Annoying 'soccer moms' and the gym! (Please read on.)?

Question

I go the gym on a regular basis, and I vary my times that I go, not always at the same time everyday. There is this small group of what I call 'soccer moms' that all seem to know each other well and sort of hang out together, work out along side each other, etc. They're probably all in their late 30's early 40's, and I swear they have to be some of the most obnoxious women on the face of the Earth. They scream (Ok, don't scream but yell LOUD enough that I can easily hear them over the music playing on my IPOD.) to each other from way across the room constantly and are just really loud and annoying to me. In a way, I feel this is rude. I realize this is a gym and not church or the library or something, but is this considered appropriate behavior? They almost seem like teenage girls crying out for attention. What are your thoughts?

They're like this everytime I see them there.

Do I have the right to be annoyed that this is happening in the gym, or is it to be expected?

I understand they are happy to see each other and are just being social, but there IS a difference between being social and being obnoxious. I'm at the gym to work.

Answer 1

You sound just like me! You have my sympathy, because I know I would be irritated too.

But I don't know that there's anything you can do about it. Technically they're probably in the right.

The only thing I can tell you is to use your irritation to your advantage. Allow your anger to fuel your workout.

When I exercised regularly I used a punching bag. On days when I was cranky, I fanned the fire of my anger to give me extra energy. It was extremely satisfying to be mad and hitting something at the same time! At the end of the workout, I felt much better. And I burned a few extra calories at the same time.

EDIT: On second thought, I think they are being inconsiderate. Maybe not to a great extent, but they aren't being thoughtful. It's not as if they're grunting with effort, is it? I guess it wouldn't hurt to mention it to someone who works there. If there are posted rules of the gym, it's quite possible that there's some rule about being disruptive.

Answer 2

They can't be there 24/7. If they really annoy you to the point it's making your experience un-enjoyable then either change your schedule or change gyms. BUT another option is to walk over there with a big smile and say something to the effect of "you ladies sound like you're having too much fun may I join you?" As the old saying goes "if you can't beat 'em join 'em"

Answer 3

turn the music up LOUDA! lol. that's what i do when stupid pples are annoying me. i think that you shouldn't like be rude back or anything because u need to be the better person. their lives probably suck in reality.
Be kinder than necessary for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.
thats my motto!
just ignore them and move on w/ ur life, if you're still hung up on it then u should realize how lucky you are that such a small thing is your biggest problem in life

Answer 4

Being in the age group of your so called "soccer moms", I'm going to let you in on a little secret honey. You are young yet, and in perfect shape...we "soccer moms" hit middle age and have to work at it. Due to our demanding schedules, we often do this whenever we can. If our girlfriends happen to be there, we use this time to not only work out, but to catch up with each other, laugh at life and de-stress. It is nothing personal against you. If you don't think it's appropriate, then maybe you should consider switching your gym times to revolve around dinner time or the time school typically lets out. Chances are, these "soccer-moms" are going to be somewhere else. Oh, and word to the wise...You are going to be "us" someday!

Answer 5

I have met these ladies. We must workout at the same gym. You are totally in your right to be pissed. I love how you are waiting for a machine and then 5 of her friends come by before you as if it's no big deal and you are not even there!

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Answer 6

Don't complain but watch who the pack leader appears to be.

Quietly let her know that her friends and she seem to be talking a lot louder than they realize and would she please let her friends know because you would not want to embarrass them.

Be conspiratorial and friendly - I'm sure that they don't know the impact of their actions. Don't burn bridges, this is your gym and you are just one where they are a posse.

Otherwise talk to the gym manager.

Answer 7

Get some noise cancelling headphones for your IPOD or just don't go there during the time that they are there. I hate people who go to the gym to socialize and not work.

Answer 8

I would say, just delete all the messages that you don't want read. But you also need to ask yourself "why is your mom reading your text messages?" Have you been giving her reasons not to trust you? because if you have, she has every right to check your messages. This is what parents do. We live to protect our children. Just think of it this way, why even trip off of it if your not doing anything wrong.

Answer 9

You have a right to be annoyed, but you don't really have the right to make them stop.

So, a losing situation there, all around.

Answer 10

the next time you are there at the same time they are, see if you can catch a little tid bit of gossip (yes eavesdrop), then ever so politely go to one of them and say " I heard you mention such and such about so and so. Is this the so and so that I know?" Maybe they'll get the hint.