The six different people you meet at the gym
Which one are you?
Photo: Stocksy
If, like thousands of other Australians, your week’s not complete without a trip to your local gym, then you’ll be all too aware of the ‘types’ that visit on a regular basis.
Whilst mythical opinion may place all exercise types in the same box, it’s far from true. And just because you may go to the gym to purely workout, doesn’t necessarily mean others do the same.
Here are the six most common personality types you’re likely to meet at the gym;
The tattooed body builder
Distinguished by his bulging biceps, triceps and everything in between, this gym goer is a regular and doesn’t do anything by halves.
Most commonly sweating up a storm amongst the heaviest of heavy weights, this member wears short shorts – which leave little to the imagination – branded singlets and bright coloured runners. He also proudly displays his plethora of tattoos.
These tatts are a jumbled mixture of outdated discoloured barbed wires, tributes to loved ones and motivational slogans or allegiances to Australia.
Type of workout – Hardcore weights and machines
Gym motto – “The harder the better”
RELATED: How to build a strong, lean body
The poser
Distinguished by his or her perfectly made up and groomed appearance, this member is most commonly found anywhere a mirror is located, and, subsequently, spends half their session checking out their reflection.
Decked out head-to-toe in designer active wear, this regular takes pride in doing little other than looking good and ensuring others notice too.
Workouts consist of lifting measly weights (in front of the mirror), accompanied with huffing, puffing and grunts and concluding with the obligatory ‘just worked out’ selfie.
Type of workout – Stylised rep mirror workouts
Gym motto – “Too hot to handle”
The socialite
Distinguished by their social knowledge of every member in the gym, this regular is renowned for their loud chatter, banter and over shared phone conversations.
With all the gear, but no idea, workouts for the socialite are generally low key and raise eyebrows more than heart rates.
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Machines of choice include the bike, step and a slow paced treadmill – basically anything where they can still talk whilst also updating Facebook to ‘check in’
Classes are usually avoided, as breathlessness and loud music are not conducive to carrying out conversations with fellow socialites or planning your weekend’s partying.
Type of workout – Anything that doesn’t break out a sweat or interfere with gossip
Gym motto – “Be seen to be keen”
The first timer
Distinguished by their shiny new runners and hesitant face, this member will avoid all eye contact with other gym goers for fear of having to strike up a conversation and pretend to know anything about exercise.
Workouts are usually comprised of trying out every single machine in one workout with minimal weights and minimal reps, and are usually over within half an hour.
Members are distinguishable amongst a class for their lack of coordination, inability to keep up and positioning at the furthest part of the gym away from the instructor and closest to the exit.
Type of workout – Anything to get it over and done with
Gym motto – “The first time hurts”
The excessive exerciser
Distinguished by their constant attendance at the gym and rippling, toned body, this regular lives, breathes and most likely works exercise.
Armed with a workout bag much akin to a suitcase, this keen bean arrives at the gym the minute it opens and appears only to leave to fuel up on a protein ball or two at lunch or when they’re kicked out at the end of the day.
Workouts consist of all classes and all equipment – preferably on the same day -and their day ends with a 10kms jog home just because they can.
Type of workout – Every class, machine and weight
Gym motto – “Less is never more”
RELATED: 5 ways you could be sabotaging your gym goals
The mum
Distinguished by droopy eye bags, disinterest in socialising and ability to zone out to Dr Phil on the gym TV’s for at least an hour, this member is enjoying their gym membership like never before.
With no other opportunity to sit down and watch any show in full or check Facebook uninterrupted, this member is fully embracing the onsite crèche and the only chance for some down time.
Workouts usually incorporate perching on a bike and occasionally remembering to pedal, strolling on a treadmill at minimum speed or very slowly cross training no further than 2kms.
Type of workout – Anything that means time out from their child
Gym motto – I’ve earned this break
August 10, 20161:08pm
