60 Times people shared sights from the gym that they couldn’t unsee

Starting a workout regimen can be intimidating. Whether you’re trying to lose weight or just improve your health, it’s a lot of work. You walk into the gym on the first day and have no idea what you’re even doing. All those machines are unfamiliar and everyone seems to be in better shape than you.

But hey, we’ve all been there. No one’s born knowing all the ins and outs of fitness equipment. That’s why every gym has personal trainers, not to mention lots of people who are more than happy to give a newcomer some pointers.

And as much as it might make you feel uncomfortable to ask for help, it’s much better than trying to figure things out yourself. Guessing your way through those machines can break them or cause you serious injury. Perhaps even worse…it’ll make you look ridiculous.

So, stay safe out there. Always use a spotter, dress appropriately, and ask for assistance when you need it. And — I can’t believe this needs to be said — don’t try to stand on a yoga ball while lifting weights, okay? Here are 60 people who caught our attention at the gym for all the wrong reasons.

1. Look deep into my eyes…

If you had a personal trainer walk up to you for a session and they were wearing this unitard, what would you think? I’d either be very afraid or want them to be my new best friend.

Reddit/zimba993
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Reddit/zimba993

2. He’s not quite ready

This is most definitely a fail. Food isn’t even allowed in most gyms, and those exercise machines aren’t personal couches. On the other hand, I have to say I kind of get it.

Reddit/huddy0415
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Reddit/huddy0415

3. He’s working out his BRAIN

By the looks of it, you can imagine this is the student gym at a university during finals week. He’s just trying to squeeze in a quick workout in between studying for his exams.

Reddit/FirstChildKid
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Reddit/FirstChildKid

4. You okay, dude?

I can’t decide which part of this is the most unnerving. Is it the look of sheer agony on the lifter’s face? The way his spotter’s spooning him? Or perhaps the dude in the background caressing his nipple?

Reddit/habusiness
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Reddit/habusiness

5. You’re going to die

Not only is this incredibly dangerous, but I also can’t fathom what she’s hoping to achieve. If she’s trying to improve her balance, why not use a balance beam? You know, something that won’t break beneath her.

Reddit/MrPresidentDino
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Reddit/MrPresidentDino

6. That’s HER spot

Part of working out in a public gym is being courteous to the other guests. This lady decided to set up her mat right against the lifting platform, which was in use by the way. Although the gym was almost empty, that was “her spot.”

7. She might be stuck

For toned abs, doing sit-ups with a medicine ball works great. But in this position, that’s virtually impossible. How long has this woman been sitting like this? Has anyone asked if she needs help?

Reddit/Dr_Krocodile
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Reddit/Dr_Krocodile

8. I don’t know what he’s doing

Even if you’re not into lifting weights, you probably know this isn’t the way you’re supposed to use the machine. But keep in mind…this guy was intent on working out his pelvis.

9. Surf while you spin

We get it — working out can get somewhat boring. There’s a reason people use headphones, whether to listen to music or audiobooks while doing their routine. But you have to be less than dedicated when bringing a laptop and an iced coffee to the gym.

10. Ow

Someone managed to capture a single moment in time in this action shot — the most painful moment of this guy’s day. Let this be a lesson, everyone: always use a spotter.

11. Do I want to know?

Okay, spotting is essential but this isn’t what it’s supposed to look like. I don’t know what these two are trying to accomplish and I’m not sure I want to.

12. I don’t think that’s how it goes

Here’s yet another example of how not to spot someone. I don’t think your spotter is supposed to straddle you and then look directly into your face. It just makes things weird for everyone.

13. I don’t think he comes here very often

All workout equipment has pictures that indicate the right way to use it. There are also personal trainers and gym staff available to answer questions. But sure, just make a guess.

Imgur/BallsToYouMyGoodSir
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Imgur/BallsToYouMyGoodSir

14. I give up

“Maybe she’s just taking a break,” you say, trying to be compassionate. Well, if that’s what she’s doing to catch up on the daily news, she should get off the dang machine.

Imgur/postallthepictures
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Imgur/postallthepictures

15. Be right back, calling CPS

This isn’t cute or funny in the least. That baby could get seriously hurt all for the sake of a silly stunt. If you’re going to be stupid at the gym, leave the kid out of it.

16. Time to call maintenance

Either this guy’s really tall or the ceiling’s really low. Either way, I don’t think there’s supposed to be a hole in the ceiling like that. How’s the view up there?

Imgur/DanieHunter279
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Imgur/DanieHunter279

17. That’s a gutsy move in the cape

Even superheroes have to get their daily workout in. But someone should tell Bruce to invest in a T-shirt and a pair of shorts. That cape’s going to get caught in the treadmill.

18. Who’s going to take his pulse?

Maybe this guy just had an intense workout and needs to rest a little bit. That being said, you have to ask yourself how long you’ll let it go on before you check to see if he’s okay.

19. Disaster in 3…2…1

The only rationale… this guy’s never seen a large yoga ball before. Apparently, he’s never watched those YouTube compilations of people flying off of them and BREAKING THEIR BODIES.

20. That looks like a concussion

I can’t figure out how this guy managed to get in that position. Did he try to do a flip? Excuse me, sir. That’s not what the machine is supposed to be used for.

21. Ma’am, you’ll break your bones

Say it with me: you’re not supposed to stand on yoga balls. You’ll flip off of it and it won’t be fun. Please keep your feet firmly on the ground.

22. Who needs a spinal cord?

Have you ever seen someone do something so stupid that you wondered how they’re still alive? There are so many things that could go wrong with this plan.

23. What? No!

Again, if you don’t know how to use workout equipment, all you have to do is ask. No one will judge you for asking for help. But they will judge you for doing…whatever this is.

Source:

Facebook/Susan Stevenson, Fitness Professional

24. Who thought this was a good idea? (#15)

Look, I don’t want anyone to get hurt. I’m just saying if you’re going to be this stupid, you kind of deserve whatever comes your way. But yeah. I hope they’re okay.

25. Wait, there’s ice cream involved?

If I knew there was ice cream, I’d definitely work out more often. Can someone tell me where this gym is and the price of a membership?

26. Sir, please put some pants on

Most of the time, people at the gym keep their heads down and mind their business. But there’s at least one way to make sure everyone’s watching you: wildly misuse gym equipment in a Speedo.

27. Wow. Just, wow

There’s a time for fun and games and it’s not at the gym. Look, not only is that expensive fitness equipment but it’s also expensive equipment that could maim you if misused.

28. Have you ever SEEN a treadmill?

I’m at such a loss with this guy I don’t even know what to say. Does he think this is how to use a treadmill? What muscle group is he trying to improve on?

29. Duly Noted

When going for that classic muscle look, it’s important to focus on upper body strength. But don’t forget to work those legs, too. If not, the contrast can be pretty strange.

Facebook/Gym Fails
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Facebook/Gym Fails

30. This is a suicide attempt

There’s never an occasion for someone to stand on precariously balanced weights while lifting. While it won’t improve the workout, it could lead to some broken bones.

31. Do you need help getting down?

This woman doesn’t quite have the hang of the lift-up machine. I’d even be tempted to ask her if she’s stuck. We all need a hand at one point or another.

32. Not quite

We get it, we get it. You walk into the gym and feel overwhelmed by all the new machines that you don’t know how to use. But you shouldn’t ever guess — just ask for help.

33. Interesting technique

When doing weighted bench dips, you should probably use, you know, WEIGHTS. Or you could find an overly-helpful friend to volunteer as the “weight,” just to make everyone feel weird.

34. Ah yes, the prance workout

I guess this guy’s working out the muscles in just one thigh. To be fair, it’s also probably a good cardio workout. Maybe he wants to learn how to click his heels like Dorothy.

Instagram/@workout.fails
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Instagram/@workout.fails

35. Everyone saw that coming

If they’d given this even 10 seconds of thought, they’d have realized what was going to happen. But I guess this is more fun than just using weights.

36. Does he still have toes?

As nerve-wracking as that fall was, it was even worse to see the way he dropped the weights. I guess when they say “No pain, no gain,” this isn’t quite what they’re talking about.

37. So, what muscle groups are you working, exactly?

I’ll admit this looks like fun, but there’s no way it’s an effective exercise. Maybe he thinks he’s doing some sort of reverse sit-up. Who’s going to tell him he’s not doing, well, anything?

38. Never sprint on a treadmill

Treadmills have different settings for a reason: warm-up, workout, and cool-down. But there isn’t much of a reason — at least usually — to sprint on a treadmill. That is unless you want to break your face.

39. Less stability isn’t better

What’s up with people who try to balance on top of yoga balls? This guy isn’t just on one, but rather, he’s balancing on multiple wobbly layers. It’d be a miracle if he finished without sustaining an injury.

Fitness Magazine
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Fitness Magazine

40. Is that the best way to wear your hair?

If you have long hair, it can be a pain to deal with during a workout. But between hair ties and headbands, it’s not that hard to keep it out of the way. Or you could do, you know, this.

41. She’s working her…ankles…?

Having proper exercise clothes is important. That way, you can move freely and safely. The next time you get the urge to work out after a cocktail party, make sure you change first.

42. It’s called honing dexterity

People come up with all sorts of ways to stay entertained during their daily workout. They listen to music or audiobooks, watch TV, or meditate. Then there’s this guy, who’s willing to risk a knitting needle to the eye.

43. The overalls tie it all together

Clearly, this person didn’t come to work out. First, they aren’t in exercise clothes. Second, they’re camped out watching TV. My question: why did they have to sit on the treadmill?

44. Does she think she’s going to fall?

Yes, spin machines work more or less like bicycles. But believe us, that’s where the resemblance stops. You aren’t going to fall over and you don’t need a helmet.

45. YOU’RE THE WORST

Look, people get by with things at the gym that they wouldn’t elsewhere. But working out in only a towel isn’t okay. Can someone please call the police?

46. Always use a spotter, kids

It’s worth saying over and over again: don’t lift weights without a spotter. People get seriously hurt when they try to go solo. This guy’s lucky he’s okay.

47. That’s not…no.

Sometimes, people use fitness equipment so badly that you have to wonder what they think they’re doing. Is he trying to lift with his toes? Balance it on the balls of his feet? What’s happening?

48. This isn’t the most effective way to do push-ups

Push-ups are a great way to build the muscles in your arms and back, as well as strengthen your core. They’re just fine on solid ground. You don’t have to do these shenanigans.

49. What the heck is going on here?

No matter how long I look at this, I can’t figure out what he’s trying to do. If anything, it just gets more confusing the longer you stare. Has he ever seen weights before?

50. How many calories do you burn while shadow boxing?

Kickboxing is an incredibly effective exercise for building strength and dexterity. But to get the results you want, you have to, you know, hit the punching bag. You can’t just twirl and punch the air.

YouTube Screenshot/Gym Fails
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YouTube Screenshot/Gym Fails

51. That’s one way to keep yourself occupied

Is a workout effective if you’re playing video games while power-walking on a treadmill? Well, I guess you could say it’s a workout for your thumbs.

52. This isn’t necessary

He’s lifting relatively well, but he doesn’t need to add the over-the-top leg kicks. Not only do they waste excess energy, but they also look bizarre.

53. I’m uncomfortable

Can we all just agree that no one should ever straddle someone when spotting them at the gym? That’s just a little too close for comfort in my opinion.

54. How low can you go?

Not all workout equipment at the gym is intuitive. But you’d think people would have a little common sense. For example, you should know this machine isn’t for whatever the heck he’s doing.

55. Do you really have to do that?

I’m not a personal trainer, but it’s difficult to imagine how in any situation a spotter would need to grab your butt. Or at least where they’d need to grab your butt this closely for this long.

56. Um, security

Here’s yet another spotter who’s determined to straddle their partner. But that’s not even the worst part. The way he’s forcing the weight down on him looks violent.

57. I’ll admit it…this looks like fun

Okay, it looks like it would be fun to bounce up and down on those wires. But the gym isn’t a playscape. Along with wasting your time, you look ridiculous.

YouTube Screenshot/Daksio
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YouTube Screenshot/Daksio

58. Can someone call Santa a PT?

This gym-goer bears a strong resemblance to St. Nick, but that’s not the reason we’re all staring. We’re more concerned about the strange forehead workout/pelvic thrust he’s doing.

59. When in doubt, just do karate in the corner

Often, gyms are unusually busy. So, it’s hard to find a free machine. That’s the time to walk laps or do some stretches. Or if you’re this guy, you can just do casual karate moves.

60. WHEEEE

For the last time, those wires aren’t for bouncing around. Yes, it looks like fun and we all kind of want to try it. But you’re definitely doing that wrong.

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Source: Reddit, Brightside, Facebook, Instagram, Fitness Magazine, Just Something, YouTube