Thread: Am I the asshole here?

Originally Posted by Jozifp103

I just need to know if I'm the a-hole in this situation...

Ok so this happened friday morning at the gym. I had a bit of a late start so I was about 15 mins late getting to the gym. I managed to get through my workout fast and I was on my last workout which was T-Bar rows. Only problem is there's only one and there happens to be somebody on it. Totally fine, a bit frustrated as it's my last workout but I have no right to be angry with anyone. So I perch up nearby, make it clear that I'm waiting for that equipment without actually confronting him. Figure I'd just stand a reasonable distance and wait without lingering too close and being annoying. That awkward "Yes I'm waiting for this machine but I'm going to look in a different direction as to not seem like I'm being pushy." situation.

So he takes notice that I'm waiting. So far no words are spoken. No tension at this point.

Then he walks away but leaves his towel hanging from the machine. I didn't watch where he went but he was gone for about 2 mins. I grew impatient and went to remove his towel and use the machine. Just then he comes back and does another set. Then disappears. This time I watch him go to the cable machine and do a set of lateral pull-downs followed by a set of weak ass swinging pull-ups.

So now he's SUPER-SETTING 3 DIFFERENT MACHINES.

I think super-setting in the weight room is poor etiquette in itself unless there's an area for circuit training; let alone 3 machines. Not to mention he still takes an additional 30-45 second rest once he gets to the next machine. I'm sorry but if you're gonna super-set then your walk to the next machine is your break. You're already taking up enough time.

So now I'm officially running late and this guy has done 3 laps already and I haven't said a word. I begin to act visually impatient by staring at him in the mirror, shaking my head, and continuously checking my watch (normally I'm much more passive and this is uncharacteristic of me).

He's un-phased and finishes his set, leaves his towel and goes for another lap. At this point I'm done. I take his towel off, place it gently in a cubby which happens to be 3 feet away, load on some more weight , and begin a set. He comes back and the conversation goes as follows;

-BadGuy: "Hey was there a towel here when you started using this?"

Me: "Yea it's over in that cubby."

-Bad Guy: "It was on here because I was using this."

Me: "Sir, you are officially occupying 3 pieces of equipment at once. There's only one of these and I'm late for work. If you wouldn't mind me working in with you I'd appreciate it."

-Bad Guy: "All set bud, next time maybe wait for the person to be finished."

Me: "Again sir, you're super-setting which is already frowned upon. Not to mention you're doing it on 3 pieces of equipment at once which means you're occupying 3 pieces of equipment for 3 times as long as if you just used them individually. I'm sure I'm not alone when I say that's poor etiquette. Not just gym etiquette, this logic applies anywhere. If there's things that multiple people want to use, have some awareness and try to be efficient so we can all do what we need to do."

-Bad Guy: "I'll tell you what, it's all yours." walks away frustrated and seemingly embarrassed as it's a quiet gym and people definitely overheard.

I know I could have done my rows on a different machine like cables or something....but I'm a man of routine and it pains me to break it. The t-bar rows are part of my routine and I'd rather wait then break routine.


Am I the asshole in this situation? Lay it on me I can take it.

Dude ur way more patient than I ever woulda been! Even on a good day with no time constraints!

I could sit here and write a novel with the similar kinda bs that ppl do.

Hell I got on some guys case for doing something similar yesterday and on top of it the douche bag left the weight on every machine he used.



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You’re good bro.

You even asked him if you can work in which was nice.

Usually when there isn’t enough machines and people are waiting for me. I just ask them to work in with me.

Asshole? No.
But you and Señor Superset share a common misconception; that the machine is “yours”. It’s only “yours” when you are actually using it. Not when you arecatching your breath, resting your legs, doing a FB update or texting your BF. The gym isn’t big enough nor do they likely have a budget to buy one machine for everyone. So, that’s what the whole “working in” thing is all about.
Also, if your gym “frowns upon supersetting”, what a shit gym it must be. Sounds more like a “fitness center”.

Make no mistake, that dude was one of the typical cunts who occupy just about every gym these days, thinking that a machine is theirs as long as they please and leaving a towel on it, or worse, just sit on it pecking at their phones.

You really need to be able to skip an excercise and substitute it with another on days these people get in your way. It’s better for you anyway. Otherwise it will be a never ending battle.

I NEVER walk up to a piece and just jump on it. I take 15 seconds or so looking around to see if it is in use. I would love the same courtesy but alas, it is non existent. If someone is using a piece and actively, I happily wait. If they are sitting on a machine doing everything BUT exercising, I ask to work in. If the say they have X more sets, I strongly tell them “Well do them then!” Am I being an asshole? Maybe, but no one will ever be hindered by me and my phone, or towel, or anything other than my actively using a machine. I get up and pace like a caged animal between sets. I leave my phone in my car and once I put in my earbuds, I am not interested in talking to anyone. I get strange looks but I’m pretty sure everyone knows I’m serious about my training.

So, no, you aren’t the asshole in this scenario. But you easily could be if you were the next guy to put his towel on a machine, staking some sort of “claim” for 15-20 minutes.

You were just fine. I've got guys that do that in my gym and Ive figured them out now so I was polite at first when they said "I'm using it" I used to say no worries ill wait. Now my reply is " it'll be here when you get back in ten minutes from your other superset excercises.

I superset ALL the time. If someone asks are you using this, my response is always yes, feel free to jump on, what do you want on.

I take the lead on pulling weight off because I think it’s Courteous and eliminates the need for someone to be a douche.
BUT, I have run into the occasional tool bag here and there.

I’m the guy that asks to jump in or invites others to jump in. If I don’t tell a guy or girl my need, they can’t meet the need.

But no, you aren’t the asshole, he needed a left hook.


M

You are not wrong. It is absolutely a douche bag move to hold on to more than one piece of equipment at a time. Anyone who doesn’t know that is a dick head and has poor manners. I hate when people do this but usually when I go jump in they say they had more to do and I say well hey I’m jumping in and that should be acceptable for anyone. All he had to do was wait for your short set and jump in like you did. I get cross with people from time to time but mainly when they leave weights not put up.


Robolics Labs Intelligence

I would have just asked him if I could work in with him. I've done it many times.
If that doesn't work just do barbell or dumbell rows.
Your probably both on gear so small things can get blown out of proportion quick..good luck