There’s nothing like having your intense HIIT treadmill workout ruined by a gym creeper. Most of us are not at the gym looking for a date but just want to become fitter. So, it can be disconcerting to realize you have attracted a gym creep, with their unwanted leers and overtures leaving you unsure of what to do.
To help you overcome any lurker you encounter at your gym, you can try these six things to get rid of them and get back to your workouts in peace.
1. Make It Clear You See The Gym Creep
Some creeps like to think they are being discreet while they keep clocking you at the gym. But, as most gyms are lined with mirrors, it can be pretty easy to tell when someone is watching you way too much.
One way to deter some creeps is to make direct eye contact with them. For the ones trying to be sneaky about checking you out, this direct acknowledgment of their behavior may embarrass them into stopping. However, for some, it can be an encouragement.
2. Ask The Person To Leave You Alone
If the creep doesn’t take the hint that you want to be left alone, you’re going to have to be more direct and tell the person you want to left alone to work out in peace. It can be tough to do that, as social norms don’t encourage us to be so direct. But, since the other person has likely missed the subtle cues indicating your discomfort, it is important for you to verbalize your needs.
You don’t have to be rude, as this can cause the creep to react negatively, rather than just go away. Instead, try saying something like, “I would really like to focus on my workout and am not interested in talking right now.”
3. Talk To Your Gym’s Management
To deter the more persistent creep, you should have a talk with your gym’s management. The management will usually ask if you have requested that the person leave you alone, so try not to skip that step.
When management steps in, they may require the other person to come in during times when you aren’t there or ban them entirely from the gym.
4. Workout With A Friend
There definitely is strength in numbers when it comes to making a gym creeper take a hike. Generally, this type of person will only approach lone individuals, so by working out with a friend, you can easily deter a lurker.
Also, you have the added bonus of having a partner to spot your lifts, giving your creeper even less of a reason to approach you.
5. Choose Times When The Creeper Isn’t There
While not the best course of action, if you really don’t want to deal with a confrontation with a gym creeper, choose a different time to exercise. Most people follow a set schedule, and it is unlikely that the creeper will hang around all hours on the off-chance of discovering your new exercise schedule.
6. Set Up A Home Gym
If you are just tired of fending off creeps and dude bros, as well as having to trek to a specific location to work out, you can set up your home gym. We would recommend starting with a treadmill, as you can fit in cardio and strength training all while using a treadmill. Check out the best treadmills of 2018, and skip out on dealing with all the nonsense associated with gym memberships.