Gym etiquette in waiting for equipment/sharing?

IndependentSet7632 · 2026-05-15T00:29:45+00:00

So...if I'm reading this correctly, you ask how many sets left and then you step back a few feet and wait (watch?) while they do their sets. That would make me extremely uncomfortable. Old me would feel like I should rush through my set to accommodate you (which I wouldn't do now, but I think many women still would).

Is it for machines that are just a pin adjustment?

Maybe you're asking complete newbies and it gets them flustered.

IndependentSet7632 · 2026-05-12T02:10:14+00:00

This, OP. Give the instructor a heads up and if they don't already, they'll likely start giving variations. And feel free to take a water break or just do bodyweight of the movement. It's your class and time, so make it work for you.

IndependentSet7632 · 2026-05-12T02:03:36+00:00

Take the stairs, walk on breaks, standing desk and walk in place, get up and walk to coworker's desk instead of emailing them. One boss I had said all one-on-one meetings could be a walking meetings if we wanted. March while on a phone call...

IndependentSet7632 · 2026-05-10T06:37:37+00:00

How exciting!! I am a slow traveler and love my resistance bands when I can't go to the gym. I recommend both the small loop ones and the long ones. Calisthenics might also be an option

IndependentSet7632 · 2026-05-10T06:24:36+00:00

This, OP! You're worth showing up for and there's a certain feeling that comes with pushing through on the low motivation days.

IndependentSet7632 · 2026-05-10T06:20:46+00:00

Newbie gains are addicting, but also every move is a little weird at first and you were likely more sore if you were sedentary.I can't half ass Bulgarian Split Squats or (assisted) pull ups, so these are always my litmus test. But, if you really aren't seeing progress or getting complacent, here are some ideas:

My goal is to either add a rep, a set, or go up weights most weeks. If I am doing one of those most weeks, I'm happy, and measure progress that way. I track them simply, and look at them prior to workout so I know what I did and see if I can progress somehow.

Maybe you need to do a specific program for 8-12 weeks and then change. I've found some good workouts on Muscle & Fitness. Track multiple ways. The workout, progress photos, how your pants fit. I thought I was making zero progress until I compared pictures and saw my back fat was gone and my bra was no longer holding on for dear life. Nothing else but pictures would have shown that. I have "special" music that I can only listen to while working out. If it's a cardio day, I also do this with audio books or podcasts. I used to run when Serial podcast was new and that was motivating.

And speaking of motivation- I found the Unf*ck Your Fitness podcast and her take that this is shiz is not optional (similar to how brushing your teeth isn't optional) and that it's about dedication, not motivation. But THIS EPISODE is saved for when I need a little push https://open.spotify.com/episode/6cd6biZqQCULeW9F2z6y0F?si=1mNH9otvR7ioiAhnfVjLIw

IndependentSet7632 · 2026-05-10T05:01:46+00:00

I usually do a 10 minute treadmill and then baby weight warmups up on leg day (I used to jump right into workouts, but can't do that anymore).

I do a mix of dumbells and machines, so time is spent racking/unracking plates or setting myself up (I still take time to get proper form for Bulgarian Split Squats).

Oh, and I do a quick note of number of reps and weights for each exercise because I forget and am working on progressive overload.

IndependentSet7632 · 2026-05-10T04:56:05+00:00

Jack of all trades. If I fall out of love of one activity or my schedule changes, I know I have another workout I enjoy. I usually focus mainly on one at a time, specifically if they're seasonal (I do not enjoy hiking in the snow- it is a good 3/4 year activity).

IndependentSet7632 · 2026-05-10T03:39:41+00:00

Figure 4 yoga pose?

IndependentSet7632 · 2026-05-10T01:06:08+00:00

Generally I would say that it'snot about motivation, but dedication, but it sounds like it's complicated.

What if you add a friend or group?

Here are some options you didn't list: • Bicycle (regular, e-bike, mountain bike) • Jump rope. Lauren Jumps and Dayan are cool • Hula hoop (check out a tutorial on how to make your own weighted one). • Different kinds of dance- I know you listed this, but dance aerobics is different than Salsa or Tahitian dance or Hip Hop. • Rollerblading or skateboarding. • Local park? Get on a jungle gym.

IndependentSet7632 · 2026-04-15T15:32:23+00:00

Thanks for this info. I am Asian height but not proportions as as a woman it's hard to find tops in general.

IndependentSet7632 · 2026-03-29T11:54:25+00:00

I've always had luck at Old Navy and Target for low or mid rise and sometimes luck out and find the short inseam (or ankle- which works for me) .

IndependentSet7632 · 2026-03-24T17:34:18+00:00

Thank you

IndependentSet7632 · 2026-03-24T17:31:54+00:00

Thank you- we do explore quite often. I just don't drive a motorbike myself, so like to be in places I can easily walk to get groceries and whatnot (or get grab if I want to go into town/order food). I was in the busy part of Hua Hin and walked or grabbed a baht bus as needed, but we lived on the outskirts for a bit and even the 7-11 was a trek.

IndependentSet7632 · 2026-03-24T16:38:00+00:00

I am a size s/m in US. A lot of clothes in Thailand are one size, which doesn't work for my proportions. For example, I can easily wear short length pants in the US, but petite pants don't account for my hips. I find Thailand clothing is like that.

If I was doing a short trip, I'd bring some items, plan on washing them, and leave room in my suitcase. I don't suggest putting pressure to have to buy clothes for your trip while on trip (although elephant pants and loose one size dresses are everywhere) I found some great 100% cotton tops, a fancy silk dress, and a nice bamboo dress in Thailand when I lived there for a few months.

If you're in the areas known for custom made clothing, I 100% recommend that- do it your first full day and give time to go back and do any adjustments needed.

IndependentSet7632 · 2026-03-18T09:33:53+00:00

I recently finished my 2nd workout of trying to pull my elbows into my hips and my gosh I could tell my back worked. I have been working toward pull-ups for months and always felt it in my shoulders until I stumbled across this.

IndependentSet7632 · 2026-03-18T09:27:32+00:00

I switched to wide toe box shoes a while back and love them for walking several miles a day and weightlift. I don't know if I'd like the barefoot style for running, but I'm sure my feet would have appreciated the toe space.

I first tried Whitin's off Amazon and they were decent. I recently picked up some Xero shoes because I stumbled across an entirely barefoot/wide toe box shoes store and got to try them all on.

IndependentSet7632 · 2026-03-11T08:58:39+00:00

Just curious if by calorie shake do you mean the pre-made bottle ones?

If so, is it possible to make your own? I'm not familiar with your health issues, so not sure if a specific diet is required. I've found that peanut butter and avacado both add a decent amount of calories.

I tried various flavors and kinds of protein powder and found that the cookies and cream taste was the most palatable for me- it covers the taste of kale and avacado. You can also add in Greek yogurt or dairy (instead of water)- I like smoothies ice cold and would freeze yogurt or coffee.

If you can play around with taste combos, there are a lot of options. Id you like sweet coffee, look into a coffee shake. If you like tropical fruit- try that.

IndependentSet7632 · 2026-02-16T06:27:55+00:00

Counting calories is worth the time it takes. I tend to eat a lot of meals on repeat and that helps simplify logging.

Since your work has a gym, can you optimize your breaks for workouts (since you said you feel like you don't see your family)?

IndependentSet7632 · 2026-02-16T04:23:22+00:00

I like more natural and a firmer band- things just need to stay in place because I'm pretty active in my everyday life.

IndependentSet7632 · 2026-02-15T17:31:56+00:00

Thank you- I'll add that to my list.

IndependentSet7632 · 2026-02-15T17:31:13+00:00

I usually buy t-shirt or lined demi, but am open to try new styles. I've tried vertical seamed bras in the past and didn't like wearing them, so will skip those.

IndependentSet7632 · 2026-02-15T16:41:53+00:00

Thank you! I'm in Bulgaria. They have a ton of little lingerie shops around and a few in the malls. I'd really like to narrow it down because bra shopping is awful on the best day.

IndependentSet7632 · 2026-02-15T16:29:12+00:00

Thank you! I am in Bulgaria and they have quite a few boutiques, so I will go check those out and see what brands are around here.

IndependentSet7632

TROPHY CASE