Showing anger at the gym has become common-place. Today I have a rant all about this problem.
You see, I completely understand intensity can cause outbursts. I completely disagree with the Planet Fitness approach to training. At the same time, I don't believe our outbursts at the gym should be putting other people in danger. Take the following as an example of what I mean.
When I train I do so with as much intensity as I can muster on that day. When something doesn't go my way, of course I get angry at missing the lift or whatever the problem is, but I keep that contained to my own area. That isn't what everyone does.
I have been doing a lot of my training sessions directly after work. As a result I wind up training with many of the local high school football players. Recently I was finishing up my workout with some floor situps. I use a machine that is up against the group exercise room wall to hook my feet under. It is next to the apparatus that has all the cable devices. A high school kid was jumping rope nearby. He kept getting caught in the rope. Well, in a fit of rage he threw the jump rope, it flew over my head and missed me by a very small margin. Had the handle of that hit my glasses he would have been buying me a new pair. His rage was taken out on everyone in the general area and he didn't even have the decency to apologize for it.
This is where the line is crossed. People need to share the space with others. Getting angry is normal, but don't endanger others. It is ridiculous and uncalled for. This type of behavior concerns me. I am sure some looked at him and thought “roid rage” but all I could think is “wouldn't your mom be so proud of you right now?”
