The WORST Thing YOU Can Do at the Gym

I've worked in gym settings for the better part of the last decade and I have seen a lot of ridiculous stuff.

Ive seen a lot of funny things like a guy setting up his OWN obstacle courses in the middle of the gym despite the apparent frustration of other members.

I've seen crazy stuff like a man being questioned by the police mid-workout and cutting them off mid-sentence to "hit his next set." only to be arrested 5 minutes later.

And a lot of dumb stuff, like people using the assisted pull-up to hit their glutes.

But without a doubt, the most heinous thing I have ever seen at a gym is this: Fit people making fun of overweight people.

To me, this is no different than making fun of someone for going to the doctor for being sick.

This behavior drives me UP THE WALL. And it is a lot more common than you may think. Even if you are not contributing to the problem, you may consider being part of the solution.

Having trained tons of general population clients over the last several years, I understand better than most the amount of bravery one has to muster up to walk into a gym and attempt to tackle a weight loss journey. They know damn well they are not going to necessarily "fit in" with the crowd.

This is not easy stuff.

The last thing these people need is the critique of those more fit than them. Offer help and praise before you offer criticism or cynicism.

The diet, supplement, and much of the fitness industry throws these people into a cycle of confusion and fads only to spit them out on the other side more confused and less enthused.

So, You with your all mighty physique and fitness expertise, the next time you are in the gym and see someone who has a long way to go to reach their goal, offer help if perhaps they need it.

Try finding inspiration in the fact that they are willingly attacking an uphill battle (no matter how they are attempting to do so), I know I do.

Their goals are just as important yours.

Food for thought.