Have you ever been in the zone, heart pumping, adrenaline flowing, only to have it crash because some nitwit on the next treadmill thinks that his or her deafening twaddle is of interest to everyone else in the gym? Yeah, me too, and it’s high time we talk about what should be an unwritten rule: stash the phone and focus on the workout.
The gym isn’t your living room. If you’re negotiating deals, barking at staff, or gossiping at full volume while meandering on the treadmill, you’re not only missing the point of why you’re here but also, quite frankly, pissing off the rest of us. And it’s wasteful – taking up a machine in a busy gym with wireless earbuds in, mouth flapping, all while moving at the pace of a tranquilized sloth.
Now, don’t get me wrong; I understand the need to stay connected. But let's be clear: the gym is a temple of transformation, not a coffee shop. Have you ever noticed that the truly fit folks, the ones who treat their gym time with respect, aren’t the ones gabbing away? That’s because they’re too busy pushing their limits, counting reps, and sweating towards their goals.
I'll let you in on a little secret: my phone? It stays in the gym locker. That’s right, no calls, no texts, no distractions. This hour (or two) is the most important activity I’m doing in that moment. There will be plenty of time to catch up with friends, colleagues, etc. when I’m finished.
By respecting the process and giving my training the attention it deserves, I continue to see decent gains. And here’s the kicker: those serial callers, the ones who’ve made the gym their personal social hub? Months later, they look pretty much the same.
So, here’s a piece of friendly advice: next time you hit the gym, challenge yourself to disconnect from the digital leash. Notice the difference in your focus, your energy, and eventually, your physique. Embrace the sweat, relish the burn, and maybe, just maybe, discover that the best connection is the one you make with yourself.
Neil Moore is a communications specialist, freelance journalist, masters athlete, and family man who believes that excellence has no expiry date.
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