Equipment hogs at the gym

Tiddlypeeps

How do you handle equipment hogs at the gym?

I was at the gym last night and I couldn't get a look in at the squat rack because some gob****e decided he needed it to do bench presses on the floor in the middle of the rack!

2 perfectly good bench presses a few feet away, but no, the squat rack is the only appropriate place this guy could do his business.

I did all my other bits and pieces and waited around for a bit for him to finish (he had been at it about a half an hour at this point), he noticed me waiting so he pointed out that he has 10 more sets to do and would likely be there till close which was half an hour away. So I just went home and skipped my squats, which was pretty irritating as I don't have as much time to go to the gym as I'd like.

I'm not very confrontational so I don't think I would ever call someone out on acting the eejit like that, mostly because it's not his fault the gym is short on equipment. When I told my boyfriend about it when I got home tho he thought I was stupid for not telling him to GTFO.

This happens me all the time in this gym, all manner of people doing stupid things in the squat rack (curls, dead lifts), all things that just need the bar and not the actual squat rack so could be done pretty much anywhere else in the gym. More often than not I have to skip squats. I definitely won't be renewing my membership when it runs out, it wasn't cheap so they really should have better equipment. I have it for another 6 months tho so I'll have to put up with this for a while longer.

So how do you guys deal with this type of thing? Am I just a push over, or do these people have a right to use this equipment in whatever way they want for as long as they like?

runawaybishop

Get on to the gym staff. They should be sorting that sh1te out asap.

mickman

runawaybishop wrote: »

Get on to the gym staff. They should be sorting that sh1te out asap.

yes, or else say it to them yourself.

runawaybishop

mickman wrote: »

yes, or else say it to them yourself.

Great advice mickman, telling someone that says explicitly that "I'm not very confrontational" to go and confront someone.

Everyone should probably just grow their own gym to avoid chemicals anyway :pac:

mickman

runawaybishop wrote: »

Great advice mickman, telling someone that says explicitly that "I'm not very confrontational" to go and confront someone.

Everyone should probably just grow their own gym to avoid chemicals anyway :pac:

You are a very angry person - try and relax man, it might make you a nicer person

Tefral

This behavior is quite common and I personally would tell them to use a bench.

Sometimes some people use the squat rack when bench pressing so that the supports at the side protect them if they drop the weight, but to be honest I think its bad form.

Id talk to the staff OP, most gyms have rules about hogging equipment.

rick_fantastic

option one - tell person you need to do sets and would they mind if your alternated.

option two - tell them this is a squat rack and gtfo

option three - do any other type of squat (dumbell, kettlebell) - i find kb goblet squats are very effective as well as jump squats! cant beat a few rounds of jump squats

TimeToShine

In general if he got their first he can do what he wants but if as you say there was 2 free bench presses then he's just an idiot unfortunately.

rick_fantastic

cronin_j wrote: »

This behavior is quite common and I personally would tell them to use a bench.

Sometimes some people use the squat rack when bench pressing so that the supports at the side protect them if they drop the weight, but to be honest I think its bad form.

Id talk to the staff OP, most gyms have rules about hogging equipment.

i admit i have on occasion done this but only when im trying to lift outside my comfort zone ie over 85% of my 1rm when i am on my own...

only when gym is quiet - other than that id just ask someone to spot me

its very bad form! that and not showering when transitioning between steam room and jacuzzi!!!

Sounds like he was doing floor presses. Doing floor presses in a power rack is fair enough, I think. You can't exactly use a normal bench to do them... However, spending an hour doing 10+ sets is perhaps questionable.

In my own view it's first come, first served. If I have a load of sets to do and will need to take plenty of rest between sets, then I'm not going to rush to allow another person to use the rack. I'll offer the person the choice to jump in between sets, but that's as far as my hospitality goes... speeding up is often not an option.

runawaybishop

mickman wrote: »

You are a very angry person - try and relax man, it might make you a nicer person

:pac: <-- this means I am joking. I have no interest in making people think i am "nice" though.

btkm8unsl0w5r4

While it is a bit inconsiderate to use a squat rack for non squat activity, to be the devils advocate, the chap pays him fees same as everyone else and can use equipment withing the gym rules. If he was doing 20 sets of squats would it have been any better for you, would the outcome have been different?

People are too fixed on their program. Do leg press, do supersets of leg extensions and ham curls. Squat with dumbells, do anything to keep the workout momentum going. Stopping to stare at somebody using a piece of equipment you want is more detrimental than letting your heart rate drop, your muscles cool down and getting your blood pressure up.

Everyone needs to chill out, join a busy gym or go at busy time = compromise.

Tiddlypeeps

cronin_j wrote: »

This behavior is quite common and I personally would tell them to use a bench.

Sometimes some people use the squat rack when bench pressing so that the supports at the side protect them if they drop the weight, but to be honest I think its bad form.

Id talk to the staff OP, most gyms have rules about hogging equipment.

It was a standard squat rack, not a smith machine. So there were no supports to save him if the weight was too much. Can't think of any logical reason he would be doing it there.

MartyMcFly84

Squat rack should be for squats priority 1. If the person is doing any other exercise that could be done with free equipment anywhere else they gota to go!

Fair enough if there is no other bench available. But if there is, simply highlight the availability of the free benches etc. If they refuse or do not have a vaild excuse (i.e injury)speak to the gym staff or instructors as this is part of their role to ensure people are using the equipment properly.

Tiddlypeeps

Tiddlypeeps wrote: »

It was a standard squat rack, not a smith machine. So there were no supports to save him if the weight was too much. Can't think of any logical reason he would be doing it there.

Was he lying on the floor? If so, then as I posted above...

gvn wrote:

Sounds like he was doing floor presses. Doing floor presses in a power rack is fair enough, I think. You can't exactly use a normal bench to do them... However, spending an hour doing 10+ sets is perhaps questionable.

Tiddlypeeps

gvn wrote: »

Was he lying on the floor? If so, then as I posted above...

Can you explain why a bench press can't be used for this?

Tiddlypeeps

Tiddlypeeps wrote: »

Can you explain why a bench press can't be used for this?

Because if he was lying on the floor then he was doing floor presses. It's a variation on the bench press that serves a specific purpose.

TimeToShine

Tiddlypeeps wrote: »

Can you explain why a bench press can't be used for this?

Supposedly better activation of the pecs and anterior deltoids amongst other things...I've never done them myself but I have read about their benefits. Also forces you to control the weight so you don't (can't?) bounce it off your chest.

Doug Cartel

gvn wrote: »

Sounds like he was doing floor presses. Doing floor presses in a power rack is fair enough, I think. You can't exactly use a normal bench to do them... However, spending an hour doing 10+ sets is perhaps questionable.

Bingo. One of the things about the cage is it provides a clear space where you can train without worrying about being stepped on. Unless a gym is very empty it can be very difficult to find a place to safely do floor presses.

Hogging the thing for an hour is the real problem. Even if you're doing squats, it's an unreasonable amount of time to be monopolising a piece of equipment if there are other people waiting to use it.

Tiddlypeeps

Zahra Plain Crossbones wrote: »

While it is a bit inconsiderate to use a squat rack for non squat activity, to be the devils advocate, the chap pays him fees same as everyone else and can use equipment withing the gym rules. If he was doing 20 sets of squats would it have been any better for you, would the outcome have been different?

This is the way I felt about it. I felt he is a tool for using the equipment stupidly, but is paying his fees so is entitled to use it how he wanted. Most of my annoyance when this happens is aimed at the gym that has no problem taking high membership fees, but doesn't feel the need to fit the gym out appropriately.

It was my boyfriends reaction that made me curious how other people react to this type of situation.

Doug Cartel

MartyMcFly84 wrote: »

Squat rack should be for squats priority 1. If the person is doing any other exercise that could be done with free equipment anywhere else they gota to go!

This is a squat rack:


I suspect the OP is talking about a power cage:



If it's not a squat rack, can they do non-squat exercises in it?

runawaybishop

gvn wrote: »

Because if he was lying on the floor then he was doing floor presses. It's a variation on the bench press that serves a specific purpose.

Why would you need a rack for that though?

pinkypinky

I took me a long time to work up the guts to start using the free weights area. I notice lots of guys hog in particular the squat cage, and there's only one in my place. I have gone up to ask if someone would be finished soon. Most guys are nice - offering to alternate or spot me, but there's one guy who really just hogs it. He also uses it for a bench press, when there's other benches available. On one occasion, I asked if he was nearly done and he just said no. I hung around for a while but eventually gave up, did half an hour of cardio. He was still on it when I left. That's really not on.

Doug Cartel

runawaybishop wrote: »

Why would you need a rack for that though?

It gives you a clear space to train, and it allows you to rack the bar much lower than a bench press rack.

runawaybishop

Doug Cartel wrote: »

It gives you a clear space to train, and it allows you to rack the bar much lower than a bench press rack.

Seems like something that you'd do only if there wasn't someone waiting to use the rack though

Doug Cartel

Doug Cartel wrote: »

This is a squat rack:


I suspect the OP is talking about a power cage:



If it's not a squat rack, can they do non-squat exercises in it?

The squat rack in my gym is the first one but the safety thing isn't a fixed one like in that pic, it's adjustable at different levels. People use it for benching sometimes. No idea why

Sangre

A rack is the only place that you can do heavy barbell floor press (other than possibly a smith machine).

Doug Cartel

runawaybishop wrote: »

Seems like something that you'd do only if there wasn't someone waiting to use the rack though

They can wait their turn - I'd be quick about finishing up, or offer to let them train in if they were doing something we could switch between easily. Of course I'd also do that if I were squatting.

harvester of sorrow

I see this issue in my gym on regurlar occasions,and if i need to use a power cage,or any other piece of equipment thats in use,i just ask can i alternate,and 99% of the time it works out.

I was thinking about this one and here’s my view on this, I’ve seen this tons of times.

If there’s only one piece of equipment, like a squat rack or maybe only one set of 40kg dumbbells, I would give someone a credible amount of time before asking “do you have many sets left?”. If they respond with “10 sets!!” as was the case with your guy. I smile and say, ok so “sure I’ll work in with you as the gym seem to only have one rack/set of 40’s/smiths machine etc etc.”

Don’t give them the option to say no by asking can you work in!! kind of say, ah i’ll work in with you, but be nice, play dumb even if you have to. I found the approach elicits one of two responses.
Said hog will get abit miffed and say, ah I’ll do one more set and finish over yonder !! RESULT!!! Or rolls eyes and says nothing and you just alternate!! Ive never once had anyone say, no you’ll wait til I do my 10 sets
Cos I have to say, I personally wouldn’t wear it!

It’s not ideal and we shouldn’t have to feel anxious about needing to use something but though some have made the point that he has paid his fee and first come has priority etc etc,
So have you paid and I think a little compromise isn’t too much to ask when there’s only ONE piece of frequently used Kit!

That’s my take on it, generally works for me

The Guvnor

Work in as was said above - manners must be declining as back when I was in UCD there was never an issue with working in or helping others out.

Hanley

The Guvnor wrote: »

Work in as was said above - manners must be declining as back when I was in UCD there was never an issue with working in or helping others out.

Manners and the ability to discuss things in person with other human beings is declining in direct correlation to the increase in internet usage these days.

JJayoo

kult

Change to the gym where there are no idiots and managment kick out those idiots , that's all

papu

kult wrote: »

Change to the gym where there are no idiots and managment kick out those idiots , that's all

Floor press is a legitimate exercise for which you need a power rack, there was no idiocy involved.

OP you should have asked if you could work in , if he was doing floor press you could have done squats in between.

The Guvnor

Hanley wrote: »

Manners and the ability to discuss things in person with other human beings is declining in direct correlation to the increase in internet usage these days.

Sad but true.

Strongman training out the back from me soon!

I was always glad when someone wanted to work in - a little bit of extra rest between sets!

NZ_2014

10-15mins should be the limit for hogging a machine or power cage etc.

Stench Blossoms

NZ_2014 wrote: »

10-15mins should be the limit for hogging a machine or power cage etc.

Says who?

off.the.walls

The one thing that does my head in is people that use two machines at once, leaving their towel on one of them so you're just like hmmm someones using it like just do all your sets on one machine then move to the other!!

kult

papu wrote: »

Floor press is a legitimate exercise for which you need a power rack, there was no idiocy involved.

OP you should have asked if you could work in , if he was doing floor press you could have done squats in between.

squats have always priority , they can do floor press with dumbbells instead and let people squat

Stench Blossoms

kult wrote: »

squats have always priority , they can do floor press with dumbbells instead and let people squat

Where in the rule book is this that squats always have a priority?

In a squat rack yes but in a power cage? No.

Essien

NZ_2014 wrote: »

10-15mins should be the limit for hogging a machine or power cage etc.

Whys that? Surely we could be more flexible by interacting with each other, discussing it like grown ups and just not being dicks about it.

kult

Stench Blossoms wrote: »

Where in the rule book is this that squats always have a priority?

In a squat rack yes but in a power cage? No.

rules in the gym I go ( sometimes ) to are clear, squats have priority in a power cage... every gym is different that's all, you go where you like

doctorwhogirl

off.the.walls wrote: »

The one thing that does my head in is people that use two machines at once, leaving their towel on one of them so you're just like hmmm someones using it like just do all your sets on one machine then move to the other!!

What about supersets?

Alf Veedersane

There shouldn't be a problem with people using a particular piece of equipment for a while unless they refuse to let you work in.

Tiddlypeeps

I don't really see how working in is feasible if both parties are lifting drastically different amounts. I usually only lift small weights because I'm not that strong, and the guys that would often hog the machine would be lifting fairly heavy weights. I would think swapping them out between sets along with adjusting the height thingy and doing a set would take longer than most peoples rest period, I could be totally wrong tho.

Mellor

runawaybishop wrote: »

Why would you need a rack for that though?

What else are you going to unrack th bar from?
The powercage is the only place I'd consider suitable for heavy floor presses.

It's a perfectly legitimate exercise. The OP clearly didn't realise that. Nobody's fault. The 10 more sets, was unusual alright.

kult wrote: »

squats have always priority , they can do floor press with dumbbells instead and let people squat

Why should squats have priorty?
Fair enough if it was curls or similar. But squats aren't the only lift that has a legitimate use for the cage.

You can do squat variations without a cage/rack too.

Theresalwaysone

Work in. Problem solved.

If he gets the huff, **** him.
If he doesn't, he is a sound man, and you've made a new gym friend to ask for a spot when you need.

kult

Mellor wrote: »

What else are you going to unrack th bar from?
The powercage is the only place I'd consider suitable for heavy floor presses.

It's a perfectly legitimate exercise. The OP clearly didn't realise that. Nobody's fault. The 10 more sets, was unusual alright.


Why should squats have priorty?
Fair enough if it was curls or similar. But squats aren't the only lift that has a legitimate use for the cage.

You can do squat variations without a cage/rack too.

squats are priority in proper gyms, this is ture, people have no legs at all haha

Alf Veedersane

Tiddlypeeps wrote: »

I don't really see how working in is feasible if both parties are lifting drastically different amounts. I usually only lift small weights because I'm not that strong, and the guys that would often hog the machine would be lifting fairly heavy weights. I would think swapping them out between sets along with adjusting the height thingy and doing a set would take longer than most peoples rest period, I could be totally wrong tho.

If they're lifting heavy weights, relative to them in any case, then their rest will be for a couple of minutes anyway. Two people can strip/load a bar pretty quickly.

Tiddlypeeps

Alf Veedersane wrote: »

If they're lifting heavy weights, relative to them in any case, then their rest will be for a couple of minutes anyway. Two people can strip/load a bar pretty quickly.

I'll give that a go so next time it happens.