Weightlifting Annoyances

After eight years of avoiding lifting for fear of re-injuring my back, I'm at it again, and I do love it so. This time I'm focusing on the number of repetitions rather than the amount of weight; there's no need for me to max out at 375 lbs. on the flat bench anymore, as I already climbed that mountaintop and have nothing more to prove. But my muscles have good memory from all the lifting I did before the injury (twelve years' worth), so much so that it's been incredibly easy to get back into this. Better yet, it's a lot more fun than swimming.

There is a downside, of course, and it has to do with the annoying habits of other people in the weight room. In no particular order, I can do without the following:

• People who walk in front of me when I'm obviously using the mirror for a routine.

• People who lift far more weight than they are capable of, relying on the constant assistance of spotters (who are supposed to be there only just in case).

• On a related note, people who cheat at their exercises, such as by jerking up their knees for pull-ups or severely arching their backs for the bench. You're not doing yourself any favors, and you look silly.

• People who monopolize multiple pieces of equipment rather than simply use one at a time.

• Shouters, unless they are practicing for an Olympic snatch or clean-and-jerk.

• People who don't wipe down equipment after using it and leave it dappled with sweat or mysterious grease stains.

• People who smell as if they haven't showered for a month.

• People who act as though they're in a singles bar.

• People who monopolize the water fountain to fill their gallon-sized jugs.

• People who use lockers without using a lock. It's deceptive because I can't tell where an uncrowded spot is, and it creates an incentive for theft (which I'm sure these same people will complain of whenever it happens).