Anytime you go to the gym in college, you’re bound to encounter a variety of unique (and sometimes annoying) people. Check out these nine groups of people you’re most likely to see the next time you hit the weights, or if you’ve already encountered them all, have a nice laugh and know you’re not alone.
1. The one who is way too into his workout
Usually a guy sporting a fraternity tank top, you can find him checking himself out in the mirror as he does bicep curls. He grunts to make sure everyone nearby can hear every single one of his reps. His vocabulary consists mainly of the word “dude” and “bro,” and he thinks he’s the Tim Tebow of the gym. This guy can be found drinking pre-workout or eating multiple protein bars at a time.
2. The ones who knows everyone
Also known as the regulars, this group can be found at the gym every day. They’re equivalent to the facey people on the third floor of Library West because they know everyone. He or she is always talking to someone, whether it’s someone who just walked in or someone who works at the gym. They smile at everyone they pass and most likely have more than 2000 Facebook friends because they are involved in every club on campus.
3. The machine hoggers
You know the people who just take up a machine by sitting there and texting? Yeah, those people. Being on a campus with 50,000 students, we don’t need another person hogging a machine and not using it. The gyms are already crowded, so if you want to check Yik Yak, go sit in the Hub. These people often get dirty looks from the regulars but never seem to be aware that they are doing anything wrong.
4. The competitors
There is nothing more irritating than the racers who always try to one-up everyone else. UF is a competitive school academically, and that competition translates over to the gyms too. These people, usually girls, are seen on the elliptical next to you trying to sneakily see what’s on your machine’s screen. They will actually try to compete with you to see who can be faster, go longer or burn more calories. Too bad there isn’t any reward for being the best treadmill runner.
5. The yoga groupies
These are the girls who sign up for every available yoga or Zumba class offered at Southwest Recreation Center or Student Recreation & Fitness Center. They pretty much live and breathe yoga to the point that they start practicing moves and warming up while waiting outside the fitness room before the instructor even gets there. Not to mention, they come so often that they’ve become best friends with the instructors.
6. The multi-taskers
Normally seen on the cardio machines, these guys and girls are not afraid to bring their notes and textbooks to the gym to study while burning some calories. We tied for the 14th best public university in the nation according to the U.S. News and World Report (can I get a cheer, anyone?), so it is true how much we value our academics. A big round of applause to them for fitting in a workout while still being studious (and balancing textbooks on the small ledges of the machines)!
7. The cross-fitters
These people often come with a notebook to log their progress and are most likely to schedule set times to hit the gym in between classes. They think working out is just as important as school and can be found doing circuits or jump roping in between sets. If you ever offered them a cookie, they’d most likely be appalled that you’d ever do such a thing.
8. The girls who only go with friends
This type usually only goes to the gym to feel accomplished but never actually does anything other than 30 minutes of speed walking and people watching. They will never show up without a friend or sorority sister by their side and will most likely take selfies and tweet about their visit to the gym. They can often be seen wearing makeup and leaving the gym looking just as good as when they walked in.
9. The all-arms-and-no-legs dude
This one is pretty self-explanatory. This guy is only ever seen at the upper body machines and finds it unnecessary to do any leg presses. He takes pride in how much he can bench press, and he would probably write it on his resume if that were acceptable.
There you have it, collegiettes. Next time you hit the gym, try spotting these stereotypical groups to get a good laugh while working out!