10 things men do in the gym that make everyone else roll their eyes—and they don’t even realize it

by Lachlan Brown | September 6, 2025, 8:03 pm

There’s a vast gulf between ‘working out’ and ‘working out in a way that irks everyone around you’.

This difference? Awareness. Some guys hit the gym with good intentions, but their workout habits can be akin to nails on a chalkboard for others. They’re just blissfully unaware.

I’m all about fostering a better gym environment. So, here’s your guide to those eyebrow-raising habits that might be turning heads for the wrong reasons.

In this piece, I’ll share ten things men do in the gym that make everyone else roll their eyes (and they don’t even realize it!) so stay tuned and find out if you need a quick workout etiquette check!

1) The weight hoarders

We’ve all seen them, the guys who decide to stake their claim on every dumbbell in sight.

It’s as if they’re preparing for some sort of apocalypse—a fitness apocalypse—where survival depends on how many weights you’ve amassed.

But look, we get it: You’re working on a super set, or a circuit, or whatever it is that requires a small army of weights, but the gym is a shared space and no one likes a hoarder.

When everyone else is left scrounging for the leftovers, it’s hardly surprising that eyes start to roll.

The next time you’re at the gym, remember: Share the love, and the weights too!

2) The unsolicited advisors

Ah, the gym know-it-alls. They’re everywhere, and they have a knack for popping up when you’re mid-set and least expect it.

Let me share a little story: I was in the middle of a routine, minding my own business when this guy comes over.

He starts explaining how my form is all wrong and proceeds to give me a full-on tutorial on ‘proper lifting’. Now, I’m all for learning and improving, but I didn’t ask for help, nor was I struggling.

Unsolicited advice can be both distracting and annoying. Plus, unless you’re a certified trainer, you might be dispensing incorrect or even dangerous advice.

3) The loud grunters

Let’s talk about noise in the gym.

No, not the repetitive beats of workout tunes or the clanging of weights, I’m talking about the excessive grunting.

While it’s true that some level of noise is inevitable when you’re pushing your body, there’s a line between normal exertion sounds and what sounds like auditioning for a role in a Tarzan movie.

Interestingly, grunting could indeed improve performance. However, there’s still a difference between functional grunting and unnecessary, disruptive noise.

By all means, grunt if you need to, but remember that you’re in a public space. Don’t be the guy who takes it overboard and becomes ‘that grunter’ everyone else rolls their eyes at.

4) The mirror obsessives

Mirrors in gyms are primarily for checking form, ensuring your posture is correct, and preventing injuries.

They’re not there for you to admire yourself endlessly or flex after every rep.

Of course, there’s nothing wrong with taking a quick look and feeling proud of the progress you’re making but, when the mirror-checking verges on vanity, it can get a little tiresome for others.

Remember, the gym is a shared space. Make sure your ‘mirror time’ isn’t keeping someone else from checking their form or getting on with their workout.

5) The equipment ignorers

Nothing gets the eyes rolling faster than a gym-goer who doesn’t wipe down the equipment after use.

It’s a simple act of courtesy that seems to go unnoticed by some.

In a world where hygiene is more important than ever, leaving a pool of sweat on a machine isn’t just gross, it’s inconsiderate. Plus, it’s not really appealing to come into contact with someone else’s sweat, right?

Let’s keep it clean and simple: Use a towel and wipe down the equipment after use.

It takes seconds and saves others from the unpleasant task of cleaning up after you.

6) The space invaders

We all value our personal space, right? This is particularly true in the gym.

It’s not just about comfort, but safety too. Too close proximity can lead to accidental bumps or even injuries.

I’ve seen people set up their workout station right next to someone else when there are plenty of other spots available. It’s baffling and, quite frankly, a little intrusive.

Everyone at the gym is there to focus on their workout, not navigate around unnecessary obstacles and know to respect others’ space just as you’d want yours respected.

7) The gadget gurus

I recall a time when I was feeling particularly focused, ready to hit a new personal record in my weightlifting routine.

However, the guy next to me had his phone’s volume on full blast, showing off his latest high-tech fitness app to his mates.

Don’t get me wrong: Technology has revolutionised the way we work out, and it can be a great tool for tracking progress and staying motivated.

However, when it starts to become a distraction for others, it’s time to reconsider.

The gym is primarily a place for exercise, not a tech expo. Keep the volume down and remember that not everyone might be interested in your latest app or gadget.

Be tech-savvy, not that guy who forgets that the main focus should be the workout itself.

8) The social butterflies

You’d think that going to the gym is all about community spirit, right? In many ways, it is but there’s a difference between being friendly and turning your workout into a social event.

When you’re holding up a machine because you’re too busy chatting, or stopping someone else’s workout to strike up a conversation, it can get annoying.

Yes, the gym can be a great place to meet like-minded people but most people are there to work out and may not appreciate being pulled into a lengthy chat.

9) The fashion faux pas

Style and gym wear can be a tricky balance.

While there’s no strict dress code, some outfits are just a bit too much. Think neon spandex, overly baggy shorts, or even that tank top that’s more ‘string’ than ‘top.’

Again, it’s not about fashion policing, but about understanding what’s practical and respectful in a shared space. Certain outfits can be distracting, inappropriate, or simply unsafe when dealing with gym equipment.

Keep your gym wear simple and functional, and you’re good to go!

10) The rule disregarders

Every gym has rules for a reason.

They’re there to ensure everyone can have a safe, efficient, and respectful workout. Ignoring these rules not only annoys others but can also pose serious risks.

Whether it’s re-racking weights, proper machine use, or respecting time limits on cardio equipment during peak hours, these rules are fundamental to a harmonious gym environment.

Be mindful of the rules and adhere to them, and don’t be the guy who thinks he’s above the basic courtesies and regulations that keep everyone safe and happy.

Final thoughts: It’s all about respect

The common thread that ties together all these gym faux pas is a lack of respect and consideration for others.

Respect in the gym isn’t just about following rules or proper etiquette. It’s about understanding that everyone in that space has the same goal: To better themselves, physically and mentally.

When we respect others’ space, keep noise levels in check, adhere to gym rules, and generally act with courtesy, we contribute to a more positive and productive environment for all.

Whether it’s your first day at the gym or you’re a seasoned pro, let’s strive to be the best versions of ourselves, both in our workouts and how we interact with others.

After all, no one wants to be ‘that guy’ causing the eye rolls.

Aim to be the one setting a positive example, enhancing not just your own gym experience but everyone else’s too.

Lachlan Brown

Lachlan Brown is an entrepreneur and co-founder of Brown Brothers Media, a digital publishing network reaching tens of millions of readers monthly. He holds a Graduate Diploma of Psychological Studies from Deakin University, though his real education came afterward: a warehouse job shifting TVs, a stretch of anxiety in his mid-twenties, and the slow discovery that studying the mind is not the same as learning how to live well. He started experimenting with Buddhist principles during breaks at the warehouse and eventually began writing about what he was learning. That writing became Hack Spirit, a widely read personal development site, and his book Hidden Secrets of Buddhism became a bestseller. His work breaks down complex ideas into frameworks people can apply immediately, whether they are navigating a career change, a difficult relationship, or the gap between knowing what to do and actually doing it. Lachlan splits his time between Singapore and Saigon. He writes about high-performance routines, decision-making under pressure, digital innovation, and the intersection of Eastern philosophy with modern life. His perspective comes from having built things from scratch, failed at some of them, and learned that clarity comes from practice, not theory.