Cyndaquil's How to Go to the Gym Without Being a Creep

[cyndaquil]

How to Go to the Gym Without Being a Creep​

Recently, we had a thread about a guy who completely violated gym etiquette—he was using the power rack for pull-ups while a young woman was performing back squats. He was basically about to straddle his dikk on her ass while she was trying to lift. This is a big no-no.
Some of my favorite reactions:

he was wilding. the fukk

You don't just start doing pullups on a rack when someone's in it.

Anyone would get annoyed at that.

Mad Goofass nıgga

Usually these videos are just entitled women overreacting. but this was clearly a breh tripping this time. how you think straddling someone to do a pullup is okay?

Everyone ain't soft. You expect her to just say nothing while some clown got his nuts swinging all around her?

Women need to feel comfortable at the gym, and everyone should be mindful of their space and behavior. I asked if I should make a guide.

Gym guide for how to not be a creep? should i make it?

Got some daps. So, I decided to put together a guide on how to go to the gym without being a creep.

Shout out @Givethanks @Kasgoinjail @O.T.I.S. @Remote and @Brolic for creating the original thread that inspired this guide

1. The 3-Second Rule​

The 3-second rule is simple: if you're looking at someone or something for longer than 3 seconds, you're staring. The gym is filled with attractive, in-shape people, and it's natural to notice them. A quick glance is fine—if anything, it can be flattering if the other person finds you attractive. But staring? That’s different.

Unwanted stares can make women feel uncomfortable, intimidated, or even degraded while they’re just trying to work out. Even if she finds you attractive, excessive staring can make you seem thirsty and unconfident, which is an instant turn-off. So, if your gaze lasts longer than 3 seconds—cut it out.

2. Avoid Excessive Glancing​

While staring is the most common mistake, excessive glancing isn’t much better. Constant 2-second glances add up, and she will notice. She might start wondering:

• "Why does this guy keep looking at me? I’m just trying to work out."
• "Am I doing this exercise wrong? Is there something on my clothes?"
• "Ugh, this creep keeps looking at me. Can’t he tell I’m not interested?"

You don’t want to be the reason someone feels uncomfortable at the gym. A casual glance? Fine. Repeatedly checking her out? Not fine.

3. Look for Reciprocated Body Language​

Now you might be wondering, "If I can’t stare and I can’t glance too much, how will I know if she’s interested?"

The answer? Sometimes, you won’t. You can look for choosing signals—like eye contact, smiling, or her initiating conversation—but if you don’t get those signals, let it go. The gym is a place to work out first and foremost. It’s not a nightclub.

4. Be Mindful of People's Space​

If a woman is working out, respect her space. For example, if she’s doing single-leg Romanian deadlifts, don’t stand directly behind her doing curls or lateral raises. It looks like you’re staring at her. Even if you’re not, she can’t see you the whole time, and it’s uncomfortable.

If you have to work out behind someone, be courteous and ask: “Hey, is it cool if I work out right here?” Simple.

5. Hygiene Matters​

For everyone’s sake, shower before going to the gym—either that day or the night before if you work out early in the morning. And wear good deodorant. Nobody wants to lift next to someone who smells bad. Poor hygiene isn’t just gross—it makes you that guy nobody wants to be near.

6. Do Not Approach Women Mid-Set (or With Headphones In)​

Look, I’m all for socializing at the gym, but do not interrupt a woman’s workout to ask for her number. The best time to approach her is when she’s arriving or leaving the gym. If you must, the next best time is between exercises when she’s moving between machines or resting.

Do not walk up mid-set. Do not tap her on the shoulder while she’s got headphones in. Imagine if you were mid-bench press, and someone came up to ask about your weekend plans—you’d want to throw the bar at them. It’s the same thing here.

If she’s taking a break between sets, keeps making eye contact, and gives you that "come talk to me" look? Go for it. Otherwise, let her train in peace.

7. Keep Your Hands to Yourself​

This should go without saying, but seriously—no unwanted body contact. If you need to get her attention, just say “Hey” or “Excuse me.” If she has headphones in, wave or use a hand gesture to signal that you need her attention.


Do not be an idiot and grab her arm, shoulder, or anything else—especially not her waist or any other inappropriate area. Some women are fine with a light tap on the shoulder, but many aren’t. If you don’t know her personally, play it safe and avoid physical contact altogether.


If you’re showing her how to do an exercise or spotting her during a lift, only touch in a way that’s appropriate for the activity—and only if it’s necessary. Unless she specifically asks, there is absolutely no reason for you to be grabbing her waist or “cupping” anything while spotting a squat attempt. LOL.


That said… if she asks? Hey, you might just be him. Enjoy it.

AND Lastly

8. DO NOT FOLLOW HER AROUND THE GYM​

I don’t care how attractive she is—do not follow her around the gym.

• DO NOT hop on the machine next to her just to pretend you're working out.
• DO NOT set up in front of a mirror doing random exercises that aren’t even part of your workout just to sneak glances.
• DO NOT figure out her gym schedule and start showing up at the same time, hoping to "accidentally" run into her.

This is stalking behavior, and it’s creepy. If you catch yourself doing this, take a step back and check yourself—seriously. If it’s a pattern? You might need to seek therapy. Respect her space and focus on your own workout.

Hopefully, this helps and we all can enjoy the shared space that is the gym together without being a creep while still admiring the work

 

[Recca Gatsby]

This should be common sense.

I am more worried about people who take up multiple machines/benches/areas, and who don't wipe down equipment and return it. Literally just had to get on this weak ass white dude for that yesterday. Just bouncing from thing to thing not wiping shyt down, with bad form

 

[Remote]

This is a good thread.

I mildly disagree about the headphones thing. I'll sometimes make small talk with a girl who has headphones on. But only if I've seen them at my gym for a few weeks or months.

Never in the middle of a set. But I do agree that most of the time, when people have their earbuds in...it's a signal that they're in their zone and it's not an inviting sign.

I've found everyone to be cool though.

 

[Vandelay]

I'm guilty of multiple glances.

I don't even do that shyt on purpose, it's like a reflex. Everything else I'm cool on. Should be obvious by the time you 21.

A good tip I heard was, just look straight ahead. Don't break your neck for shyt, just stay focused on whatever is in front of you.

 

[cyndaquil]

This should be common sense.

I am more worried about people who take up multiple machines/benches/areas, and who don't wipe down equipment and return it. Literally just had to get on this weak ass white dude for that yesterday. Just bouncing from thing to thing not wiping shyt down, with bad form

And no common sense aint common, unfortunately. That would be a much more in-depth gym etiquette guide.

 

[Jaguar93]

Be Handsome Gang

 

[lowkey0z]

imma keep it a bean i'm not readin' none of that - - but we ain't bout to ignore the beloved's

 

[Roid Jones]

What about da mouf piece

 

[Phitz]

Be Handsome Gang

that backfires alot, as you're more a conquest or brag about how they have you texting them all the time.

Slightly above avg is the sweet spot for guys.

Handsome Gang has headaches and trauma, think the light skin chic with soft hair being bullied...

 

[Kasgoinjail]

Great thread
I'm still not going

 

[King_Kamala61]

Great thread
I'm still not going

Id wipe down your equipment after you use it....Id be honored

 

[Kasgoinjail]

Id wipe down your equipment after you use it....Id be honored

Loool

 

[UpNext]

This should be common sense.

I am more worried about people who take up multiple machines/benches/areas, and who don't wipe down equipment and return it. Literally just had to get on this weak ass white dude for that yesterday. Just bouncing from thing to thing not wiping shyt down, with bad form

I agree with the multiple areas thing, but it's definitely step outside and talk about it area if a mf catch me finishing up lifting heavy tryna play wipe down police

 

[Capitol]

You ain't said shyt about taking these baddies home tho. Dap/undap. NEG!

 

[Da King]

It’s only the desperate nikkas that think the gym is the time to creep