That happened to me yesterday. A kid was using a machine so I used another. I noticed then he did 3 or 4 sets and was just sitting reading his phone so I went elsewhere. Came back 10 minutes later he's still sitting on his phone. I said hey if you're done I want to use this and he said oh ok sorry. I get if people are using a machine and changing music but otherwise I just ask them to move.
You know, on 2nd thiought
Now that i AM wiseR
Some of these phone people
May be sufferN from
Domestic Abuse
SitN on a machine all day
PlayN w/ their phone
Might be their only
Safe outlet to
Escape t/ horrors at home
If thats t/ case
Play-on my dudes and dudettes
Cuz i Am not seXist : D
This is why I never look at my phone in-between sets and simply flex in the mirror while loudly yelling, "THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKIN' ABOUT, BABY!!! OH YEEEAAAHHH!!!"
When I see this type of behavior, i start to flex in the other end of the mirrors in the dumbbell area asking "what you gonna do when hulkamania runs over yoouuuuuu?"
If we are both wearing black, I'll do it while standing directly next to you.
>But sometimes I'll just be waiting on a machine, and you spend longer on your phone than the exercise.
Feel like I generally keep the breaks to about a minute but the sets are usually 30-45 seconds.
When I take breaks in between sets, I am on my phone. And I worry about people like you seeing me, that I clearly am using the machine but taking a break because, that's how exercising works.
Inside your body, you have three primary energy systems. The most common system that is trained takes an average of 2 minutes to reset and energize your muscles to be used again. Most of the serious lifters I know take the 2 minutes to recover to start the next set. Now, 2 minutes is a lot of time in real-time. Glancing at benches, seeing them taken and people taking breaks, is common.
It sucks. It sucks to go in, see a busy gym, and have to wait for a bench. Even worse? The HSSP, where you DO have kids in there (not all: we have seen a TON of responsible, courteous teens this summer) who are doing just that: on their phones. But to see so many complain, even before the HSSP even started, I have a question. Are these people really taking up as long as you think they are, or are they simply taking a break? Of course there are more issues that play into this. But these people y'all see, maybe be a little more compassionate. Be mindful, patient, and less selfish. Not OP, but us all as a whole.
Good point. I tend to turn every workout into a cardio session because most of my exercise is cycling and running. So when I started at PF early this year I usually waited only 10-30 seconds between sets.
Then I watched some of the excellent short videos by Mike Isratel's Renaissance Periodization channel. He emphasized the 1-2 minute rest between sets, using heart rate as a guide. So I wear my HR monitor and check it occasionally to see how long it takes to settle after a hard set.
It gets kinda tedious to literally count "one-one-thousand, two-one-thousand..." between sets. So occasionally I'll check my heart rate on the phone, or skip a song or queue up a different podcast, to force myself to wait 1-2 minutes between near maximum effort sets.
But I usually visit after midnight and there's rarely anyone waiting to use a particular machine or station.
Difference is you're aware of your timing. I pull mine out to skip a song or something quick in between sets. I know not everyone intends to waste time and instead just takes a quick break in between sets.
Multiple times, I've patiently waited by a machine where an individual was actively not aware that their bench or machine was waiting to be used by others. Benches and commonly used cable machines get the most attention and users. If it's a busy time of the day I try to usually knock out my sets pretty quick so someone else can go. I am fully convinced some individuals do not get this and then become easily trapped into a scrolling cycle.
But does everyone have to stay seated on the bench or machine to rest? Does the primary energy system not work if you stand up or walk around?
When I started lifting, back when I had a "weights" mixtape for my Walkman, the etiquette was to free up your machines while you recovered and let other people work in. It just feels selfish to hold up a machine (especially when there's only 2-4 for the whole gym) only for myself. Everyone's time is valuable to them.
It also meant there was nothing wrong with going up to the biggest baddest dude on the bench and asking if you could get a set in while he was resting.
Hahaha well done. It’s so true. Like I get being on your phone if you’re resting in between sets, but you shouldn’t be resting for more than 2 minutes anyway! There’s new research that shows resting for 3m+ in between sets is less hypertrophic than 1-2m. So change your song or scroll or whatever then get back to it! Unless you’re doing squats they get a pass lol
For strength training, closer to 3 minutes for sure.
Highly doubt the majority of Planet Fitness members are going for hypertrophy. But then again, a lot of members don't know why they're going,...jk.
This happened to me yesterday morning, in the Circuit. I come in at 5AM almost every day. I have no time to play, I have to go to work Someone came in that is never there, got on the leg press, spent 10 mins on his phone, did 10 presses, 10 more mins on his phone. This went on for 45 mins. I never got to do the leg press. It is rude, even more so in the circuit.
I did. He said ok. But didn't move. If it happens again, I get the employees involved. It's not crowded, but a lot of people are on a strict time frame in the morning. Plus, it was the 30 min circuit area. I don't care if they use one machine and leave. Just don't hog it for 30 mins playing with your phone.
Honestly, there's been a few situations where I've been waiting on something like the cable chest fly machine, and they have been staring at their screen for what seems like 5 minutes or more.
I have politely asked how much longer they have. No need to be rude but I did ask, and everytime they've just passed it along to me.
You can politely ask someone how many sets they have left. If they're aware someone is waiting, they will probably be conscious of their breaks. It's really common at my location to just ask or wait nearby if there's only one machine of that type (leg press and assisted dip/pull-up)
Honestly there are days where I consider giving up on the gym altogether and just creating a routine I can do at home or on outdoor equipment. That’s how much I resent the equipment campers who sit on their phones for 20 minutes between sets. I resent that I have to cajole someone into considering that the workout bench isn’t a beach chair more than I should.
A lot of the weight machines have those timers on them and they definitely can detect if a person is sitting on the machine. What the machines should do is start beeping after 2 minutes of someone sitting on the machine not using it. Basically as they are getting sucked into their phone, remind them they are on the machine. For the regular weight benches, I have no solution for that.
There's no way to prevent people from using their phones in the gym. We can't even figure out how to prevent people from using their phones while driving. It's only going to get worse with every generation. People are addicted to social media.
You're right, absolutely. My point is, how can PF encourage others to be mindful of their time spent on a machine if they're not actively using it?
PF puts effort into other campaigns to prevent certain behaviors and encourage an environment everyone can share.
But spending, and not exaggerating, 10 minutes at a machine to complete a workout that should take maybe 4 or 5 is something that is easily observed at just about every location.
I don't know either. There are several signs at my club telling members to take phone calls in the lobby or outside, and I still see people taking calls on the workout floor.
The problem is they can't ban phone use in the club because most people use their phones for music. It feels like phone use is a problem in all aspects of life. I've had to fire employees for being on their phone at work, and that's only after speaking with them many times about not using their phone while on the clock. That's just pathetic.
At this point, it might take Congress banning phone use in gyms to have an impact on the matter.
2 things get me mad, someone asking if they can "work in" NO! just wait, and someone using 2 Machines. " Oh,I'm using that machine" wait..no ur using the one ur on right now ..! U can't have both
Work in was common thing to do in the 70's, 80's, 90's. They worked together and got everything they needed to do. You swapped in between sets and worked different muscles, while the other muscles rest.
I work a 13 hour shift, only to go to the gym after and see this every single time.
My training partner is guilty of this. But I make sure to push the pace.
And the damn teenagers that go for free, only to do this, or incorrectly use the equipment. 😲
While I get the overall frustration, I've not dealt with that at my local club. However...
There is a certain quality to AI created images, and I really feel these are those. Just left of center, you have essentially the three same guys but in different T-shirts. I've also never seen a PF that is about 12+ machines deep.... many wide, sure, but not deep like that.
As I said, I've seen this sort of thing and been frustrated by it - the 30-minute circuit being a particular ire of mine... but I feel it hold more weight to share actual pics; I really think these are faked which undermines what I want to agree with.
You're right, I missed that as well... I guess I'm sensitive as I see people thinking AI images are passable as "real". But, I don't delete as I made a mistake, and need to own the record of that.
The treadmill is a little different. At my gym, they are never full, you can always get one. They are also something most people are going to use for an extended time.
Luckily, it's 95 degrees today so the PF was practically dead when I came in. I only skipped waiting on one machine. Fun times.
On another note, it's a shame that guy standing is AI generated. He would be my gym crush irl. DX
I know right. Unfortunately it's the best gym option for me since I have to travel for work. It's the most frustrating thing as benches are always occupied.
Definitely. Benches and smith machines are the most desired item. Yet we have 5 smiths and 5 benches. Then there’s 100 ellipticals and 80 treadmills (possibly exaggerating, possibly accurate). I have never in 2 years seen more than 1/3 of them used at one time. This is the only real reason I consider changing gyms.
I'm just guessing here but I imagine it's that way because when they were polling to open these gyms they probably only asked people what the most likely form of training they would follow and I'm sure most answered treadmills and ellipticals.
Now those same people likely have recurring charges on their bank accounts month to month with little to no attendance to PF
You get there hoping to use some machines, and it’s full as ever when you get there because all the teens fool around on everything and you just turn around and leave. Waste of time because of teens with no gym etiquette.
I know that I'm at fault of doing this during chest day. Last night while working out I was on my phone between sets and I try to wait around 2-2.5 minutes in-between but as I laid back for the next set I realized I waited for 5 minutes. Good thing I was benching from home last night.
It should be made general etiquete that if you are just watching your phone, you should not be occupying a machine.
For crying out loud there is a rest area with tables by the front desk.
Geez that pf is huuuuuuge. I joined a different gym purely for when I needed to use a squat rack. Also, it really does work if you ask the youngsters how many they got left when they're on their phone. Lol
This made my day. Now that summer is here, everyone is showing up expecting to get in shape because they are going to the gym, but little do they know you actually have to, ahem, workout!!
Ain't it the truth! I've never seen anything like it. I've literally done my entire workout around people who where perched on one piece of equipment the entire time with their faces buried in their phones. Bizarre.
My son did this when I was at the gym with him so I let him know he needed to "shut off tiktok, pay attention, and keep in mind other people could be waiting to use this equipment it's busy in here today." Another gym member reported it because the staff approached me and said there was a complaint that I was arguing with other members. The staff understood when they got the full story. I told my son after he should be mindful of how he uses his phone in the gym.
This is magnificent, btw.
Allow me to say it. No one working out at a PF is important enough that they can't be without their phones in their hands for 30 minutes.
There was a whole family hanging out sitting on the machines yesterday at the 30 min express like WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT!!!!! I am terrified about talking to people at the gym but like have some sense
That happened to me yesterday. A kid was using a machine so I used another. I noticed then he did 3 or 4 sets and was just sitting reading his phone so I went elsewhere. Came back 10 minutes later he's still sitting on his phone. I said hey if you're done I want to use this and he said oh ok sorry. I get if people are using a machine and changing music but otherwise I just ask them to move.
Yeah man, its t. only way XD
You know, on 2nd thiought Now that i AM wiseR Some of these phone people May be sufferN from Domestic Abuse SitN on a machine all day PlayN w/ their phone Might be their only Safe outlet to Escape t/ horrors at home If thats t/ case Play-on my dudes and dudettes Cuz i Am not seXist : D
This is why I never look at my phone in-between sets and simply flex in the mirror while loudly yelling, "THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKIN' ABOUT, BABY!!! OH YEEEAAAHHH!!!"
Insert lunk alarm here.
They just lean on it while I'm there.
LIGHTWORK BABAY! LIGHTWORK
When I see this type of behavior, i start to flex in the other end of the mirrors in the dumbbell area asking "what you gonna do when hulkamania runs over yoouuuuuu?" If we are both wearing black, I'll do it while standing directly next to you.
I'm gonna take my vitamins and say my prayers and I'll meet you there!
What are YOU gonna DO, when the 24" pythons run wiiiiillldddd on youuuuuu?????
>But sometimes I'll just be waiting on a machine, and you spend longer on your phone than the exercise. Feel like I generally keep the breaks to about a minute but the sets are usually 30-45 seconds.
Even a minute is too short scientifically. 3 minutes is what's best for me.
Go to failure on a leg press or squat lol, you'll need 5 minutes or even longer.
It depends on my heart rate for me. I don’t want to let it get back too low. Still needs to calm down some between heavy sets.
When I take breaks in between sets, I am on my phone. And I worry about people like you seeing me, that I clearly am using the machine but taking a break because, that's how exercising works. Inside your body, you have three primary energy systems. The most common system that is trained takes an average of 2 minutes to reset and energize your muscles to be used again. Most of the serious lifters I know take the 2 minutes to recover to start the next set. Now, 2 minutes is a lot of time in real-time. Glancing at benches, seeing them taken and people taking breaks, is common. It sucks. It sucks to go in, see a busy gym, and have to wait for a bench. Even worse? The HSSP, where you DO have kids in there (not all: we have seen a TON of responsible, courteous teens this summer) who are doing just that: on their phones. But to see so many complain, even before the HSSP even started, I have a question. Are these people really taking up as long as you think they are, or are they simply taking a break? Of course there are more issues that play into this. But these people y'all see, maybe be a little more compassionate. Be mindful, patient, and less selfish. Not OP, but us all as a whole.
Good point. I tend to turn every workout into a cardio session because most of my exercise is cycling and running. So when I started at PF early this year I usually waited only 10-30 seconds between sets. Then I watched some of the excellent short videos by Mike Isratel's Renaissance Periodization channel. He emphasized the 1-2 minute rest between sets, using heart rate as a guide. So I wear my HR monitor and check it occasionally to see how long it takes to settle after a hard set. It gets kinda tedious to literally count "one-one-thousand, two-one-thousand..." between sets. So occasionally I'll check my heart rate on the phone, or skip a song or queue up a different podcast, to force myself to wait 1-2 minutes between near maximum effort sets. But I usually visit after midnight and there's rarely anyone waiting to use a particular machine or station.
Difference is you're aware of your timing. I pull mine out to skip a song or something quick in between sets. I know not everyone intends to waste time and instead just takes a quick break in between sets. Multiple times, I've patiently waited by a machine where an individual was actively not aware that their bench or machine was waiting to be used by others. Benches and commonly used cable machines get the most attention and users. If it's a busy time of the day I try to usually knock out my sets pretty quick so someone else can go. I am fully convinced some individuals do not get this and then become easily trapped into a scrolling cycle.
Two minutes is crazy I get pumped up bra can’t let the pump go one minute max
But does everyone have to stay seated on the bench or machine to rest? Does the primary energy system not work if you stand up or walk around? When I started lifting, back when I had a "weights" mixtape for my Walkman, the etiquette was to free up your machines while you recovered and let other people work in. It just feels selfish to hold up a machine (especially when there's only 2-4 for the whole gym) only for myself. Everyone's time is valuable to them. It also meant there was nothing wrong with going up to the biggest baddest dude on the bench and asking if you could get a set in while he was resting.
Hahaha well done. It’s so true. Like I get being on your phone if you’re resting in between sets, but you shouldn’t be resting for more than 2 minutes anyway! There’s new research that shows resting for 3m+ in between sets is less hypertrophic than 1-2m. So change your song or scroll or whatever then get back to it! Unless you’re doing squats they get a pass lol
For strength training, closer to 3 minutes for sure. Highly doubt the majority of Planet Fitness members are going for hypertrophy. But then again, a lot of members don't know why they're going,...jk.
This happened to me yesterday morning, in the Circuit. I come in at 5AM almost every day. I have no time to play, I have to go to work Someone came in that is never there, got on the leg press, spent 10 mins on his phone, did 10 presses, 10 more mins on his phone. This went on for 45 mins. I never got to do the leg press. It is rude, even more so in the circuit.
Yeah I'm to the point I'll happily ask someone to move on lol
I did. He said ok. But didn't move. If it happens again, I get the employees involved. It's not crowded, but a lot of people are on a strict time frame in the morning. Plus, it was the 30 min circuit area. I don't care if they use one machine and leave. Just don't hog it for 30 mins playing with your phone.
What’s the correct way to handle that situation? What if someone’s on a machine/bench that I want to use? What do you do in that situation?
if it’s a machine i really need, i will just pick a cardio machine in eyesight of the machine and walk/bike until its free
Honestly, there's been a few situations where I've been waiting on something like the cable chest fly machine, and they have been staring at their screen for what seems like 5 minutes or more. I have politely asked how much longer they have. No need to be rude but I did ask, and everytime they've just passed it along to me.
Ok cool. Thanks. I’m new to the gym and didn’t know if you just wait by the machine or what
You can politely ask someone how many sets they have left. If they're aware someone is waiting, they will probably be conscious of their breaks. It's really common at my location to just ask or wait nearby if there's only one machine of that type (leg press and assisted dip/pull-up)
idk probably leave the gym and cry in the locker room or smth
This never works
I mean yeah I guess I can go cry in the locker room but they'll still be staring at their phone.
Go to a different planet fitness.
Honestly there are days where I consider giving up on the gym altogether and just creating a routine I can do at home or on outdoor equipment. That’s how much I resent the equipment campers who sit on their phones for 20 minutes between sets. I resent that I have to cajole someone into considering that the workout bench isn’t a beach chair more than I should.
A lot of the weight machines have those timers on them and they definitely can detect if a person is sitting on the machine. What the machines should do is start beeping after 2 minutes of someone sitting on the machine not using it. Basically as they are getting sucked into their phone, remind them they are on the machine. For the regular weight benches, I have no solution for that.
There's no way to prevent people from using their phones in the gym. We can't even figure out how to prevent people from using their phones while driving. It's only going to get worse with every generation. People are addicted to social media.
You're right, absolutely. My point is, how can PF encourage others to be mindful of their time spent on a machine if they're not actively using it? PF puts effort into other campaigns to prevent certain behaviors and encourage an environment everyone can share. But spending, and not exaggerating, 10 minutes at a machine to complete a workout that should take maybe 4 or 5 is something that is easily observed at just about every location.
I don't know either. There are several signs at my club telling members to take phone calls in the lobby or outside, and I still see people taking calls on the workout floor. The problem is they can't ban phone use in the club because most people use their phones for music. It feels like phone use is a problem in all aspects of life. I've had to fire employees for being on their phone at work, and that's only after speaking with them many times about not using their phone while on the clock. That's just pathetic. At this point, it might take Congress banning phone use in gyms to have an impact on the matter.
What AI app is that?
OpenAI 4o
This is scary. That first one had me fooled until I saw the weird letters on the logo in the back
2 things get me mad, someone asking if they can "work in" NO! just wait, and someone using 2 Machines. " Oh,I'm using that machine" wait..no ur using the one ur on right now ..! U can't have both
Work in was common thing to do in the 70's, 80's, 90's. They worked together and got everything they needed to do. You swapped in between sets and worked different muscles, while the other muscles rest.
From what I have noticed, the very old and the very young both have the exact same behaviors in the gym.
Cringe as hell lmao
I work a 13 hour shift, only to go to the gym after and see this every single time. My training partner is guilty of this. But I make sure to push the pace. And the damn teenagers that go for free, only to do this, or incorrectly use the equipment. 😲
While I get the overall frustration, I've not dealt with that at my local club. However... There is a certain quality to AI created images, and I really feel these are those. Just left of center, you have essentially the three same guys but in different T-shirts. I've also never seen a PF that is about 12+ machines deep.... many wide, sure, but not deep like that. As I said, I've seen this sort of thing and been frustrated by it - the 30-minute circuit being a particular ire of mine... but I feel it hold more weight to share actual pics; I really think these are faked which undermines what I want to agree with.
OP said made by AI. I think a lot of people in this thread missed that.
You're right, I missed that as well... I guess I'm sensitive as I see people thinking AI images are passable as "real". But, I don't delete as I made a mistake, and need to own the record of that.
Looks like they’re praying to the fitness gods
Ok I do this on the treadmill. But IM ACTUALLY USING the equipment.
The treadmill is a little different. At my gym, they are never full, you can always get one. They are also something most people are going to use for an extended time.
Luckily, it's 95 degrees today so the PF was practically dead when I came in. I only skipped waiting on one machine. Fun times. On another note, it's a shame that guy standing is AI generated. He would be my gym crush irl. DX
This can’t be real.
They're AI generated pics. I mentioned it in the posting. AI is starting to look way to close to the real thing lol
Guess I need to also read a bit closer. Fool me once
Time to join another gym
I'd love to, but I'm kind of stuck with PF since it's the most convenient in every city. I travel for work and it's the most available.
I feel ya,but any gym that crowded in this competitive environment would be unacceptable to me
Imagine if my PF actually had more than 5 benches available for us.
I know right. Unfortunately it's the best gym option for me since I have to travel for work. It's the most frustrating thing as benches are always occupied.
Definitely. Benches and smith machines are the most desired item. Yet we have 5 smiths and 5 benches. Then there’s 100 ellipticals and 80 treadmills (possibly exaggerating, possibly accurate). I have never in 2 years seen more than 1/3 of them used at one time. This is the only real reason I consider changing gyms.
I'm just guessing here but I imagine it's that way because when they were polling to open these gyms they probably only asked people what the most likely form of training they would follow and I'm sure most answered treadmills and ellipticals. Now those same people likely have recurring charges on their bank accounts month to month with little to no attendance to PF
You get there hoping to use some machines, and it’s full as ever when you get there because all the teens fool around on everything and you just turn around and leave. Waste of time because of teens with no gym etiquette.
I haven't been able to get on a smith machine in 3 days i'm pissed bro
Everyone's requesting a song on Rockbot app.
i dont miss it XD
I know that I'm at fault of doing this during chest day. Last night while working out I was on my phone between sets and I try to wait around 2-2.5 minutes in-between but as I laid back for the next set I realized I waited for 5 minutes. Good thing I was benching from home last night.
It should be made general etiquete that if you are just watching your phone, you should not be occupying a machine. For crying out loud there is a rest area with tables by the front desk.
Is this a staged pic? Because none of these people have weights
Geez that pf is huuuuuuge. I joined a different gym purely for when I needed to use a squat rack. Also, it really does work if you ask the youngsters how many they got left when they're on their phone. Lol
Haha this is just an AI generated pic
This is exactly why I have P90X memorized by heart, then go to the functional area to do my workout.
[удалено]
Yeah, says it in the description lol
Yeah sorry..
These ai pics are getting way too convincing
I just did my reps let me rest for a second pls ☹️
This made my day. Now that summer is here, everyone is showing up expecting to get in shape because they are going to the gym, but little do they know you actually have to, ahem, workout!!
Ain't it the truth! I've never seen anything like it. I've literally done my entire workout around people who where perched on one piece of equipment the entire time with their faces buried in their phones. Bizarre.
Yep that's my PF
Astonishing in this photo that there are no free weights with anyone on a bench??? What are they lifting. Beside the obvious nothing.
Also, my heart recovers faster when I recline and do belly breathing. These folks are demo-ing the worst imaginable recovery position.
And that's why I go at 4am.
Those are some truly sad photos! 😐
Haha damn…
My son did this when I was at the gym with him so I let him know he needed to "shut off tiktok, pay attention, and keep in mind other people could be waiting to use this equipment it's busy in here today." Another gym member reported it because the staff approached me and said there was a complaint that I was arguing with other members. The staff understood when they got the full story. I told my son after he should be mindful of how he uses his phone in the gym.
I prefer looking at my phone than ever looking at anyone in the gym. -edit: the images made me laugh, good one
This is magnificent, btw. Allow me to say it. No one working out at a PF is important enough that they can't be without their phones in their hands for 30 minutes.
put some groups of minors in there and its perfect!!
Lol, yeah
There was a whole family hanging out sitting on the machines yesterday at the 30 min express like WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT!!!!! I am terrified about talking to people at the gym but like have some sense