a scrawny, ambitious little 13 year old I made my share of mistakes.

Some people just don’t get it though.  So here’s my public service announcement to those without a clue:

1. Filling up a water bottle at the water fountain with 10 people in line behind you. It’s a water fountain, not a bottling plant.  Either fill up your water bottle at home, get a larger one that lasts you longer or let people cut you.  When people are getting a sip between sets, you don’t want to be that jackass that they’re waiting 5 minutes for just so you can fill up your water bottle.
2. Sweating like a pig and not wiping down the equipment. Some people sweat a lot – and that’s fine – but at least have the courtesy to wipe down the equipment for people that are using it after you.  Your mom isn’t at the gym with you – clean up after yourself.
3. Not re-racking the weights. Listen – part of working out at the gym is carrying the weights you are using.  You have no idea how many ancillary muscles you’re NOT working out by being a lazy bum.  You’re at the gym to work out, so look at every part of the gym experience as part of the workout – including putting away your weights.
4. Lifting right by the weight rack.  Courteous people won’t want to get in your way, but you shouldn’t be there to begin with.  Make sure you are far enough away from the weight racks that others can get what they need.
5. Talking to someone during their set. I don’t know about you, but when I’m maxing out or trying to get that last rep or two, I don’t want some jackass asking me if I’m using the bench 5 feet away from me that I’m clearly already not using.  If you want to talk to someone, wait until they’re done with their set, don’t interrupt their focus.

Avoid these mistakes, and go get big!