It’s funny. I go to the gym to pump iron and increase my metabolism, but from what I’ve experienced at Southwest Recreation Center, some people go to run their mouths instead.
It’s OK to chat with your buddies while getting your sweat on, but it’s important to remember you’re not the only people in the building.
Check out the most ignorant things I’ve heard while working out and just why you should never go about saying them yourself:
1. “How is she not better looking than Becky*? Her butt is like Kim Kardashian’s, but she’s actually skinny.” – male
Okay gentlemen. Listen up. Kardashian (my personal opinion of her character aside) has a perfectly beautiful voluptuous figure. To say a female is better looking because she is skinnier than Kardashian implies people aren’t attractive at her size, and that isn’t true. Women of all shapes and sizes should be celebrated, so guys take note, and leave comments like that for the scooter ride home. Better yet, ditch those comments altogether.
2. “Dude. Crawford’s* only benching 120! How lame is he?” – male
Depending on a gym-goers goal, he or she will train differently. In the simplest terms, to cut or shred one will likely lift less weight and do more reps. To build or bulk, one will lift more weight and do less reps. Crawford could be: trying his best, trying to cut, coming back from an injury, all of the previous options or, my personal preference, working out and genuinely of no one else’s concern.
3. “Oh my God! That girl has booty sweat! Look at her booty sweat.” – male
Newsflash: It’s OK to sweat when you exercise! It’s a good thing. Personally, there’s barely a part of my body that isn’t sweaty when I’m done working out, and that includes my booty! But pointing out or laughing at other peoples’ sweat could make them feel self-conscious. Don’t do it.
4. “I don’t really have time to eat, and I’ve lost weight. I like that I’ve lost weight.” – female
Eat, people. I understand the awesome feeling of losing weight, but doing so in an unhealthy manner, as in by not eating, is not OK. Don’t promote such unhealthy behavior by talking about it with your friends in public, and try your best to not be a victim of the I’m-too-busy-to-eat college schedule. Pencil in your meals if you have to. I promise you: there are healthier, more positive ways to lose weight than not eating!
5. “Dude, finish your set. She’s waiting for this machine.”
“No bro. I’m sending a text. Hold on.” – males
Gym etiquette 101: Do not text and hold up someone else’s workout! It’s OK to finish a set and send a quick message while taking a breathier, but if your bro warned you of someone waiting to use the machine you’re on, don’t say you need to text first. Finish your set or get off.
6. “She probably needs two benches if she wants to sit.” – male
Rude. So rude. Infinitely rude. If you’re going to make fun of someone because of his or her weight at the gym, why are you even there? People exercise to improve their health. You may see a large person and simply see size, but you don’t know the struggles or journey he or she has been through. If they are there, they’re trying to better themselves. Regardless, the gym should always remain a judgment-free zone.
7. “I don’t eat carbs.” – female
Yeah, and I’m a unicorn. Low-carb? I believe you. No-carb? Nice try.
8. “I don’t do leg day.” – male
Friends don’t let friends skip leg day! I don’t understand why several guys shy from training their legs and insist on constantly pumping just upper body. Do some squats. They won’t hurt… Well, maybe a little at first. But your legs and butt will thank you, and so will the ladies.
9. “I’m getting froyo after this.”
“But you just worked out.” – male’s response to me
So what? Just because you workout doesn’t mean you have to eat salad and protein shakes! If you are a flexible dieter (like myself) and you track your macronutrients or simply eat smart and healthy, you can always manage to squeeze in the treats you love. It’s a matter of balance, so don’t judge me for my froyo, bro.
10. “I don’t want to lift weights and get big like a man.” – female
Weightlifting and bodybuilding do not make women “big,” but they can serve as great methods to burn fat and gain muscle. I’ve personally become stronger, and I’ve lost more than 35 pounds this year through weightlifting. You know what will definitely grow? Your confidence! And there’s nothing wrong with that.
UFitness out.
*Names changed.
