10 Types of people in every gym

Over the years I’ve been in dozens of gyms, from swanky ones with swimming pools and celebs, to sweaty rooms with more free weights than machines. Yet in all of them you’ll find your typical characters whose peculiarities are more similar than a pair of chiselled pecs.  

As a distraction from the boredom and pain of working out in your local gym, why not see if you can spot some of these ten stereotypical gym-goers?

This person treats the gym as their social hub, spending more time chatting with others than actually exercising. They love to flirt and tease, and will strike up conversation with anyone who takes their fancy, interrupting even the most dedicated gym rat’s routine.

Tip: If you’re short on time, it’s best to avoid eye contact.

Long before you set eyes on him, you’ll hear his moan burst across the gym, like the mating call of a love-hungry buffalo. Whatever weights he’s lifting might not be excessive, but they do provide the excuse to outdo every other person with his vocal performance.

Tip: You might want to put your earphones in to nullify his noise. 

This individual struts across the gym floor as if it’s a catwalk. Decked out in the trendiest, eye-catching workout gear, their treadmill performance and impeccable style is hard to ignore. Admittedly, their workout may lack intensity, but their fashion game is always top class. 

Tip: Try to concentrate on your workout and not their fashion. 

This person’s primary aim is to find a gym bud, with whom to pump more than iron. They spend more time checking out others than the equipment and are only too keen to casually flex near a crush, comment on your clothing, or try to tell you how to use a piece of equipment. Their moves are easy to read and a source of some amusement to regulars. 

Tip: If someone regularly chooses to use equipment right next to you, despite others being free, you may have an admirer. 

There are a variety of hogs you can run into. Some like to reserve two or three pieces of equipment, oblivious of how this inconveniences others, while others make a habit of pestering users mid-workout to let them use a piece of kit. 

Tip: Best to steer well clear. If they pester you, tell them you’ll only be five minutes. 

They’re easy to spot as they’ll often wear a mask, gloves or spend more time cleaning equipment, before and after use, than actually using it. A cough or sneeze can make them freeze mid rep, and it’s fair to say that using a gym is frequently a torturous experience for them.  

Tip: Sweat on a machine is their kryptonite. 

This gym-goer is more focused on capturing the supreme selfie than actually exercising. You’ll usually find them in front of a well-lit mirror, flexing their muscles and trying out various filters to showcase their fitness routine to their virtual fanbase. 

Tip: A compliment goes a long way with this character, just avoid photobombing them.

From the moment they march into the gym, unsmiling, AirPods in and ignoring all around, you know you’re in the presence of someone whose sole purpose is to complete a serious session. Laser-like focus compels them, and they’ll only acknowledge your presence if they want to use a piece of equipment, otherwise you’re merely an inconvenience to their very personal workout.  

Tip: Don’t get in their way unless you want to feel their burn. 

Armed with the latest fitness gadgets and wearables, such as an Apple watch or Garmin fitness tracker, this person tracks every metric possible. They monitor their heart rate, calories burned, steps taken and oxygen saturation. Part human and part machine, they only stop to discuss their latest fitness apps and compare their data with fellow techno-fitness geeks. 

Tip: If you want to upgrade your workout, they’ll know how. 

This person clearly joined as part of a New Year’s resolution or because their partner has given them an ultimatum: “Get fit or get out”. From their baggy attire and unkempt appearance, it’s clear that it’s taken all their stamina to even reach the gym doors. As a result, their workout is characterised by an inability to make anything more than a token effort.  

Tip: If you’re looking for an easy challenge, make them your gym buddy. 

Of course, the diversity and community atmosphere found within many gyms is part of their attraction. If we’re honest, we probably all exhibit some of the above traits from time-to-time. But don’t be afraid to be yourself at the gym, as it’s all fun for the people-watchers. 

Read more: 10 Secrets for choosing a new gym

Read more: 10 Ways to motivate yourself to exercise

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