Phones/cameras in gyms?

Macha

Hi all,

I've just moved to a new gym and there are quite a few guys who bring their mobile phones into the free weights section of my gym.

If they're using it for music I really don't have a problem with it but there are times I've seen a line of 5 guys just checking out their phones and chatting away while hogging equipment. Fair enough, some of them may be resting between sets but I think after a few minutes it's a bit of a stretch.

Lately I've noticed some of them taking photos of each other and sometimes I realise that it's possible I'm in the background of these photos. There are a few times I've felt the need to step to one side to make sure I'm not in the shot. Yesterday, I was doing push-ups, turned around and there was a guy standing right behind me with his phone pointed at me. Just texting? Possibly but I couldn't be sure either way.

I'm not flattering myself (especially after doing circuits..) but I'm already the only woman in the free weights section and it makes me quite uncomfortable. I've been doing weights for 7 years so this doesn't particularly bother me but people walking around taking photos? No thanks.

The staff have already said there's no rule against phones in the gym so my question is: does your gym have any sort of ban on mobiles or taking photos in the gym?

Hardonraging

Not sure if my place has a ban on phone use in the weights section, altho it should have, you get it more with the kids, usually a group of them pishing about texting some hot beour it appears.. or so i've over heard..

Ivan.Drago

I often record myself on my camera phone to see how I'm performing certain movements - the guys might just be recording each other in order to scrutinize themselves later / at home.

mitosis

Anything with a camera should be banned from the gym.

Leinsterr

Yesterday, I was doing incline rows and I saw 2 guys recording each other doing cable crossovers and I was right in the shot. It was a bit weird.

skeg16

People on phones just drive me nuts...guys are absolutely camping on machines whether it be chatting to someone, on the phone or staring at themselves in the mirror for ages. I cant understand these people who go to the gym for a chatter....fair enough have your chit chat but listening to peoples life story is a daily occurrence at my gym

I haven't experienced anyone taking photos etc but if they were I would be very suspicious and I would probably raise it with the gym itself as an issue because the gym it an uncomfortable place at times...I don't need to feel insecure also!!!

If you keep noticing it bring it to the attention of the staff member 100%, they may not have a ban against phones but taking photos is a different kettle of fish!!!

Dtp79

Macha wrote: »

Hi all,

I've just moved to a new gym and there are quite a few guys who bring their mobile phones into the free weights section of my gym.

If they're using it for music I really don't have a problem with it but there are times I've seen a line of 5 guys just checking out their phones and chatting away while hogging equipment. Fair enough, some of them may be resting between sets but I think after a few minutes it's a bit of a stretch.

Lately I've noticed some of them taking photos of each other and sometimes I realise that it's possible I'm in the background of these photos. There are a few times I've felt the need to step to one side to make sure I'm not in the shot. Yesterday, I was doing push-ups, turned around and there was a guy standing right behind me with his phone pointed at me. Just texting? Possibly but I couldn't be sure either way.

I'm not flattering myself (especially after doing circuits..) but I'm already the only woman in the free weights section and it makes me quite uncomfortable. I've been doing weights for 7 years so this doesn't particularly bother me but people walking around taking photos? No thanks.

The staff have already said there's no rule against phones in the gym so my question is: does your gym have any sort of ban on mobiles or taking photos in the gym?

No phones allowed in my gym. Signs up all over the place. But I'd say its ok for music though

Macha

Ivan.Drago wrote: »

I often record myself on my camera phone to see how I'm performing certain movements - the guys might just be recording each other in order to scrutinize themselves later / at home.

This I would also sort of understand but they're normally posing in the shots. I should mention this gym isn't in Ireland and it's the kind of gym where every day is biceps day...sigh.

Interesting that some of your gyms do have a clear rule on it.

philiy

I dont live in Ireland either and there is a rule in my gym which is very clear in the gym rule book that is handed to you when you join. It states "no mobile phones on the gym floor". This rule is not enforced and it drives me insane

Last week there was a guy using some equipment I needed to use. He would do a set and then ring a friend, talk to them for 4 - 5 mins then tell them "cant talk long mate, Im in the gym", then hang up, do another set and call another friend

Stench Blossoms

I bring my phone to the gym because I have my program set up with jetfit so I know what I'm suppose to do.

A_Sober_Paddy

I use my phone to track weights I'm doing and my reps and sets. as I try and mix things up every now and then and some days are different, like Monday is chest and arms, so if certain machines are in use and I'm caught for time I'll do an different exercise etc...just use it for that and the timer on it for planks and and few other things

Gauge

I bring my phone because I use the stopwatch for timing intervals and rests. I have my routine for the day typed up in the notes and then I'll use the phone to track weights or make adjustments. I also use it for listening to music.

SunnyDub1

Next time someone is hogging the equipment stand over them until they take the hint and move especially if they are just sitting there chatting or texting.

As for the phone there is nothing you can really do there, there should be some sort of rule brought in though to avoid pictures been taking and people chatting and texting while using the equipment.
I bring me phone as my music is on it, But if someone was to call me I would take the call outside of the gym. It wouldn't bother me not having my music with me.

I am convinced, especially in the gym I currently go to, certain people go just to chat, take pics and talk about how great their muscles look :rolleyes:

Legits

I use Jefit also to track and set workouts and listen to music on my phone.
Dont really see the issue with phones and cameras in the gym unless someone purposelly takes a picture of me and publises it.

TheBellJar

In fairness, if they're recording themselves it's to get a better look at their own form, not to perve on you.
Also, why give a shi1t? Same could be said for cameras in nightclubs/smartphones on the luas etc. etc.

SunnyDub1

TheBellJar wrote: »

In fairness, if they're recording themselves it's to get a better look at their own form, not to perve on you.
Also, why give a shi1t? Same could be said for cameras in nightclubs/smartphones on the luas etc. etc.

In fairness could they not "get a look at their own form" in their own privacy/space like their home

I'd give a sh*t if I was trying to do a workout and some was constantly on their phone texting or chatting while using the equipment while others where waiting to use it. There is a difference between a gym and a nightclub.

Hanley

SunnyDub1 wrote: »

In fairness could they not "get a look at their own form" in their own privacy/space like their home

.

How would they do that?

TheBellJar

SunnyDub1 wrote: »

In fairness could they not "get a look at their own form" in their own privacy/space like their home

I'd give a sh*t if I was trying to do a workout and some was constantly on their phone texting or chatting while using the equipment while others where waiting to use it. There is a difference between a gym and a nightclub.

Do you have a barbell and plates at home that you can use to check your tekkers? Fair play. I don’t, that’s why I go to a gym.

People record their lifts for all kinds for reasons. Could be a PR, could be to show their coach, or could simply be for their own records to see how they’re progressing with their technique work. It actually doesn’t matter why though, because it’s nothing to do with you.

SunnyDub1

TheBellJar wrote: »

Do you have a barbell and plates at home that you can use to check your tekkers? Fair play. I don’t, that’s why I go to a gym.

People record their lifts for all kinds for reasons. Could be a PR, could be to show their coach, or could simply be for their own records to see how they’re progressing with their technique work. It actually doesn’t matter why though, because it’s nothing to do with you.

Ok fair point... Apologies, I miss understood the term "their own form"
If people feel the need to video themselves and take pics while working out for what ever reason that's their business!

Still don't think it is completely necessary and find it selfish for one to be on their phone chatting and texting while using the equipment.

mood

Ask to speak to the management about it. Nothing will change until you do.

I have experienced this before (hogging equipment and using it as seats and taking photos). it is inappropriate IMO.

btkm8unsl0w5r4

There are hundreds of cameras pointed at us every day, security cameras, phones, computer webcams, traffic cameras etc....really who cares in the gym. If your worried about people perving on you, everyone should be blindfolded. Worried about being tagged on facebook....delete your account. Phones in swimming pools and around kids....yeah thats a wise precaution.

Hogging equipment...thats another story.

WHIP IT!

I dunno... where do you draw the line? Should phones be banned in offices? bars? public transport? within 100 yards of a school?? Whether it's phones or something else, if you think someone somewhere is behaving inappropriately or invading your privacy - open your mouth and say something.

Oddly enough, a few weeks ago I was in the 'Abs' section of my gym, lying (and by 'lying' I mean 'collapsed') on my back chatting to a pal and trying not to die after a Core Circuit... anyhoo, I was checking my programme on my phone to see what torture was up next when I noticed a girl on a treadmill looking at me weird... didn't occur to me until later that it might've looked like I was taking a photo of her! Or maybe it didn't, maybe she just looks weird at people in the gym...

If people near me were taking pics and I thought I was getting caught in the background I'd just ask them nicely to be careful not to, thanks!

mood

There is a difference between some pointing a phone directly at you at a 90 degree angle at face level and someone with it at a 45 degree angle to the floor as they would texting. In the first example complaining to management is the way to go.

btkm8unsl0w5r4

Oh I can see it now, signs hanging on gym walls

"All phones must be orientated portrait with respect to the horizon & must not be held at greater than 65 degrees to the holders eyeliner, offenders will be asked to leave and their camera roll my be inspected randomly"

daenerysstormborn3

I bring my phone with me to keep track of what I'm doing, otherwise I'd leave something out and I use it to check out youtube vids of anything I'm doing if I'm unsure of the right moves etc. I don't sit on machines and browse away but I'd be fairly annoyed if someone came along and told me I couldn't have my phone in the gym.

mood

pixiebean22 wrote: »

I bring my phone with me to keep track of what I'm doing, otherwise I'd leave something out and I use it to check out youtube vids of anything I'm doing if I'm unsure of the right moves etc. I don't sit on machines and browse away but I'd be fairly annoyed if someone came along and told me I couldn't have my phone in the gym.

If your not pointing it at people or hogging equipment while using it I don't see why anyone would have a problem.

ebixa82

I only wish there was women hot enough to even consider taking a picture of in my gym.*





(*I am by no means implying I would take a pic if there was!)

ferike1

But if I can't take camera's in I wouldn't be able to make fun videos like this!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzBqvgGIACs

Dotcomdolly

Thanks Ferike, I very much enjoyed watching that

Owen_S

OP you are overreacting a bit to this. I use my phone as a stopwatch, mp3 player and as a notepad to track my progress, I'm not there to take pics of your arse and post them on boards.ie.

john_cappa

https://www.facebook.com/groups/438629062844408/

I would check the above to make sure haven't made an appearance!

Twats in the gym is the best FB group ever!

xgtdec

I'd suggest getting some real problems!!

JJayoo

OP is entitled to an opinion. I have seen plenty of scummy cu#ts videoing girls in gyms usually with a running commentary on how she like to take it. A lot of times it depends on the gym you are using. In the past I have been a member of the NUIG gym and the amount of little scummy sh1theads is crazy. Have also been a member in Galway City Gym and everyone there is very respectful to each other.

Dotcomdolly

JJayoo wrote: »

OP is entitled to an opinion. I have seen plenty of scummy cu#ts videoing girls in gyms usually with a running commentary on how she like to take it.

:eek: eughhhh. I'm glad I'm prob too old & unhot to attract this kind of ****e.

Macha

xgtdec wrote: »

I'd suggest getting some real problems!!

I have plenty of those - I'd rather not also have to think about this as well.

I've been a member of a lot of gyms - some of them have very different vibes. All the gyms I've been a member of in Ireland have been completely fine and I've felt happily anonymous.

If I'm honest, it's also a general atmosphere in the gym. The weights section is something else: the shadow boxing, the endless bicep curls, the posing, the outfits,...I've yet to see someone in an Irish gym try to do a weights session in jeans and a beanie hat!

WHIP IT!

Macha wrote: »

I have plenty of those - I'd rather not also have to think about this as well.

I've been a member of a lot of gyms - some of them have very different vibes. All the gyms I've been a member of in Ireland have been completely fine and I've felt happily anonymous.

If I'm honest, it's also a general atmosphere in the gym. The weights section is something else: the shadow boxing, the endless bicep curls, the posing, the outfits,...I've yet to see someone in an Irish gym try to do a weights session in jeans and a beanie hat!

LOL - where have you seen that?

A pal of mine who lives in Sydney, swears blind that it's a pretty regular occurrence on a Saturday evening to see a group of lads come into the gym - already done up to head out on the town; showered, shaved, tight tshirt, jeans, dab of Old Spice etc - and go through a quick 'Gunz' workout before they do so... I've always kinda hoped he's winding me up

Funk It

Macha wrote: »

I have plenty of those - I'd rather not also have to think about this as well.

I've been a member of a lot of gyms - some of them have very different vibes. All the gyms I've been a member of in Ireland have been completely fine and I've felt happily anonymous.

If I'm honest, it's also a general atmosphere in the gym. The weights section is something else: the shadow boxing, the endless bicep curls, the posing, the outfits,...I've yet to see someone in an Irish gym try to do a weights session in jeans and a beanie hat!

Oh god, I have spotted quite a few in the gym I go to in the UK wearing them oversized wooly bobble hats, while the vast majority tend to wear tank tops. I just don't get it myself, maybe I'm doing the whole gym thing wrong.

Actually, come to think of it, I must be one of few that bring a small towel to the weights section I use these days. A bottle of water and a towel are essential kit in my eyes, with the mp3 player and notepad to track progress being the additional extras.

deadlybuzzman

Macha wrote: »

I've yet to see someone in an Irish gym try to do a weights session in jeans and a beanie hat!

Ive seen it in sligo the same guy had big black new rock type boots too!

In fairness to the OP if someone was taking pictures of her its not on but the flipside of that is Ive seen fellas do that with 2 different women I worked with in retail and 1 of those lads used to do it on the street too.
With that in mind banning them from anywhere seems a bit futile.

Mellor

I use my phone as a stop watch, and occasionally to record a lift to check something. If I'm doing that I try to point it away from the general population so as not to give anyone the wrong idea, but its not always possible. The comments from the people who had an issue with checking a lift are laughable.

I go to the gym to improve, so i'm not really content with arsing about aimlessly for 60mins and calling it a workout, so sometimes I'll have a work out jotted down in the phone, or i might have to check my log to check what the weight was last time. Obviously I do this during my rest between sets.
I don't really understand how checking my phone like that between sets is so disgraceful, yet sitting there perfectly quite for the same length of time is perfectly acceptable. Could somebody enlighten me?

WHIP IT! wrote: »

A pal of mine who lives in Sydney, swears blind that it's a pretty regular occurrence on a Saturday evening to see a group of lads come into the gym - already done up to head out on the town; showered, shaved, tight tshirt, jeans, dab of Old Spice etc - and go through a quick 'Gunz' workout before they do so... I've always kinda hoped he's winding me up

I've never seen anything like that. He's either winding you up, or he see's people going to/from the gym like that and isn't aware that some people simply tend to be dressed up/showered/shaven/smelling good most of the time.

pinkypinky

My gym has signs up all over the place saying "no phones" but it's not enforced, and realistically, how could it be when people use phones to play music, track intervals, view programs, etc nowadays? I've never seen anyone taking photos during a workout.

I like to leave my phone in my locker - have some time away from it while I work out!

xgtdec

WHIP IT! wrote: »

LOL - where have you seen that?

A pal of mine who lives in Sydney, swears blind that it's a pretty regular occurrence on a Saturday evening to see a group of lads come into the gym - already done up to head out on the town; showered, shaved, tight tshirt, jeans, dab of Old Spice etc - and go through a quick 'Gunz' workout before they do so... I've always kinda hoped he's winding me up

Eh...its called club pump....and i wont have a bad word said against it:p