Which one of you Yahoos did this?

[Chris Harris]

Nov 1, 2006 11:46 pm US/Eastern

Man Escorted From Planet Fitness Gym For Grunting

Tony Aiello
Reporting

(CBS) WAPPINGERS FALLS, N.Y. You can lift, strain, crunch and sweat all you want at the Planet Fitness in the Dutchess County village. But whatever you do, do not grunt.

Yep, "no grunting." It says so, in black and white, on a sign posted at the gym. One former member learned the new rule the hard way.

"This is really absurd, especially the part about the grunting," said Al Argibay, a corrections officer who learned first-hand "no grunting" means exactly that.

Argibay, a former competitive bodybuilder, joined the gym in September because it was affordable and convenient.

Planet Fitness is also somewhat picky, with a long list of dos-and-don'ts posted right inside the door.

"No grunting or screaming" is listed, along with "no bandanas or do-rags."

"We're creating an atmosphere that's not intimidating," said Carol Palazzolo, the gym manager, who yanked Argibay's membership on Monday.

Argibay said he was at a multi-press station, getting ready to squat about 500 pounds when the forbidden sin happened. "I let out a grunt, squatted down, back up, grunt again. That's it," explained Argibay. "Basically, grunt, grunt, basic breathing in heavy, and breathing out."

Grunting is commonplace at most gyms, but not Planet Fitness, which discourages so-called "musclehead behavior."

There's even a flashing light and siren on the wall, labeled a "lunk alarm," which sounds if someone grunts or drops weights on the floor.

Palazzolo admits she called the cops on Argibay. The Wappingers Falls police report said officers were asked to "escort a member out of the club for grunting while working out...which is not conforming with the rules of the establishment."

But Palazzolo said that's only part of the story.

"He did grunt, and when I told him he wasn't allowed to grunt, he got irate at me, he swore, and he yelled at me," Palazzolo said. "I asked him not to [grunt), he got irate and nasty, and I can't have him in my facility if he's gonna do those kind of things."

Argibay denied he yelled, cursed, or acted inappropriately. He demanded an apology from the gym and its manager.

"It's an attack on my character, and it's very embarrasing, and an insult," Argibay said. "At the end of the day, after serving your community as a corrections officer, the last thing I want is to be escorted out of the gym by the local authorities."

Palazzolo is standing her ground.

"I'm not out to hurt anybody," she said. "If he feels I hurt his feelings, I apologize for that, but I do not apologize for the way I handled the situation and I am not apologizing for our etiquette at Planet Fitness."

It's not personal, she said, it's policy. Grunters should go elsewhere.

(© MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

[Liz Cawley]

Wow. Thats hilarious. I DO feel really sorry for that guy getting kicked out of the gym for something that is probably beyond his and many other's control. But...that story cracked me up. That gym sounds terrible!

[Kristyn Vytlacil]

If you're not grunting, you're not lifting heavy enough!!!

All those non-grunters at Planet Fitness must be total wussies :eek:

[Kevin McNease]

That is why I HATE commercial gyms. Although that seems like an extreme case, that crap happens all the time.

Kevin

[rod johnson]

lets see. the sign says NO GRUNTING OR SCREAMING and it also says NO BANDANAS OR DEW RAGES. What is that place a "gym for wimps" To grow you MUST grunt and scream. NO Dew rages or bandana's "lets get real people" They say they are creating a atmosphere that is not intemidating. If they people that work out at this gym are intimidated by others maybe they should start grunting and lifting some more heavy a$$ weights and the wouldn't be intimidated. Al should go get all the big boy's and hold a strongman comp. in the parking lot of Planet wuss. "enough said"

[Joshua Davis]

Planet Fitness bought out all the World Gym's down here, kicked out all the so-called "muscle heads", got rid of all the 45's, and put all that testosterone-challenged bullcrap signage on the walls.

[Chris Harris]

That is why I HATE commercial gyms. Although that seems like an extreme case, that crap happens all the time.

Kevin


Yeah but I just like the fact that it is being reported in the news haha!

[Joshua Davis]

By the way, singleing out lifters for behavior and style of dress, referring to them with derogatory names, and revoking their paid memberships - doesn't that constitute predjudice?

Either way, these places are nothing more than the co-ed equivilent of Shapes. Boycott them, support your smaller "meathead" gyms, and do your best to bring people over to the "dark side". There isn't much else we can do.

[Mike Hess]

Joe Gold must be rolling in his grave. I know exactly where that PF is. It used to be a nice World's. Makes me love my basement that much more.

[MarkSikora]

Man, if that manager brings her "no grunting" rule home, I'd sure hate to be dating her :M:

see ya

Mark

[Alex Devenyi]

It's a good thing I did a search before I posted, I was about to put up the same thing. That is beyond ridiculous.

[Marcelo]

They should just blast some heavy metal extremely loud that way you won't be able to hear anyone grunt! :)

[Scott Kaiser]

I had a similar incedent last Febuary. I come home from a ski trip and the gym had changed ownership. When I was warming up deadlifting with 405 I was tapped on the shoulder and told that there would be no deadlifting in this "fitness facility" I would bend the bars break the concrete floors and scare the real members. I did get irrate and yell at the manager and had my membership revoked. But the funny thing is that all the "real" members got mad and wrote up a petition to get me back in the gym and it worked. So now I deadlift to my heart and or lower backs content and give out a nice healthy grunt when the manager gets to close to me. :EL:

[Matt Meinrod]

Wow! My good friend told me about that. He was a member at Worlds and then it switched to Planet Fitness and he explained to me the dropping of the weights and no grunting siron. I called B.S. but apparently it's true. He said it's only $10 a month which is why he joined, but now he's since left that gym and started going to a more hardcore place.

I know Golds Gym is still pretty high quality from my travels throughout the southeast. And most Lifestyle Family Fitness gyms are top notch. As for all the other chains I can't say.

[NickBrugal]

If they really wanted to get rid of all the Meat-heads all they need to do is have a "No Fanny-Pack" rule! I do agree with the no bandana rule though, bandanas went out of style with those super lame 80’s workout pants.

[Brett Tucek]

What's the big deal?

The rules were clearly posted, this guy disobeyed them and was ousted. End of story.

I question both the intelligence and the sanity of anyone who thinks this guy had some kind of privilege that allowed him to grunt in a "no grunting" gym.

[Garrick Daft]

Arnold Schwarzenegger, I believe, was quoted once as saying that you should never be grunting while lifting. Something like if the weight is heavy enough then all of your energy will be focused on getting the lift, not wasted on grunting...so if you are grunting your not lifting heavy enough and think you are. Hopefully someone will have the correct quote..

Regardless though...that gym sucks...

[rod johnson]

What's the big deal?

The rules were clearly posted, this guy disobeyed them and was ousted. End of story.

I question both the intelligence and the sanity of anyone who thinks this guy had some kind of privilege that allowed him to grunt in a "no grunting" gym.

i would feel sorry for the s.o.b that told me i could not grunt or what i could wear. I do hope you were joking when you said that you questioned both the intelligence and the sanity of anyone who thinks this guy had some kid of privilage to grunt. He does and there are young men and women that are dying every day to keep that a privilage. So i will grunt, snort, scream and wear my red, white,and blue dew-rage and if it ticks some off "TO BAD" deal with it.

[Stu Christensen]

Put it this way...all of those "gym wussies" you guys mentioned are how gyms make money.

The ratio of a normal gym goer compared to a hardcore lifter is like 50:1 in most gyms. So, you want to make money...you cater to the ones that are the majority. In fact, I'm sure by getting rid of the "hardcore guys/girls", you'll attract more "average" people because they won't see the musclebound people in there and all of them won't feel intimidated.

It's all about the Benjamin's. $$$

[rod johnson]

Sorry folks this one struck a nerve today. Stu you are right "it's all about the mighty dollar".

[Eric Johnson]

Planet Fitness bought out all the World Gym's down here, kicked out all the so-called "muscle heads", got rid of all the 45's, and put all that testosterone-challenged bullcrap signage on the walls.

Knowing that I hope they come into my area soon, I would like to buy some used 45's to increase my home gym!

[Eric Johnson]

One question, does the "no grunting" refer to the bathroom area as well? Cuz that would suck!

[Barry Perkins]

What's the big deal?

The rules were clearly posted, this guy disobeyed them and was ousted. End of story.

I question both the intelligence and the sanity of anyone who thinks this guy had some kind of privilege that allowed him to grunt in a "no grunting" gym.


I agree with Brett...rules are rules....and I am sure..the manager warned him, probably several times before "ousting" him..
Alot of facilities today are Fitness Facilities..not gyms..
I don't think because we lift heavy stuff..and work hard at lifting and growing bigger we should have the right to ignore rules. Those people who come in there to work out, and get fit have the same right to be there as anybody and if this facility is gearing towards the Fitness minded clients..then go for it.. great for them...just find a gym that does work for your style..
Although they are far and few between...a good "muscle head" gym...
and another thing..dropping weights??? I was always taught...to never never ever drop a weight...that's laziness...

my old coach used to say.."DON'T DROP THAT WEIGHT!....IT DIDN'T DO ANYTHING TO YOU..."...

my $.02 :FF:

[Matt Schumann]

This really strikes a nerve with me...... i started lifting when i was about 13 and now im 21 almost 22 and this has come up a bunch of times through out the years.... At the local YMCA where i started out lifting they use to yell at you if you dropped weights on the floor. and that is understandable if you are being one of those itiots that do it on purpose for show, but i remember doing db presses with 100's to failure and obviosly i couldnt control the weight down to the floor and it made a a bit of a bang.... and of course they came out yelling.... there should be some type of understanding about these things.... Is it really worth hurting yourself trying to control the weight down to the floor so that there isnt any type of bang?

Since, i have worked at that Y and i have also worked at the other gym i go too... and all of them want to get rid of the hardcore weight lifters because there is no money in it... Most of the ppl who lift heavy are blue collar ppl that are not exactly rich. Thats why the dumbell weights are increasingly getting smaller etc.....

[Jared Enderton]

holy cow.. Even halfway through the article, I was still thinking it was a joke... I was thinking that someone on here made an article, and was going to be like, wouldn't that be funny if that was true! or something like that haha... but wow I have never heard of anything like that... But, then again, I am from Iowa, and have never even SEEN a Gold's Gym... Still shocking to me.

[Kevin McNease]

holy cow.. Even halfway through the article, I was still thinking it was a joke... I was thinking that someone on here made an article, and was going to be like, wouldn't that be funny if that was true! or something like that haha... but wow I have never heard of anything like that... But, then again, I am from Iowa, and have never even SEEN a Gold's Gym... Still shocking to me.

On the way to my house in IL from STL you can see a Gold's Gym off the highway. It's freaking HUGE! As big as a Super Wal-Mart, 2 stories high. It has an American Eagle, Cheesecake Factory, Build a Bear....f'n huge! Its been there for about 2 years and has roughly 10000 members in a city that only has 7000 people...I've never thought about going in there.

Kevin

Okay, no cheesecake factory and such, but still f'n huge!

[Wes Peart]

This is exactly why I work out at home :BB:

[Paul Savage]

They should just blast some heavy metal extremely loud that way you won't be able to hear anyone grunt! :)
good call!

[Brett Tucek]

Barry, thanks for expounding on the point I was trying to make.

i would feel sorry for the s.o.b that told me i could not grunt or what i could wear. I do hope you were joking when you said that you questioned both the intelligence and the sanity of anyone who thinks this guy had some kid of privilage to grunt. He does and there are young men and women that are dying every day to keep that a privilage. So i will grunt, snort, scream and wear my red, white,and blue dew-rage and if it ticks some off "TO BAD" deal with it.

Rod:

My comments were not in jest. Read my post again, then read Barry's post. I'm not going to bother restating (or clarifying) my opinion. I hope your post wasn't meant to be taken seriously.

[Ian Duggan]

I don't see the problem with this either. Sounds like the guy that was thrown out was being a complete moron actually. This isn't a matter of freedoms or civil liberties, it's a case of being considerate and respectful of your surroundings.

There are just some gyms that you can't scream and drop weights and shout in. If that's your thing, either find one that lets you do that or workout at home. Don't try and force your way of working out on everybody else.

[Kevin Klavetter]

That really makes me appreciate my home garage gym. I will be tempted to use the facility they are building here as the employee fitness facility. Covers an entire city block and includes two pools, hot tubs, saunas, running track, the usual aerobics rooms, treadmill, weight machines ect. The cool part is the over 1/4 of the first floor is for the free weight area. Plus in the current small facility they don't discriminate against power lifters and dropping weights (as long as you don't get crazy and endanger anyone). I have include a picture of it under construction.

[Matt Meinrod]

I just don't get the point of the rules. How does somebody lifting heavy which might cause dropping of weights or grunting mid set effect the people around him working out? Before I was the biggest guy in the gym I always looked up to the big dudes for motivation - even from day 1 of lifting.

Sure rules are rules and if you don't like them go somewhere else to lift, but how is wearing certain clothes or grunting or dropping weights hurting the other patrons?

As long as a rule never appears that says "women with fake breasts are not permitted" then I can generally keep my mouth shut.

[Matt Schumann]

one of the main reasons i started buying my own equipment is the fact that all of the gyms these days are becoming softer and softer. Soon enough they are going to become so soft that no one with our interest are going to want to train..

A few years back i found this gym in Revere Mass... It was this gym that was in a old wearhouse looking building in the middle of a bunch of truck companies ... Joe's gym...

The gym was like a strongman, powerlifter body builder heaven..... A few 100 pound plates DB's that went over 150 , they had a log (which i bought) farmers (which i bought) nd a yoke (which i didnt use and i didnt buy) along with alot of other hardcore equipment...

With-in a year it was bought out and turned into sometype of personal training facility last time i heard

[Mike Landrich]

Grunting and the dropping of weights are fine in most gyms, in moderation. I sometimes grunt on really heavy movements, and I dropped a 240 log the other day (I just lost control as I lowered it back to my chest). But there are some morons, which this guy may or may not be, who do this crap excessively, just to draw attention to themselves. I used to workout at the same time as this little puke BB'er who grunted loudly while warming up. This little douche-bag grunting while curling 20 lb dumbells could've ruined it for real lifters. A couple of other Einsteins have dropped the heavy DBs so often that some of them are permanently bent.

Besides, this guy said something that I found interesting, he believed his job as a Corrections Officer excused his actions. I know a lot of NYS COs, most are great guys, but some have a real chip on their shoulders. This comment sort of lends itself to him being one of the latter.

I lived a little bit south of Wappingers Falls on 2 different occasions (Vails Gate and Ossining) and I found hardcore gyms within a reasonable distance both times. If you go to a "Fitness Center" or "Health Club" that caters to people just trying to get in shape and act like a powerlifter you are no better than the guy or girl doing 100 rep sets of curls in the power rack at the hardcore gym. Find a gym in which your personality will fit.

[Matt Schumann]

I love the guys who just grunt on every rep even if its really light.. or deadlift a really small weight and slam the weights down to the floor on every rep on purpose

[Dan Harrison]

I rarely grunt during the actual lift, but before a big squat or overhead, I will usually make some guttural viking grunts to psyche myself up and to get ready for max effort lifting...it helps me clear my head. After a big shot of nose tork, I make some noise (understatement), but I go to a big L.A. Fitness and the staff gets a kick outta me being a competitive strongman and stuff and I've never been told not to do something there. It's a pretty big gym too, so it's not like the squat rack is right next to where the gym bunnies do their cable crossovers.

[rod johnson]

Barry, thanks for expounding on the point I was trying to make.



Rod:

My comments were not in jest. Read my post again, then read Barry's post. I'm not going to bother restating (or clarifying) my opinion. I hope your post wasn't meant to be taken seriously.

Brett, I understand where you and Barry are coming from and yes rules are rules and i don't have a problem with rules if they are valid or ligite but, no grunting or dew rages. give me a break. our opinions are different and thats ok. i was serious, grunting and wearing certain clothes is the right of every American. I can understand the no dropping the weights but some times a person just can help it and they do get dropped. But like Matt Meinrod said "how is wearing certain clothes or grunting or dropping weights hurting the other patrons". I'm sorry if i upset any one but we all have our own opinion and we all have the right to agree to disagree. once agian i'm sorry to have upset any one.

[Mike Landrich]

we all have the right to agree to disagree. once agian i'm sorry to have upset any one.

You are absolutely right about being able to disagree, so don't apologize for upsetting anyone. If they're that easily offended, maybe they should take up knitting. I doubt there are many objectionable knitting forums.

[Pete Berg]

I can understand if they don't want you wearing colors that have been a source of gang problems in the gym but gunting if you don't get rid of the pressure through your mouth then it has to come out another hole and I'm sure they will really not like that if your protein positive.

[Brett Tucek]

Brett, I understand where you and Barry are coming from and yes rules are rules and i don't have a problem with rules if they are valid or ligite but, no grunting or dew rages. give me a break. our opinions are different and thats ok. i was serious, grunting and wearing certain clothes is the right of every American. I can understand the no dropping the weights but some times a person just can help it and they do get dropped. But like Matt Meinrod said "how is wearing certain clothes or grunting or dropping weights hurting the other patrons". I'm sorry if i upset any one but we all have our own opinion and we all have the right to agree to disagree. once agian i'm sorry to have upset any one.

You haven't upset me in the least.

This isn't a matter of opinion, and you don't understand where Barry and I are coming from (if I may be so bold as to speak for him).

Nor is this argument about the rules of the gym. Believe it or not, I don't agree with them. I wouldn't join a gym that enforced such rules, and therein lies the heart of the issue.

While I wouldn't join such a faggoty gym in the first place, you would join and march in the next day with a red, white, and blue dew rag pulled over your head, strut on over to the squat rack, and start screaming like a banshee...with warm-up weights. When asked by the staff to (and I'm sure they'd word it more eloquently) quit acting like an asshat, you'd...fight them?

This is beyond moronic. This is not your right as an American. In fact, seeing as the place you joined is a private club and they've specifically prohibited such asinine behavior, this is not your right at all.

I hope that this post makes more sense to you than the other two, now that I've tediously spelled it out for you.

[NickBrugal]

Brett you have just moved up the ladder of Strongmen that I find to be awsome! Not that you care.

[Scott Porter]

Today the gym brought me over some 3/4" mats to deadlift on since yesterday my training parnter was making too much noise deadlifting.

Pretty cool.

[jon hergert]

I joined a gym once virtually identical to the one described in the article. Paid a $300 membership, asked about deadlifting and was told it wasn't allowed but i didn't think the manager was seriously going to enforce it.

Was doing overhead rack lockouts on the most overbuilt, heavy duty power rack i have ever seen. Manager told me i was making too much noise because she could hear the thuds from the front desk and i was actually trying to be quiet.

Thought about it for a couple of minutes, got my refund, never went back. Gym had really terrible elevator type music, no hot babes, and apparantly no decent workouts. Less entertaining than watching CSPAN in Chinese. Can't say it had any redeeming qualities whatsoever yet amazingly, people pay money to go there. :BB:

[Chris Harris]

Let me say this first. I understand all the arguments so far. And I agree with most of the points of view. I see this gyms point since they posted the rules clearly and I see the offenders point of "who does it affect".

I think the problem I have is what is going on across the nation. I think the actual problem is the buyout of the smaller gyms by the larger fitness centers. Here in Tulsa a medium size center (Gym A) was purchased by a larger gym (Gym B). The members of the Gym A just showed up to thier gym one day and were told by a sign on the window that thier membership had been bought by Gym B and they would have to drive down the road to it.

Once there they were told they couldnt get out of the contract unless they paid a massive penalty. And there were new restrictions on how they lifted. These restrictions sounded alot like "NO GRUNTING, NO DEADLIFTS..."

So I guess what I am getting at is that these people were moved like pawns to another gym without the option to get out of the contract. I know this buying and selling of contracts is becoming common but what if you dont have the money or room to buy your own equipment at the time and and now you have to drive an extra 6 miles to work out. Once you get there you accidentally grunt and are kicked out of the gym. I dont know this but I can imagine there are multiple fees for getting kicked out also.

Its just a bad situation all around.

Chris

[Liz Cawley]

A few years back i found this gym in Revere Mass... It was this gym that was in a old wearhouse looking building in the middle of a bunch of truck companies ... Joe's gym...

The gym was like a strongman, powerlifter body builder heaven..... A few 100 pound plates DB's that went over 150 , they had a log (which i bought) farmers (which i bought) nd a yoke (which i didnt use and i didnt buy) along with alot of other hardcore equipment...

With-in a year it was bought out and turned into sometype of personal training facility last time i heard

That is the problem with most gyms now-a-days. The big corporate kind of gyms make much more then the small, serious weightlifter gyms. I am lucky there is a serious, small, grunting-alloweed gym by me. It used to be my goal to open up a serious gym for people that REALLY DO come to the gym to train, but I soon found that it is soooo expensive to do this and with a small gym comes a lot of liability and possible law suit. It is like a no-win situation!

[Barry Perkins]

Brett, I understand where you and Barry are coming from and yes rules are rules and i don't have a problem with rules if they are valid or ligite but, no grunting or dew rages. give me a break. our opinions are different and thats ok. i was serious, grunting and wearing certain clothes is the right of every American. I can understand the no dropping the weights but some times a person just can help it and they do get dropped. But like Matt Meinrod said "how is wearing certain clothes or grunting or dropping weights hurting the other patrons". I'm sorry if i upset any one but we all have our own opinion and we all have the right to agree to disagree. once agian i'm sorry to have upset any one.

Yeh Rod...don't apologize...we all know you are a good guy..and you just wanted to express your opinion..no problem brah!...

when I go to a gym..I try to be as inconspicuous as possible..(i know I butchered that spelling)
I just don't want to make other people feel uncomfortable....cuz they are at least in the gym trying to better themselves...

[Barry Perkins]

Brett you have just moved up the ladder of Strongmen that I find to be awsome! Not that you care.

you have such tiny lil' arms..in that picture ..the avatar thingy...



:D: :BB:

[rod johnson]

Brett,

i agree i would not joint such a gym. bottom line is this. These people all ready had memberships with them and a new owner comes in and changes all the rules to fit his needs. The gym i belong to consists of 60% cops and we run the show because we built it and the city owns it. basic rules: rack your weights, try not to drop them use a spotter that sort of stuff As far as the point of it being your right to argue, well i can tell you just don't get it. and i'm done with this post enough been said.

thanks for the good discussion though. No hard feeling i hope. I feel we all can get into these types of dicussions and still be a close group.

[James Whisman]

I joined a chain gym recently b/c it was only $36 a month and thought a change of scenery could do me some good. Still go to the garage some too. A few weeks ago I was DLing. I keep my shoes on between sets but slip them off for the lift and right back on after the lift. The gym manager came up and asked me to keep my shoes on while I squated b/c they were concerned I would hurt my feet. I told her I always wear shoes when I squat and walked away.

To vent on something that has been bothering me on a similar topic. I actually applied for the job of the manager that doesn't know the difference between squating and DLing and was passed over. These corporate gyms also don't highly trained/educated trainers, b/c as said before it's all about the $$$. I recently heard the head trainer say he hopes to finish his degree soon so he can get certified. You need a state licence to cut someones hair, but anyone can get hired as a personal trainer. Which has the greater potiential of doing permanit damage? (Please don't take this as bragging, it is only to make my point) I have a BS in Exercise Science, a MS in Human Performance and hold two professional certifications (CSCS and HFI), I have taught at the college level, trained collegiate and professional athletes, managed fitness and recreation facilities and the local corporate gym won't give me an interview as a manager b/c they know they would cost them more to hire more qualified canidates.

[Garrick Daft]

I think that, at least in Ohio, personal trainer certificates are just that...certificates. It is illegal to prescribe an exercise routine with a "certificate". You need to be "licensed" by the medical board of Ohio in a field that is allowed to prescribe an exercise routine or have a degree I believe. It is hard to enforce the law on the personal trainers though....bigger fish to fry mentality.
Heck anyone can print out a "certificate" and call themselves a personal trainer....so next time you go to one of these gyms remind the multi-certified and well qualified personal trainer what his position is....nothing, and also remind all the members.
You can't get kicked out for talking sense......hopefully!!

[Paul F.X. Armstrong]

-my wife has a gym--
set up to serve the general population and/or 'average'lifters-which is 95% of our business--
there is lots of cardio--lots of fancy-(a nice shade of seafoam blue :p )-cybex/ icarian/flex/life fitness/bodymasters--selectorized/cable equipment--
-but we also have dumbells that go up to a pair of 210's-(sold the 220's)-a log---a super deadlift bar with a 2100lb capacity-scroll down this is our bar (www.prowriststraps.com/deadlift_dead_lift_john_beatty) -seated row machines and lat machine with 400lb stacks--800lb stack calf machine--power cages-same leg press they have in the metroflex/ronnie coleman vids-plus a few other leg machines-9 tons free weights--21 pieces of HAMMER STRENGTH-indoor running track that has a nice 40 yard straight away for sprints-(which are allowed)--etc. etc.--but if you break a rule-?--'general population/average lifter' or 'above average lifter'-you are gone-
my rules are not the same as those mentioned in the article but in order to keep the general 'population/average'patron happy we do ask all members to not drop their weights --and to keep the guttural noises to a minimum-and to wipe up your own sweat----if someone breaks a rule-after 1 warning--they are gone-

-a gym is usually private property--any owner of any establishment/private property can make their own rules and enforce those rules on their own private property-
-actually--to the best of my understanding you can ask someone to leave your property without giving a reason--"sorry we choose not to do business with you--please leave"--

one thing i have observed with some athletes/heavy lifters is that they often seem to feel the rules do not apply to them-?-
so many athletes today carry this attitude of entitlement-expecting special priveleges-
-for those with this belief of being special----please remember that God made us all and that we all put our pants on -one leg at a time-- :)
also-not to anyone on the forum-but it is is more than likely--that you aren't as strong--or as impressive--as you may think you are :T:
also some noises can be avoided-?-the kid that flat presses the 210 pounders doesn't make a sound---

-i've asked members to leave my wifes facility-or taken away their membership--and later had their lawyers challenge my decision to expell them----
-- they didn't get anywhere with it--
unless a patron or member is of a federally protected class-such as disabled-- and as long as you don't base your decision to 'refuse service' based on race/color/religion/or country of origin you can pretty much refuse service to anyone on private property--for just about any reason-at any time--

[NickBrugal]

you have such tiny lil' arms..in that picture ..the avatar thingy...



:D: :BB:
The last guy that made fun of tiny arms now eats his food through a tube!!!

[Jason Oyler]

[QUOTE=There are just some gyms that you can't scream and drop weights and shout in. If that's your thing, either find one that lets you do that or workout at home. Don't try and force your way of working out on everybody else.[/QUOTE]

Seems like they were trying to force their way of working out on him! But Rules are rules and I would never join a gym like that. I thank God everyday that I have a two car garage to myself full of weights and a stero that only plays hardcore loud a$$ music!

[Dan Harrison]

-my wife has a gym--
set up to serve the general population and/or 'average'lifters-which is 95% of our business--
there is lots of cardio--lots of fancy-(a nice shade of seafoam blue :p )-cybex/ icarian/flex/life fitness/bodymasters--selectorized/cable equipment--
-but we also have dumbells that go up to a pair of 210's-(sold the 220's)-a log---a super deadlift bar with a 2100lb capacity-scroll down this is our bar (www.prowriststraps.com/deadlift_dead_lift_john_beatty) -seated row machines and lat machine with 400lb stacks--800lb stack calf machine--power cages-same leg press they have in the metroflex/ronnie coleman vids-plus a few other leg machines-9 tons free weights--21 pieces of HAMMER STRENGTH-indoor running track that has a nice 40 yard straight away for sprints-(which are allowed)--etc. etc.--but if you break a rule-?--'general population/average lifter' or 'above average lifter'-you are gone-
my rules are not the same as those mentioned in the article but in order to keep the general 'population/average'patron happy we do ask all members to not drop their weights --and to keep the guttural noises to a minimum-and to wipe up your own sweat----if someone breaks a rule-after 1 warning--they are gone-

-a gym is usually private property--any owner of any establishment/private property can make their own rules and enforce those rules on their own private property-
-actually--to the best of my understanding you can ask someone to leave your property without giving a reason--"sorry we choose not to do business with you--please leave"--

one thing i have observed with some athletes/heavy lifters is that they often seem to feel the rules do not apply to them-?-
so many athletes today carry this attitude of entitlement-expecting special priveleges-
-for those with this belief of being special----please remember that God made us all and that we all put our pants on -one leg at a time-- :)
also-not to anyone on the forum-but it is is more than likely--that you aren't as strong--or as impressive--as you may think you are :T:
also some noises can be avoided-?-the kid that flat presses the 210 pounders doesn't make a sound---

-i've asked members to leave my wifes facility-or taken away their membership--and later had their lawyers challenge my decision to expell them----
-- they didn't get anywhere with it--
unless a patron or member is of a federally protected class-such as disabled-- and as long as you don't base your decision to 'refuse service' based on race/color/religion/or country of origin you can pretty much refuse service to anyone on private property--for just about any reason-at any time--


Paul, I am gonna find out where you live, sneak in at 2am and STEAL YOUR HYPHEN KEY!!! HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!! :BB:

[Brandon Campbell]

The pure fitness kevin and I go to is pretty understanding of what we do, They understand that when he deadlifts 800 lbs no matter how softly he puts it down its going go BOOM. I hear the pure fitness scott and the others go to up in north PHX is pretty good too.

But we also dont go in there being obnoxius and screaming and yelling and stuff when we lift. Now and then we let out a grunt, scream, or in kevins case a loud curse word when 800+ deadlifts dont get locked out lol. We usually say sorry for it and go on our way. Also being nice to all the members of the gym you work out in is something we all should strive for. Even the ones that are complete douchbags.

That way when you do mess up or make a mistake, they laugh isntead of goin to the front desk to snitch on ya like little bobby in the 2nd grade for brownie points :LOL:

[Mike Landrich]

unless a patron or member is of a federally protected class-such as disabled-- and as long as you don't base your decision to 'refuse service' based on race/color/religion/or country of origin you can pretty much refuse service to anyone on private property--for just about any reason-at any time--

Last I knew federally protected classes were pretty much all non-Caucasians, Vietnam era veterans, those with a disbaility or who might be perceived as having a disability, and all Women, regardless of race. Add in religion and country of origin and you pretty much have everyone.

[Barry Perkins]

The last guy that made fun of tiny arms now eats his food through a tube!!!

yeh...I just think your tiny lil' arms...are great for giving hugs...

come here you lil' thing and give me a big ole hug! LOL.... :FF:

the reality is...I am just a jealous whore...cuz those tiny lil' (what appear to be 21" guns) rep'd that log at nationals for 12!! :disgust:

you are a freak lil' nicky...a freak....just wishin I could press like you...call me a hater..

awesome job at nationals... :KD:

[Paul F.X. Armstrong]

Last I knew federally protected classes were pretty much all non-Caucasians, Vietnam era veterans, those with a disbaility or who might be perceived as having a disability, and all Women, regardless of race. Add in religion and country of origin and you pretty much have everyone.

You are correct.I should have clarified that I was loosely paraphrasing information relayed to me about a protected class.
My wife's attorney told me:"you can ask anyone to leave-for just about any reason or no reason at all, because it is privately owned property" Then added:" "unless they are in a federally protected class as in disabled"-- "don't get into it with a person that has a disability you'll have an ADA rep up your a#@".
"don't ever use race,color,religion,or country of origin as a reason for anyone that is expelled and you'll be ok"
The quotes are closer to what he said.
His summary was more of a cautionary tale.

My post ,in regards to what is considered a protected class ,was somewhat misleading and incorrect.
I will also add that I am not an attorney and not giving legal advice....just relaying some hands on experience and information.

EDITED-somewhat-For Dan-----

[Paul F.X. Armstrong]

The pure fitness kevin and I go to is pretty understanding of what we do, They understand that when he deadlifts 800 lbs no matter how softly he puts it down its going go BOOM. I hear the pure fitness scott and the others go to up in north PHX is pretty good too.

But we also dont go in there being obnoxius and screaming and yelling and stuff when we lift. Now and then we let out a grunt, scream, or in kevins case a loud curse word when 800+ deadlifts dont get locked out lol. We usually say sorry for it and go on our way. Also being nice to all the members of the gym you work out in is something we all should strive for. Even the ones that are complete douchbags.

That way when you do mess up or make a mistake, they laugh isntead of goin to the front desk to snitch on ya like little bobby in the 2nd grade for brownie points :LOL:

Occasional loud booms are OK at our gym also.

An apology goes a long way.

Being nice-in the gym and out in public- is good Public relations for the sport of strongman. :cool:

EDITED-somewhat-for Dan----

[Dan Harrison]

hahahahaahh You rock Paul, I was just messin with ya! hahahaha

[Patrick McGuffin]

EDITED-somewhat-For Dan-----

Hahahah nice

[Brett Tucek]

Brett,

i agree i would not joint such a gym. bottom line is this. These people all ready had memberships with them and a new owner comes in and changes all the rules to fit his needs. The gym i belong to consists of 60% cops and we run the show because we built it and the city owns it. basic rules: rack your weights, try not to drop them use a spotter that sort of stuff As far as the point of it being your right to argue, well i can tell you just don't get it. and i'm done with this post enough been said.

thanks for the good discussion though. No hard feeling i hope. I feel we all can get into these types of dicussions and still be a close group.

Rod,

First off, I harbor no feelings of animosity toward you whatsoever. I enjoyed this discussion as much (or likely more) than you did. It sounds like you have a decent gym; good for you.

"These people all ready had memberships with them and a new owner comes in and changes all the rules to fit his needs...As far as the point of it being your right to argue, well i can tell you just don't get it."

I'll assume you meant to say something along the lines of: "These people already had memberships with them and a new owner comes in and changes all the rules to fit his needs...It's their right to argue, and I can tell you just don't get that."

You're absolutely right that it's their right to argue. It's also their right to cancel their contract and get (at least) a partial refund.

Yet...you failed to mention that you would argue this in any civilized manner. In fact, when you said, "I would feel sorry for the s.o.b that told me i could not grunt or what i could wear...So i will grunt, snort, scream and wear my red, white,and blue dew-rage and if it ticks some off "TO BAD" deal with it.", you implied - nay, you outright stated - that your way of handling this would be at best barbaric, and at worst violent.

Most people older than twelve (and I'm being generous with that number) realize that an argument does not involve a full-body seizure-like movement, with kicking feet, wildly flailing arms, and deafening screams.

Rod, I "get it". I "get" arguing very well. I "get" that sometimes if you don't argue, you'll end up being a doormat for the assholes of society. If there's one thing I don't "get", it's your idea of an argument. Simply put: childish antics are not a valid method of arguing.

If you're finished this thread, then I am as well.

I stand by my original statement: "I question both the intelligence and the sanity of anyone who thinks this guy had some kind of privilege that allowed him to grunt in a "no grunting" gym."

[Barry Perkins]

How do you expect us to "get" it...or even take you serious...
with an avatar like that?..I ask
I mean..YOUR GREEN...and..sitting on a TOILET! ..come on!

It'd be different if you had a better avatar picture thingy...like mine or something..
a pic that was a little more serious...

:BB:
:LOL:

gawd bless you guys...!

[Brett Tucek]

How do you expect us to "get" it...or even take you serious...
with an avatar like that?..I ask
I mean..YOUR GREEN...and..sitting on a TOILET! ..come on!

It'd be different if you had a better avatar picture thingy...like mine or something..
a pic that was a little more serious...

:BB:
:LOL:

gawd bless you guys...!

I think that if you look a little closer you'll find that that toilet is in the middle of a parking lot. And that I have Shrek ears.

Hopefully now you can take me seriously. Remember: Green people are people too.

=P

[Barry Perkins]

great photoshop skillz..by the way...

[ADAMBAUER]

lets see. the sign says NO GRUNTING OR SCREAMING and it also says NO BANDANAS OR DEW RAGES. What is that place a "gym for wimps" To grow you MUST grunt and scream. NO Dew rages or bandana's "lets get real people" They say they are creating a atmosphere that is not intemidating. If they people that work out at this gym are intimidated by others maybe they should start grunting and lifting some more heavy a$$ weights and the wouldn't be intimidated. Al should go get all the big boy's and hold a strongman comp. in the parking lot of Planet wuss. "enough said"
Could you see the look on the gym manager s face when 50 "lunkheads" show up lifting and grunting and who knows flipping her car over? :M:

[Arnell Castillo]

thank God I go to a gym where they're cool with grunting(downtown YMCA). actually they all get a kick out of it ,they encourage grunting. anyway rules are rules, but that would piss me of a bit.

[JEFF VANCO]

Guys and gals, save your pennies and buy a Power Rack and weights and train at home. It's not expensive, you don't need much more than a bedroom's worth of space, and best of all it's FITNESS GEEK FREE!!!!!!!!

[jay lyttle]

i was asked to try to quiet down while squatting in a bally's gym because i was scaring the aerobics class! true story.
canceled my membership that day [it took months,i signed a contract] went and bought a squat rack and little by little added more equipment and now have my own gym in my garage where grunting is a must, whether your working out or just hanging out drinking beers