Smith machine etiquette

someday · 03-07-2008, 09:41 AM

How much time do you think is appropriate to use the smith machine?

The past 2 days the gym has been super busy. We do very specfic exercises and need to use the same machines, so one night since both smith machines were busy I asked the guy I noticed who had already done at least 3 sets maybe even 4 if he was almost done. He looked at me and said I only have 4 more. Hubby just said what WTF and walked off, but I just gave the guy a look like your kidding and left a bit more politely.

This morning the same thing, but this time the guy is super setting shoulder presses on the smith with abs and step ups. He also had been on for quite awhile, so I asked if he was almost done. He said he only had 2 more sets, but still continued with all of his super sets. Now is it me or is that rude? When people are waiting for something I always try and finish up as quickly as I can, so they can use the machine.

What has happened to manners?

lukamar · 03-07-2008, 09:51 AM

I've noticed one of my regular guys as soon as he walks in the door goes up to the piece of equipment and asks if they are almost done. He then goes and changes...LOL He's learned that sometimes the people are very slow or they hog the equipment for a long time.

gneal · 03-07-2008, 09:52 AM

I think a lot of this can be attributed to newbies in the gym that just don't get it. I will even let someone work in with me if I still have quite a few sets to do, or at least give them that option.

I wish the gym could at least go over some simple rules of common courtesy when someone joins(I'm not sure everyone would abide by them) but it couldn't hurt.....

Rhinoclan · 03-07-2008, 09:55 AM

I'm kind of torn on this one. I've done my share of hogging a piece of equipment before, but I waited my turn to get to use it, so I'm going to use it until I'm done doing what I went there for.

On the flip side, I also workout at the same time every day, with pretty much the same crowd, so we pretty much all know each others routines, so when I know that I'm doing squats, sldl, bb lunges, bb calf raises, I do them on a day when know one else is doing legs so I don't hog the squat rack (don't have a power cage) when others want to use it.

On the super set issue, I really think that's just flat out rude, when you know someone else is waiting for it. I think it's an issue for management, and not a confrontation between gym users. I think it's similar to someone taking a 5 minute rest between sets to chat up other gym goers while someone is waiting for the machine.

chrisbute · 03-07-2008, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by someday

How much time do you think is appropriate to use the smith machine?

The past 2 days the gym has been super busy. We do very specfic exercises and need to use the same machines, so one night since both smith machines were busy I asked the guy I noticed who had already done at least 3 sets maybe even 4 if he was almost done. He looked at me and said I only have 4 more. Hubby just said what WTF and walked off, but I just gave the guy a look like your kidding and left a bit more politely.

This morning the same thing, but this time the guy is super setting shoulder presses on the smith with abs and step ups. He also had been on for quite awhile, so I asked if he was almost done. He said he only had 2 more sets, but still continued with all of his super sets. Now is it me or is that rude? When people are waiting for something I always try and finish up as quickly as I can, so they can use the machine.

What has happened to manners?

Was it the same guy both times??

I think 4-5 sets (10 minutes) is adequate time. My gym also has 2 Smith Machines and it is rarely an issue. When gym is busy, I'll go through my 4-5 sets (usually decline bench) on Smith and come back maybe 30 minutes later to do some shoulder work. This way I'm not monopolizing the machine like it was in your situation.

I have seen this on other machines like the Free Motion Cable machines. People will do their ENTIRE workout on that one machine! That pisses me off!

ressig1 · 03-07-2008, 10:13 AM

I had the exact same situation last week. I'm doing my thing and a guy that I've never seen before, (I'm a 5:00 a.m. guy 6 days a week) he starts running around like a madman. It appeared to me he was doing a whole body superset workout on 5 different machines. I work 1 body part a day and don't superset. It's not my home gym and 5:00 a.m. is actually is pretty busy most days. So I watch to see if he's done on the cable rack. He's doing pull downs on the inner cable. (One side of the double inner set). He runs to another piece of gear and I calmly walk over and start to change the rope to a handle so I can do side skull crushers. " Hey I'm no done wit dat". I kindly point to one of the outer cables which is already roped up and say, Could you use that one?" "No somebody else is using dat one". So I point to the OTHER outer cable which ALSO is roped up and say, "Then how about THAT one?". I continue to change the rope out and hear in a mumble, "Whatever you gotta do". What a dick.

Super sets have no place in a busy gym. IMO

someday · 03-07-2008, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rhinoclan

I'm kind of torn on this one. I've done my share of hogging a piece of equipment before, but I waited my turn to get to use it, so I'm going to use it until I'm done doing what I went there for.

what do you call hogging? when we use the smith it never takes more than 10-15 minutes tops total for both of us to do our sets. we don't shoot the **** or take long breaks. that's how long it takes us.

chris- it was 2 different guys, but it seems to be happening more and more. the thing that's really pisses me off is the guy who not only super sets, but rests for 3 minutes in between everything because he's so spent from trying to do shoulder presses w/ 105#. come on..... if he actaully had some weight on the bar i may cut him a bit more slack.

raffim · 03-07-2008, 10:17 AM

Yeah! Not sure about this one either. Personally, I don't think there is one obvious, correct answer to this. If someone needs to do a bunch of sets and is doing them diligently, not BSing around then he/she has the right to. If someone is waiting for them, then the best option I think is to let them work in, even if the weights have to re-racked.

Then you have these folks who obviously do not know what they are doing and for whatever reason decided to do a bunch of sets. Then, if they are conscious of the fact that they are clueless (yeah right!!) they should just let someone like you and Mr. Someday (obviously experienced lifters) have the machine.

Bottom line is, it’s a tough spot to be in on both sides but if each person tries to be considerate to the other, some good solution can be found.

I'm kinda dealing with something like this now in my gym due to how crowded it's been, so I decided to join a bigger gym as a solution.

.

jspirate · 03-07-2008, 10:21 AM

Hmmm, this has me thinking... what about the squat rack. I spend alot of time in the squat rack, but I also offer to let people work in. Anyway, if you look at squatting you are really talking about at least 20 minutes:
1 min for setup
2 min for a couple warmup sets
1 min for setup and execution of first set
2.5 minute break
1 min for setup and execution of second set
2.5 minute break
1 min for setup and execution of third set
2.5 minute break
1 min for setup and execution of fourth set
2.5 minute break
1 min for setup and execution of fifth set
2.5 minute break

This over 20 minutes and sometimes I do one more set. Is this within etiquette? I think it is, but I guess it changes depending on what you are doing and where you are doing it.

namtrag · 03-07-2008, 10:24 AM

2.5 minutes rest, are you kidding!

I would be at the gym all morning.

Rhinoclan · 03-07-2008, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by someday

what do you call hogging? when we use the smith it never takes more than 10-15 minutes tops total for both of us to do our sets. we don't shoot the **** or take long breaks. that's how long it takes us.

chris- it was 2 different guys, but it seems to be happening more and more. the thing that's really pisses me off is the guy who not only super sets, but rests for 3 minutes in between everything because he's so spent from trying to do shoulder presses w/ 105#. come on..... if he actaully had some weight on the bar i may cut him a bit more slack.

I wouldn't say 10-15 is hogging, that's for sure, but if it was 1 person, would you consider that hogging? Just curious, as you have a partner that obviously works in with you. You said you had a very specific workout, well, so might he. A tough situation for all involved, that's for certain.

The supersetting guy would piss me off way more.

Capt_Lou · 03-07-2008, 10:26 AM

I always let people work in unless they are going to be changing mass amounts of weight.

raffim · 03-07-2008, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jspirate

Hmmm, this has me thinking... what about the squat rack. I spend alot of time in the squat rack, but I also offer to let people work in. Anyway, if you look at squatting you are really talking about at least 20 minutes:
1 min for setup
2 min for a couple warmup sets
1 min for setup and execution of first set
2.5 minute break
1 min for setup and execution of second set
2.5 minute break
1 min for setup and execution of third set
2.5 minute break
1 min for setup and execution of fourth set
2.5 minute break
1 min for setup and execution of fifth set
2.5 minute break

This over 20 minutes and sometimes I do one more set. Is this within etiquette? I think it is, but I guess it changes depending on what you are doing and where you are doing it.

agreed on this.... but funny thing is, when it comes to squats and deadlifts, i would hate to have someone work in on me..... these are tough exercises and I need some "me" time with the weights when I do them. luckily i have not been in a spot where i've been asked by someone if they can work in when I'm squating or doing deads.... again, i think these are ad-hoc type situations where if each person is not considerate to the other, then someone is going to walk away pissed. usually, in many gyms, it's unfortunate the latter.

.

jspirate · 03-07-2008, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raffim

agreed on this.... but funny thing is, when it comes to squats and deadlifts, i would hate to have someone work in on me..... these are tough exercises and I need some "me" time with the weights on them. luckily i have not been in a spot where i've been asked by someone if they work in.... again, i think these are ad-hoc type situations where if each person is not considerate to the other , then someone wis going to walk away pissed. usually, in many gyms, it's unfortunate the latter.

.

Ohhh, I agree big-time. Each time I offer I am thinking in the back of my mind that the person better NOT take me up on it. That is terrible, but it is the truth

As a matter fo fact, sometimes its all I can do to communicate effectively after a hard set. It could be that I scare em off

Bob45 · 03-07-2008, 10:37 AM

A three minute rest is plenty of time to let someone work in and do their sets too. If they have a short rest time they wouldn't be on that long and there wouldn't be a problem. I see guys on the same machine for my entire workout sometimes. Gotta share!

cgc · 03-07-2008, 10:41 AM

I am flat out anal about gym etiquette...

My thought on the situation as a whole.

If the gym is busy, don't jerk around. Get your sets in then move on. BUT - you should be allowed to get your sets in with out feeling pressured (two sides to that etiquette, if you ask me)

Honestly, if someone came up to me and asked how many more sets, I would have said (what ever number of sets), and offered to let the person work in. But, if someone came up to me and asked me how many more sets, then I told them and they said "WTF" - Honestly, I would have camped out. Honestly, we all have the right to use the equipment (as long as we're not jerking around) to get our work out in in spite of it maybe not fitting into someone else's time frame. I generally go to the gym in off hours to avoid crowds so I can use the equipment I want. But on a few occasions I have to go during peek hours. I do the same routine regardless and use the equipment I want to use. Some times I have to wait on people, some times people have to wait on me - that's part of being a member of a gym and not the owner.

I guess it depends on what you (OP) define as someone taking "a while" on a piece of equipment too, because any time you have to wait, it's going to see longer then what it is.

If it were me in your shoes, I would ask the guy/girl if they minded you working in (most people don't care), but if you don't want to do that, or as you said, are doing "very specific exercises" - wait. I'm sure others have to wait on you when the gym is busy.

Shoot, I've waited for a piece of equipment keeping an eye on it from a distance, so as not to look like a stalker, the person get done with the piece of equipment and then someone who was closer get to it before I do - I ask them if they mind me working in with them, it's not like I'm going to kick them off of it. lol.

.

alec_braithwait · 03-07-2008, 10:41 AM

Again this comes back to the same subject that has been talked about many times

Gym Etiquette!!

I don't see anything wrong with following a few simple rules

1. Re-rack your weights
2. Don't hog a machine, let people work in.
3. Offer to spot if someone is struggling.
4. Don't loiter at equipment if you are not using it.
5. Wipe it down after you've used it.
6. Try not to swear, there are women and children present.

jspirate · 03-07-2008, 10:41 AM

I don't really think anyone wants to work-in with someone else who is doing squats. Well, let me put it this way, no one ever does when I offer. I guess thats not enough to make a blanket statement and I have yet to stop offering, but it just seems to be the case everytime for me.

This is different on most other equiment though (at least in my mind it is).

ServoScanMan · 03-07-2008, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by someday

... Now is it me or is that rude? ...
What has happened to manners?

For me personally, I've generally noticed the rude manners with the younger generation. They don't seem to respect people. If someone is hogging a machine, I ask if I can work in with them. So far, no one has refused me.

phikappa · 03-07-2008, 10:52 AM

If someone says that they have one more set, I'll say "OK" and wait. If they say that they have two or more, I'll say "Can I work in?". And, I better not get any lip about it 'cuz it's our gym and we all have to share.

greyhair · 03-07-2008, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tlou5831

I always let people work in unless they are going to be changing mass amounts of weight.

x2.

phikappa · 03-07-2008, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tlou5831

I always let people work in unless they are going to be changing mass amounts of weight.

I'll let anyone work in, regardless of any weight changing.

DNG · 03-07-2008, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ressig1

Super sets have no place in a busy gym. IMO

.

That's an easy statement to make, but not so easy if you're following a strict program that includes supersets...

(I go to about 4 different gyms and fortunately I never go when it's busy - so the situation doesn't arise.)

.

cgc · 03-07-2008, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phikappa

I'll let anyone work in, regardless of any weight changing.

Yep, that's just part of the game (so to say).

I've never denied someone working in with me, and I've never been denied to work in with someone else. It's not always the most convenient thing in the world....but everyone is there for the same reason (hopefully) might as well try and work together....

.

Braindrop · 03-07-2008, 11:02 AM

Yeah, I'm not going to try and pressure someone to finish faster, but if I say "can I work in?" and you have more than 1 set left, you better say "Yes."

Npeart · 03-07-2008, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by someday

How much time do you think is appropriate to use the smith machine?

The past 2 days the gym has been super busy. We do very specfic exercises and need to use the same machines, so one night since both smith machines were busy I asked the guy I noticed who had already done at least 3 sets maybe even 4 if he was almost done. He looked at me and said I only have 4 more. Hubby just said what WTF and walked off, but I just gave the guy a look like your kidding and left a bit more politely.

This morning the same thing, but this time the guy is super setting shoulder presses on the smith with abs and step ups. He also had been on for quite awhile, so I asked if he was almost done. He said he only had 2 more sets, but still continued with all of his super sets. Now is it me or is that rude? When people are waiting for something I always try and finish up as quickly as I can, so they can use the machine.

What has happened to manners?

I'll make you a deal. If I can spot you on squats, you can take all the time you need ;-)

someday · 03-07-2008, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jspirate

Hmmm, this has me thinking... what about the squat rack. I spend alot of time in the squat rack, but I also offer to let people work in. Anyway, if you look at squatting you are really talking about at least 20 minutes:
1 min for setup
2 min for a couple warmup sets
1 min for setup and execution of first set
2.5 minute break
1 min for setup and execution of second set
2.5 minute break
1 min for setup and execution of third set
2.5 minute break
1 min for setup and execution of fourth set
2.5 minute break
1 min for setup and execution of fifth set
2.5 minute break

This over 20 minutes and sometimes I do one more set. Is this within etiquette? I think it is, but I guess it changes depending on what you are doing and where you are doing it.

if the gym isn't busy then do what ever you'd like, but imo there is no reason to be doing 5 or 6 sets of squats. it's overkill and you'd be better off doing more weight and less reps. if the gym is busy, i'd be asking you after the 4th set if you were done.

cgc · 03-07-2008, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by someday

if the gym isn't busy then do what ever you'd like, but imo there is no reason to be doing 5 or 6 sets of squats. it's overkill and you'd be better off doing more weight and less reps. if the gym is busy, i'd be asking you after the 4th set if you were done.

lol - then what did you ask for....lol.

No offence, but some of the best growth I ever had with legs was when I would to 10 sets every other week.....different things work for different folks.
And afer the fourth set, and you asked me when I would be done, I would tell you 6 more sets, but if you wanted to work in, you were more then welcome to....

.

namtrag · 03-07-2008, 11:45 AM

Exactly....if it's busy, do 3 sets of 12-15 with a minute rest between sets. If that doesn't kick your ass, nothing will

namtrag · 03-07-2008, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cgc

lol - then what did you ask for....lol.

No offence, but some of the best growth I ever had with legs was when I would to 10 sets every other week.....different things work for different folks.
And afer the fourth set, and you asked me when I would be done, I would tell you 6 more sets, but if you wanted to work in, you were more then welcome to....

.

If you can do 10 sets of squats in one workout, you are a better man than I. Either that or you aren't going intense or heavy enough.