Gym equipment etiquette question

[prigekhas]

Howdy! I ran into something at the gym yesterday that I have never seen before, and wanted to get the input of more experienced gym goers than myself.

I normally go to the gym in the morning or early afternoon, but yesterday I had to go at 6pm and it was a madhouse. Every bench and squat rack were taken, with more people waiting in line.

I decided to skip squats but wanted to do hip thrusts at least since I had a bench and a free barbell / plates, but as I wandered around looking for the barbell pad (the cushion that wraps around it), I finally found both of them on the floor next to one of the squat racks, where a very strong looking woman and her spotter were posted up.

I nicely asked if I could grab one of the pads, and was surprised when she told me she was using both of them under her feet while she squatted. I was a little dumbfounded and went off to the desk to grab a towel to use instead, which was definitely not enough protection and my hip bones are bruised today.

Is this an acceptable use for those pads? To me, a relative noob, it seems a) kinda nasty to be putting your feet on something that goes on other people's shoulders, and b) kinda rude to monopolize the only two of something for not their intended purpose and c) kinda ridiculous that someone who is obviously an accomplished lifter doesn't have their own, appropriate equipment.

I'm going to purchase a bar pad for myself so I don't have this issue in the future, but I was just curious if this seems ridiculous to anyone else!

[radrd]

I would never share a barbell pad with other gym goers. Groce. Best that you get your own and move on.

This thread is a good reminder who home gym is the best gym.

[air2fakie]

People at the gym using equipment for a non-intended purpose? Say it ain't so!

[thedickus]

I quit reading after you said you decided to skip squats.

What was the question?

[FoulSmell]

Next time just take them. And tell her to use weight plates like normal people who aren’t flexible enough.

[kimnancy]

Wow, that sounds like a unique situation! It does seem a bit unconventional to use the barbell pads under feet during squats, especially when others might need them. Purchasing your own bar pad is a great solution to avoid any future inconvenience.

[BiGx5MurF]

Why even risk talking to women at the gym? You're lucky you didn't end up on a tiktok being labeled a "gym creep".

[jasonp360]

I bring my own 2x4 to the gym to step on for stuff
Standing on the pads = lol
I have seen a lot of stuff but not that yet