Gym Calls Police On Weightlifter Who 'Grunted'

[Gozgals]

Gym Calls Police On Weightlifter Who 'Grunted'

Man Made Noise While Lifting 500 Pounds

http://www.ktvu.com/news/10232266/detail.htmlPOSTED: 4:48 am PST November 3, 2006


<!--startindex-->ALBANY, N.Y. -- You could forgive a guy for grunting while lifting 500 pounds -- unless you're the owners of a place called Planet Fitness (http://www.planetfitness.com/wappingersfalls/?s=1042&c=10059&x=0).


It turns out that grunting isn't allowed in their universe.


Corrections officer Albert Argibay learned that the hard way this week. He was hoisting 500 pounds on a machine at the Wappingers Falls, N.Y., gym when the manager said he grunted -- in violation of the Planet Fitness rules.


Argibay said whether or not he grunted is "open to interpretation." What's crystal clear is that police were called to escort him out after the manager came over and there was an argument.


The gym said they don't allow grunting because it conflicts with the non-intimidating atmosphere they strive for.


The gym, which refers to itself as the judge-free zone, has the following statement on its Web site: See rest on link.*

I find this truly amazing and a waste of Police manpower.:eek: I say he should have gotten the whole gym to grunt.:)

Gozgals

[2sisters]

So police escorted him out for grunting? Can you say waste of tax dollars?

[CyberLaw]

The Police were called after he was involved in an arguement with the Manager. How else was the manager going to get him to leave.

[Gozgals]

The Police were called after he was involved in an arguement with the Manager. How else was the manager going to get him to leave.
Gee, but of course your correct, but I tell you how I would have gotten him to leave. Maybe the candy azz manager should have lifted him over his head and not Grunted or made a noise.

Bet you the police are called alot by this establishment.

Quote: "Corrections officer Albert Argibay learned that the hard way this week. He was hoisting 500 pounds on a machine ."

Wonder if in their policies after one hoists 500lbs if they are allowed a drink of water?:laugh: Opps, that's probably a no-no too, I mean a grunt or noise is not allowed here. Must all be fit and strong. Geez...

I certainly hope all read the contract to this gym very careful for their do's and don'ts. Never heard of such a place.

Hope many of the patrons quit after this incident.

I'm sure LE love coming out for these type of problems.

Gozgals

[GlitchWizard]

My old gym had the awful music up so loud, you'd never have even heard a grunt. :-)

[CyberLaw]

Well if he was a correction officer and he did lift 500 lbs. and did get into an a "verbal altercation" by not following the "rules" of the Jim, saw nothing wrong with what he did, and then refused to leave.

What do you think the manger is going to do. Leave him to continue this behavior, there are other members to consider who "do follow" the rules.

All the "corrections" officer had to do, was say: Hey man, I am sorry. I did not mean to grunt, as I know that this may offend others, so I will do my very best not to do it again, as it is against the rules.

But he choose a fight. There is a right way to do things and a wrong way. Anyone can "be tossed" out or refused entry to a place of business or anywhere else for "behavior" that is not acceptable to that place. They will point it out to you, if you do not correct the behavior then there consequences are yours. You own you actions.

Who knows what this man said to have the police there..........did he appear to "be physically" threatening to the manger, did he threaten him, tell him where to go..............

What choice did the manager have.....was he surposed to say: Well that is O.K., you get your own way in a private place of business........I don't think so.

Obviously this rule is in place for a reason..........

I would not quit the gym after this, I would be very happy that a man who has no respect for the gym that I attend and does not follow the rules is not around me anymore, so I can work out without some "guy" grunting because I know what grunting remind a "female" of.........

If this was an "all men" gym fine, grunt all you want, but it would offend some women.

Drinking water is not offensive.........

[Gozgals]

My old gym had the awful music up so loud, you'd never have even heard a grunt. :-)
Thanks one again for your input Cyberlaw. I hope all your experiences at the gym are always to your liking.:D

The issues of life and crime supersede this gym issue so my response would not be worthy. Yet, I have no clue what the heck this is all about:

"so I can work out without some "guy" grunting because I know what grunting remind a "female" of........."

I won't bother going on with this thread, it's getting way tooooo deep for me to even begin or want to defend. It's the bizarre forum after all.;)

Gozgals.

[GlitchWizard]

I don't know about other females, but if I heard grunting in a gym - I'd assume it was from physical exertion from working out. If I heard it in my bedroom, I'd assume I was supposed to be having a good time. :blushing:

[Gozgals]

I don't know about other females, but if I heard grunting in a gym - I'd assume it was from physical exertion from working out. If I heard it in my bedroom, I'd assume I was supposed to be having a good time. :blushing:
:clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:

GlitchWizard:
Now your speaking my language. A little grunting, and other noises from the bedroom, well- I think we are on the same track......:D Nothing wrong with enjoyment. Hope they don't call the Police on these activities.

Gotta love you Glitch. Your a pleasure to respond to.

Gozgals;)

[GlitchWizard]

Thanks! I was playing raquetball today (don't be impressed - I looked like a gong show reject) and in that room, the noises echo. I'm not sure if it was a grunt I did- but it wasn't singing. I had to go through the free weight room to get there, and all I could do was giggle thinking of this thread when the bulky guys were grunting. Sounded way more like feeding time in a pig pen at the farm than any sexual experience I ever saw. (Uh, heard? Participated in?)

Perhaps if they played some soundtrack from a cheap porn flick...


:clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:

GlitchWizard:
Now your speaking my language. A little grunting, and other noises from the bedroom, well- I think we are on the same track......:D Nothing wrong with enjoyment. Hope they don't call the Police on these activities.

Gotta love you Glitch. Your a pleasure to respond to.

Gozgals;)

[SewingDeb]

ROFL at what grunting reminds women of and Glitchwizards post about where the grunting sound was heard. I really lost it when it was suggested that they played some soundtrack from a cheap porn flick!

Thanks for starting my day with some good laughs. : )

[CyberLaw]

You seem to forget one things, people, their gym, their rules. Either abide by the rules, or leave the gym, it is no negotiable, it is not subjective, it is not open to discussion, it is not open to "well I don't agree with this".

It is called the rules of the establishment. Just like the no shirt no service, or please line up here, or proper attire required. They are rules in place for a business, if a person wants to "grunt" go to a "grunting" allowed gym that allows this behavior. If the gyms says no grunting, then there is not grunting.

If you don't agree buy the gym and change the rules to your liking. Rules are the basis of a "civilized" society. Just like a kid can't do well on an exam if he cheats, he may think that cheating is fine, that it is acceptable to him, his family, but not to the school. Oh well........

Try speeding and then tell the cops, I don't agree witht the speed limit, therefore don't give me a ticket. See how well that works.

[BhamMama]

I think the no grunting rule when you are trying to lift 500 lbs is as stupid as that nurse that told me not to make noise as I was trying to push out an 11 lb baby.

It's a gym! Good Lordy, is the whole world turning into a wuss fest, offended by body noises and want everything to be pristine and perfect?

I understand they have rules, that's just the dumbest one I ever heard.

[CyberLaw]

Well I am sure that they have the rule in place for a reason, that would be their reason as it their gym, I don't agree with some rules too, I find them "stupid", but I don't make the rules, I abide by them.

The one thing that people seem to miss, is that this is a gym open to all members, not a private gym for one person. If this guy wants to grunt, well he is free to lift weights in his own home and grunt to his little hearts content, as it will be his home, his rules and his private residence.

But when it is public gym where everyone pays for a membership, one person is not entitled to spoil the environment for all of the other paying memebers.

Maybe he should change gyms to one that allows him to do whatever he wants, when ever he wants...........this man controls his reactions to a situation, no one controls his reaction, it is his choice. He just made the wrong one.........

[Gozgals]

[QUOTE=BhamMama]I think the no grunting rule when you are trying to lift 500 lbs is as stupid as that nurse that told me not to make noise as I was trying to push out an 11 lb baby.QUOTE]

Wow BhamMama, I hope this isn't a RULE too! That is about the dumbest thing I have ever heard. Wish the baby would have come out and bit the anal retentive nurse where it hurt. What kind of nerve did she have telling you this. I hope you and the baby are doing well.

Our society is really getting out of hand.

Once I got out of the hospital I certainly would have filed a complaint letter.

GEEZ, it takes all kinds. Hope you didn't grunt or maybe the Police would have showed up.

Geez again........:banghead:

Have a good day all.

Gozgals:angel:

[CyberLaw]

Was that a Scientology Hosptial, I heard they like a silent birth. If this Nurse was the owner of the hospital, then again she can make the rules, but I would think that if you knew this before hand, then you would have gone elsewhere, because of course you are going to 'cry out".

I once heard a guy argue with someone in a restaurant because he had no shirt, well guess what, the police came and "he was removed" he did not agree with the rules also, oh well, he did not own the restaurant, and did not make the rules.

I would think that this was the Nurses own opinion, which is her opinion, that is just one person, unless it is a hospital wide rule, which I very much doubt, as it could be seen as "discriminatory" against women, i would not allow someone to tell me what to do when I am giving birth. Which is much different then "grunting" in a gym open to the public.

This "no grunt" rules applies to both sexes equally, to all members.

Like I said before, this guy was "more then free" to leave or change gyms. But he "did not" and the police were called. That is called "a bad" decision something like "road rage" when someone else "attempts" to control you.

The world is full of rules, most of them are make by society and parents and governments, and..........employers, bosses, bars, restarurants, hospitals, doctors, banks, schools, gyms, and probably many more.

[GlitchWizard]

Cyber - Is it physically possible to control whether or not you grunt, when lifting 500 lbs? Maybe they should only offer 5 pound weights and disallow weaklings to use the gym.

[julianne]

I would hardly attribute this mans grunting as being akin to road rage.

I would've left, but not before I got my money back.

Regardless of WHO owns a hospital, they cannot place any rules in place that they want to just because they "own" it. Rest assuredly, they would immediately lose not only their federal funding and reimbursement capabilities, but also JCAHO accreditation, which effectively does them in.

There have been many instances where ridiculous rules have been amended and even extinguished because they are just that....ridiculous.

[CyberLaw]

Again if this guy knew before hand that no "grunting" was allowed, as I am sure that is is posted so that everyone can see it and abide by it, there is no way in "heck" that any Judge is going to rule in his favor.

I very much doubt that they want him back anyways, and if they were "very nice" and did have him back, they would want to discuss with him "appropriate" behavior and rules of the gym and ensure that there is no misunderstanding or "gee I had no idea" kind of scene.

I for one would say: Sue me, come on, I will see you in court. He won't win, it would be up to the gym to "give him his money" back......

Unless it is written: If you lift 500 lbs or more, you are free to grunt, this guy again is "well beyond" reasonable. Also unless it says: The exception is this person, (insert his name here) to the rules, but everyone else has to abide by them, again he has no case. He has this weird sense of "entitlement" because he is "so macho" lifting 500 lbs and "he is so special" and above the rules. Well he should get help for that attitude......

[nanandjim]

Cyber - Is it physically possible to control whether or not you grunt, when lifting 500 lbs? Maybe they should only offer 5 pound weights and disallow weaklings to use the gym.
Hell, I grunt at the gym when lifting 30 pounds, if I am tired. I guess only people who go to the gym to look good and not exercise should become members of this particular gym. :o

[Melisinde]

:banghead: :banghead: :banghead:

Oh FFS. I think every time I have grunted when I exerted myself physically, it was an involuntary thing. I can't think of the word I want to use right now, but I never did it on purpose. It just always kind of... came out.

As far as offending some women??? Sorry, Cyber. I like a lot of the things you post but... this one is just :doh: . I almost want to set up a poll and find out how many people would actually be offended if they heard a man grunt. (I say grunt, because when I've heard anyone make a noise at the gym as they lifted, it was usually just one.) I thought all the politically correct bullish was over in the 90's- but now grunts hurt people's feelings? Geez... there are all women gyms now if people are that sensitive.

[hipmamajen]

Hell, I grunt at the gym when lifting 30 pounds, if I am tired.
I grunt sometimes when I'm getting out the recliner! I feel old these days... :crazy:

[Gozgals]

I grunt sometimes when I'm getting out the recliner! I feel old these days... :crazy:
I agree:dance: :dance:

but also, I grunt when I think of the gym owner. I wonder if sweating is allowed?:bang:

[BarnGoddess]

Quote Gozgals:
Wonder if in their policies after one hoists 500lbs if they are allowed a drink of water?http://www.websleuths.com/forums/images/smilies/laugh.gif Opps, that's probably a no-no too, I mean a grunt or noise is not allowed here. Must all be fit and strong. Geez
Well, that depends. Since you can't grunt there, then it might offend someone if you drink water out of a fountain that's nearby. They might get sick thinking of any impurities that may have come through the pipes. They probably require you to drink only their brand of designer water sold there at a grossly inflated price.

[GlitchWizard]

I wonder if their bathrooms have the same policy...

[Gozgals]

:crazy: I wonder if their bathrooms have the same policy...

LMAO-- Who said the bathrooms could be used for anything but applying MAKE-UP or combing hair....:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

Gozgals

[CyberLaw]

I checked today, and grunting can be "be seen" as sexual harassment and guess who would be liable for the "human rights violation", no not the weighlifter, but the gym, That would be why they have a posted policy. Because no one could claim that they did not "know" and it releases the gym from liability, because the policy is posted and they have to act upon any violation of the policy.

If one women is offended, or "feels" degraded or what ever, and the policy is not posted, and the guy did nothing, then they could up for a mega bucks human rights violation.

You see there is always a reason for rules.........just because one person does not agree with them or thinks that they are stupid, does not mean that the person who made the rule does not see or experience the benefit of it. After all it their gym............

[2sisters]

I checked today, and grunting can be "be seen" as sexual harassment and guess who would be liable for the "human rights violation", no not the weighlifter, but the gym, That would be why they have a posted policy. Because no one could claim that they did not "know" and it releases the gym from liability, because the policy is posted and they have to act upon any violation of the policy.

If one women is offended, or "feels" degraded or what ever, and the policy is not posted, and the guy did nothing, then they could up for a mega bucks human rights violation.

You see there is always a reason for rules.........just because one person does not agree with them or thinks that they are stupid, does not mean that the person who made the rule does not see or experience the benefit of it. After all it their gym............But why was he grunting? it depends on the context of the grunt. Did a woman walk by while he was leaning against a wall and then he started to grunt or was he in the middle of lifting weights, stretching or putting his weights down. I just don't get how grunting in a gym is offensive. back in my leaner days when I went to the gym all I heard was grunting. It could have been directed at my sexy treadmilling and not an exertion grunt though:innocent:

[CyberLaw]

It does not depend on the context, it depends on how a "women" in the vicinity feel and is affected by the grunting.

For example: Another women is sexually harassed at work. The second women is not sexually harassed. But it is the entire environment, that the second women has to "work" in an witness, this is called second and third party.

A man has a "racy" calendar up on the wall, the women has to see it and work in this "environment" that is not equal to all, men and women.

So sexual harassment or an "offensive" environment does not have to direct, it is how it makes a women feel which is the "crux" of the situation.

So lets just say: A man grunts, and does so quite loudly, it is not the grunt, it is how it makes the "other females" in the gym feel by listening and experiencing it. The women do not "grunt" lifting weights, so why should they be subject to this behavoir of the men.

That is why: The no "grunting" rule is in effect, because it makes the environment, less "comfortable" and less equal for women.

A man walks into a meeting: There is one women present. He tells her "she looks" very pretty today, well that "lone" comment" would diminish per "professionalism" and the 'view" of her professionalism to both herself and the other men present.

[docwho3]

We actually need to hear from some pro body builders and pro weight lifters on this one. I know a couple and there are reasons for the grunting or not grunting. This sounds more like a case of people in a gym that was not for serious weight lifters encountering some serious weightlifters and the lack of knowledge about serious weight lifting may have conributed to what hapened, almost like a culture clash.

[2sisters]

A racy calendar and someone grunting at the gym are 2 differnet things. This is so ridiculous that I am not even going to discuss it anymore. This is whats wrong with this world , everyone is offended by something and it is always someone elses fault. I find nothing offensive by someone saying "you look pretty today", hell i welcome it but if they saw "wow you look pretty today I want to nail "you now, that's different. Grow up. OMG someone grunted at the gym have him registered as a sex offender.

[CyberLaw]

Men and women are equal. they deserve to be treated equally. No question about that. For a judge to say: Well I want you to "dress" properly in my court, which consist of a skirt, is to "undermind" my professionalism, especially if that Judge says that to me, and or in front of the "other side". The comment shows his "bias" and attitude about women. Enough said.

For a mixed Gym, where both men and women work out. It does not matter if the "men are professional" bodybuilders, serious bodybuilder, heck, Atlas for all I care. The fact is that the environment is not equal if women are subjected to the "behaviour" of men who grunt. Women do not grunt. So why on earth sould a women "work" out in an enviornment(where she pays the same amount of $ that the men do) and be subject to a "different" enviornment.

A recent case. A gym had a "superior" facility for men. They had showers, saunas, a whirlpool, a nice change area. O.K. This cost men more, which they "gladly" paid.

When women wanted to join. They were not able to take advantage of any superior area. Because there was not any. They had a change room and showers. Even though the women "wanted" the same facilities as men, and could easily pay more, they were not given the same "opportunity".

So it went to the Human Rights Tribunal. The gym was ordered to "build" equal facilities for women as the men had. They were ordered to offer women equal treatment and opportunities.

It is all about equality, it does not matter if 100 women do not "mind" grunting, all it takes is one women, to lodge a complaint, and proceed to the Human Rights Tribunal. It again, will not the the "grunter" who will be before a board of inquiry, but the Gym. The Board of Inquiry will rule, that this offended this women, as it is a "standard" of a reasonable women standard(which is held by the courts) and that the gym must post and take measure to enfore the "no grunting" rule, equal to both men and women. The gym will have to post a policy and enforce that policy.

We are talking about rights, dignity and law. It is not a "simple" matter of grunting...........

As soon as you treat women differently then men in any public place, restaurant, gym, store, etc, then you violate humans rights. Human rights are about fundamental dignity and equality.

i don't know how better to explain this, I really don't.

[Gozgals]

A racy calendar and someone grunting at the gym are 2 differnet things. This is so ridiculous that I am not even going to discuss it anymore. This is whats wrong with this world , everyone is offended by something and it is always someone elses fault. I find nothing offensive by someone saying "you look pretty today", hell i welcome it but if they saw "wow you look pretty today I want to nail "you now, that's different. Grow up. OMG someone grunted at the gym have him registered as a sex offender.
I agree 2sisters.....

Cyber, gotta love you but this is bordering on toooo bizarre!:)

Gozgals

[julianne]

Cyber,

Twice now you have said that "women do not grunt." Have you ever lifted weights? I have, and I am a woman, and in lifting those weights, if they were heavy enough and caused enough strain on me........I GRUNTED.

"Grunting" is not exclusive to men. I would go as far as to say that MOST, if not ALL, HUMANS make noises of exasperation or "grunting" when involved in something that is extremely physically demanding and difficult.

I'd bet a million dollars that if any woman took a case to court because she felt "sexually harrassed" because a weightlifter in her gym made a grunting noise while he was lifting those weights, that it would be thrown out in a millisecond.

I had furniture delivered the other day---one piece was extremely heavy and made out of granite. Both of the furniture movers "grunted", huffed, and breathed heavily while moving it. Are you trying to tell me that I could accuse these men of sexually harrassing me???? Nah...I aint buying it.

[cynpat2000]

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: Gym Calls Police On Weightlifter Who 'Grunted'

Man Made Noise While Lifting 500 Pounds

http://www.ktvu.com/news/10232266/detail.htmlPOSTED: 4:48 am PST November 3, 2006


<!--startindex-->ALBANY, N.Y. -- You could forgive a guy for grunting while lifting 500 pounds -- unless you're the owners of a place called Planet Fitness (http://www.planetfitness.com/wappingersfalls/?s=1042&c=10059&x=0).


It turns out that grunting isn't allowed in their universe.


Corrections officer Albert Argibay learned that the hard way this week. He was hoisting 500 pounds on a machine at the Wappingers Falls, N.Y., gym when the manager said he grunted -- in violation of the Planet Fitness rules.


Argibay said whether or not he grunted is "open to interpretation." What's crystal clear is that police were called to escort him out after the manager came over and there was an argument.


The gym said they don't allow grunting because it conflicts with the non-intimidating atmosphere they strive for.


The gym, which refers to itself as the judge-free zone, has the following statement on its Web site: See rest on link.*

I find this truly amazing and a waste of Police manpower.:eek: I say he should have gotten the whole gym to grunt.:)

Gozgals

[fivekidz4me]

It seems obvious that this gym doesn't allow grunting. It is also obvious that the person wasn't escorted out for "grunting", but because he was arguing with the manager. The police were probably called in because the grunter became unruly after being asked to stop grunting. I suppose we should allow people to bully those who enforce the rules? The headline of the story is misleading which doesn't suprise me...
This has nothing to do with sexual noises or equal rights...it's about enforcing the rules that the whole gym is based on.

http://www.planetfitness.com/wappingersfalls/?s=1042&c=10059&x=0

Planet Fitness® strives to promote health in a respectful atmosphere. For over a decade, Planet Fitness® has gone to great lengths to provide its members with a friendly space to work out. We call it the Judgment Free Zone. We discourage weight dropping and obnoxious grunting so you can focus on your own workout and not the person next to you.

[CyberLaw]

Respectfuly atmosphere says it all......

Thank you fivekidz4me, a voice of reason.........

A verbal arguement with a "man who can lift 500 lbs in a public place, who does not respect the rules who starts a fight, is not a good situation, to be in for the manger or for the other gym users...........

it can easily escalate.........since this man does not respect rules anyways....

[Melisinde]

:banghead:

Seriously, weight dropping too? Crap- I've dropped weights once or twice on accident because my hand got too sweaty! Look, I can understand the guy was asked to leave because of the verbal argument. I still believe that this "no grunting" is complete b.s. Grunting is 99% of the time an involuntary reaction. Wonder what happens if someone sneezes while in the gym, or farts... it's the same thing. I wonder if me sighing loudly could constitute sexual harassment. I mean, some people exhale pretty deeply after sex.

The line has to be drawn somewhere. Anyone who would complain they were being sexually harassed because a guy grunted when lifting 500 lbs. needs to get the heck off my planet. They're obviously from another one anyways. Either that, or wear a damn pair of headphones like most of the people at the gym do anyways.

:rolleyes:

[CyberLaw]

it is not the behavoir that is always sexual harassment, it the "poison" atmosphere, it just just one comment, just gesture, one incident and the environment can be deemed hostile and poisoned.

A hey sexy, may may seem harmless to some, and to others it is not........

Grunting may seem harmless to some and not to others......

Reepectful is the key word, this is one in ones home, this is a pulbic place where everyone pays the same price for a gym membership.........

If you want to grunt, do it in the privacy of your own home, not a public gym.

No leering allowed either at women in gym clothes either...........

[GlitchWizard]

No leering allowed either at women in gym clothes either...........
If the rest of the women wore the same tattered shorts and concert t's that I do, no one would leer. On ocassion, I mistake the cleavage in the skin tight spandex as the basketball hoop at my gym.

I think way more people pretend to be offended by stuff than really are.

[julianne]

If the rest of the women wore the same tattered shorts and concert t's that I do, no one would leer. On ocassion, I mistake the cleavage in the skin tight spandex as the basketball hoop at my gym.

I think way more people pretend to be offended by stuff than really are.
LOL, that made me giggle, Glitch,

I DO agree that way more people pretend to be offended by stuff than they really are.

I would venture to say that anyone who would get offended by a man who made a grunting noise while he was lifting very heavy weights while in a gym needs to most likely be working out a home, alone. I would also venture to say that such a person most likely has many conflicts with the people in their life and quite possibly has too much free time on their hands. If I had to choose which person to work out next to, the "grunter" or the uppity, uptight, person who throws a hissy fit because someone grunted, well give me the "grunter" any day of the week.

[BarnGoddess]

AHA !!!!! I just knew it. I posted that someone may be offended about drinking from a water fountain, and they probably had a rule about that too. Well I checked out the link:

http://www.planetfitness.com/wappingersfalls/?s=1042&c=10059&x=0

Sure enough with a certain type of membership you can buy water for 1/2 price.

[CyberLaw]

We send out kids to school with bottle water, ever since one of them caught strep when he was in grade 3.

Especially when you have many people or kids who decide to put their lmouth on the fountain, whith no regards for the next person who uses it.

Remember the weightlifter is above the rules, so I am sure there are many other people who feel the same way, who have zero regard for others.

I don't want the kids catching "germs" or whatever virus or god forbit, Hep C, or Menigitis(sp) or what ever.

Their own bottle, is theirs and theirs alone........

[BarnGoddess]

Cyber, some people go to extremes, not matter what the issue. I bottle my own water, LOL. We have a well. We are so far out in the country we don't get city water. I guess that growing up when no one had bottled water and we used the school fountains, got our water at home from the tap, etc., makes me a bit cynical when it comes to people walking around with bottles. I work in a car dealership and have even seen people come in with their pocketbook and a bottle of water, just to spend 2 minutes dropping off a check. I mean getting out of their cars and walking about 30 yards to do this. Mind you I haven't yet seen anyone actually drink out of their bottles. There is one town near us noted for terrible tasting water. The wells are artisian and the water tastes awful. I only get bottled water there if I need to have a drink. Most restuarants there serve bottled water. Residents mostly have a water service also.

As to discrimination and harrassment, I have been there and done that. I was in charge of that aspect of the dealership I worked for in Miami. We had one or two cases that ended in our favor. We did everything by the book. We even had a potential customer who sued because she thought the finance manager took a dislike to her and she was turned down for a loan because of that. She wanted the BMW she was trying to buy given to her free and clear to soothe her hurt feelings. When we showed her attorney her credit report, she tried to claim we faked it and made up all that bad information. It cost us several thousand to have our attorneys research and put together a report to prove we did nothing. Well, at least it wasn't sexual harrassment.

I worked in a health club many moons ago. We had body builders, average joes and janes and even one or two who were there to overcome stroke damage. Mostly they were separated by mens and ladies nights, but one night a week was co-ed. The ladies would wait for machines and sit on the carpeted floor doing hip rolls and chat. Men would be nearby on one of the Universal stations doing whatever. Grunting and sweating was going on if I recall, so was laughing and joking and cheering when someone was weighed and measured and lost an inch or two. Didn't seem to intimidate the others that someone was happy about their progress. We've gotten too sensitive about things we blew off for years. We're down to making stupid rules and filing frivilous lawsuits because our feelings were hurt. There's got to be a middle ground somewhere. Too many people are being raised to believe they're entitled to have everything go their way, or there will be hell to pay.

[CyberLaw]

But the point is Barn Godess, the Gym is free to make any rules they see fit, that benefits all of their members equally.

Follow the rules or get out of the gym, or stop doing what you are doing and respec the rules. No sensitivity here, it is called "feeling" that you are so entitled and "special" that the rules that apply to this gym just "do not apply" to the little world you live in that you inhabit.

Like w funeral today, a "wonderful wife and mother, great marriage, wonderful person, 4 kids ages 3-9, out for a jog, who was hit by a drunk driver going 70km over the speed limit. He held himself above the rules of society, felt entitled to do what ever he wants, when he wants, and who cares about anyone else.

People have to remember that their actions affect others......that they have to be considerate and respect others.

You cannot "quote" a case that in your opinion was done in bad faith.

These rules are in good faith, they are for everyone, who knows if this particular weighlifer is "so special" that he easily breaks the law and rules, because he feels entitled to do so because again he feels entitled and sooooo special.

[BarnGoddess]

Sorry Cyber but grunting is sometimes unavoidable when lifting 500 lbs. It's a natural reaction. Sometimes it just comes out. Ever hear a weightlifter? Watch the Olympics sometime. If the gym bans all grunting, then perhaps they should limit the weight an indiviual is allowed to lift. I was grunting and groaning last night. The BarnGod came home with a truck load of very heavy bales of oat hay. I needed my help getting them off so he could stack them. In the vein of this thread, I really tried to be silent, but instinct got the best of me, and it seemed an easier task when I grunted as I lifted them.

[Nova]

It does not depend on the context, it depends on how a "women" in the vicinity feel and is affected by the grunting.

For example: Another women is sexually harassed at work. The second women is not sexually harassed. But it is the entire environment, that the second women has to "work" in an witness, this is called second and third party.

A man has a "racy" calendar up on the wall, the women has to see it and work in this "environment" that is not equal to all, men and women.

So sexual harassment or an "offensive" environment does not have to direct, it is how it makes a women feel which is the "crux" of the situation.

So lets just say: A man grunts, and does so quite loudly, it is not the grunt, it is how it makes the "other females" in the gym feel by listening and experiencing it. The women do not "grunt" lifting weights, so why should they be subject to this behavoir of the men.

That is why: The no "grunting" rule is in effect, because it makes the environment, less "comfortable" and less equal for women.

A man walks into a meeting: There is one women present. He tells her "she looks" very pretty today, well that "lone" comment" would diminish per "professionalism" and the 'view" of her professionalism to both herself and the other men present.

And Cyber's post sums up everything that is wrong with sexual harassment law.

[2sisters]

And Cyber's post sums up everything that is wrong with sexual harassment law.Yes, b/c now even a simple comment can be misunderstood. We could be at work and I could come up to you and tell you how good your new suit looks on you, that it really flatters you, and that could be considered sexual harrasment. Silly as it would sound someone would be offended by that remark. say a woman comes to work who has been excersizing and dieting and a coworker comments that they look really good, is that sexual harrasment?

[GlitchWizard]

My daily trips to the gym are SO MUCH more fun, now that I pay attention to the grunting. :-)

[Nova]

Yes, b/c now even a simple comment can be misunderstood. We could be at work and I could come up to you and tell you how good your new suit looks on you, that it really flatters you, and that could be considered sexual harrasment. Silly as it would sound someone would be offended by that remark. say a woman comes to work who has been excersizing and dieting and a coworker comments that they look really good, is that sexual harrasment?

I have a problem with any law where the "offense" is defined entirely by the subjective impression of the purported victim. I feel the same about some obscenity laws. (My language is a crime if and only if you decide it is.) But I'm not sure "obscenity" is still defined in that manner.

This isn't to say there should be no protection against sexual harassment, just that harassment needs to be more objectively defined.

[Jeana (DP)]

We actually need to hear from some pro body builders and pro weight lifters on this one. I know a couple and there are reasons for the grunting or not grunting. This sounds more like a case of people in a gym that was not for serious weight lifters encountering some serious weightlifters and the lack of knowledge about serious weight lifting may have conributed to what hapened, almost like a culture clash.


My husband is a former competitive bodybuilder. There have never been any rules in the gym regarding the weights except that they're not allowed to "drop" them on the floor and they need to wipe their sweat before they leave a bench. If they can't put the weight down normally, they need to lighten their load. I've been in the gym a million times either lifting or watching and to tell you the truth, I've probably done my fair share of grunting. However, I can tell you that when a bodybuilder or power lifter has hundreds of pounds of weights in the air, they're concerned with their lift and not who else is in the vicinity. If any female thinks that grunt is for her, she'll be let down entirely. They're lifting more than their own body weight. They've got better things at that moment to think about.

[2sisters]

I am thinking this gym isn't for body bulders or really even for serious working out. It sounds like a "meet market". Any serious gym wouldn't have rules on whether or not you can grunt.

[Gozgals]

And Cyber's post sums up everything that is wrong with sexual harassment law.

I guess now we have become a world where a man can't even compliment a woman without being afraid of sexual harassment. This is insane.

I guess one would rather hear, "My, you look like your azz is getting fatter lately!!" :eek:

I personally don't mind a good compliment from time to time, but I guess I'm different and don't consider being complimented a form of sexual harassment.

Jeana, thanks for the voice of reason.
If you gotta grunt while exercising, it is a normal function of the body. I doubt these guys are lurking while lifting!

Gozgals

[Nova]

I personally don't mind a good compliment from time to time, but I guess I'm different and don't consider being complimented a form of sexual harassment.

Actually, I think you are quite normal in this respect. Which is why such draconian restrictions are so silly.

[GlitchWizard]

I guess now we have become a world where a man can't even compliment a woman without being afraid of sexual harassment. This is insane.
As a former school teacher, now programmer, I don't report sexual harrassment when it occurs.... but I do GRADE it.

[CyberLaw]

If these guys want to grunt to their hearts content, let them go to a "private" male guym, not a public, gym, co-ed gym. I am getting the "jibe" here that these "guys" rule the gym with their grunting, while the women are doing yoga and aerobics.

Fairness to all, equality to all.

I guess it all depends on who is making the comment and to what extent if they are your boss, equal co-worker, a male, a superior.

If a man says: I love short skirts, yours in just short enough. Yeah, well can he say the same thing, in the same context to a man.

Or if he "undermindes" your professional status in a meeting, boardroom, well ask yourself if he has said the same comment to a man.

Any comment said to a women, should look at the context if that man said it to another man...........it is much different when a man says it to a women, especially if it "is meant" to judge her on what she looks like not on what she does. A "you look so pretty" today, is much different then "you are a very smart women". One has to do with sex and looks, the other intelligence. I know which one I would prefer........

The no grunting rules applies, the gym has their own rules, they enforce those rules, if you don't like those rules, go to a gym that allows grunting and please do no allow to hit your backside on the way out.

Respect the rules, or leave.....if you don't leave.....then the cops will be called....if you "argue" and attempt to assert your "perceived" authority or control over staff, and start a fight, then the cops will be called.

After all you don't work at the gym, you don't own it, you don't get paid to work out there, you pay to enjoy the gym like any other person who pays also and RESPECTS the rules.

So why should you ignore the rules that apply to everyone else...oh I forgot, you don't agree with them, therefore they don't apply to you.

BTW, my oldest is under the impression that "anyone" can be sued, like his Mom and Dad for him not going out to an all age club. Cruel and unusual, etc.

Go ahead, son, I have heard that many, many times before, I know you are ticked off, go ahead sue, what is your cause of action exactly.

What a cause of action, Mom? He asks.......

[Jeana (DP)]

Any female who thinks that a man holding 500 pounds of weights is taking the time to "grunt" at her, she's got to be one desperate female. Someone earlier said that this wasn't a real gym anyway and I'm starting to think that's the truth. Its obviously some pansy ass, juice selling, elipical machine owning pick up joint. The guy will do better to get as far away from there as humanly possible.

[Annie]

I went to a female high school powerlifting event and I heard plenty of grunting. It was unbelievable how much weight some of those girls were lifting. And some of them grunted. No big deal. I couldn't begin to lift what some of them were lifting.

[2sisters]

I can not belive that grunting while working out is offensive. My god what is this world coming to. Just for all of you i am going to go do my workout now and I am going to grunt so loud at you:D the neighbors hear me!

[julianne]

A "you look so pretty" today, is much different then "you are a very smart women". One has to do with sex and looks, the other intelligence. I know which one I would prefer........

Am I the only woman in this sue-happy, lawsuit-loving day and age that isn't offended when a man says "You look pretty today."????? I totally disagree that a man telling me that I look pretty is about sex!!! That is so hilarious to me.

Now, if a man said to me "Nice ass, I'd love to grab me some of that...", THAT is sexual, and although it wouldn't OFFEND me, it would piss me off and I'd have no problem speaking up and telling him so.

If a man tells me I am pretty, and says so in a respectable way, I take that as a compliment. Some people, mainly women, don't take compliments well, but that doesn't mean that a compliment then should be turned into something it isn't.

In defense of all men, the day all compliments to women turn into sexual harrassment is a sad day in the world!

As far as "rules are rules" and the need to respect them, I say there have many rules that have been changed and overturned because they were later deemed to be ridiculous, unecessary and discriminatory. That applies to public AND private businesses. Just because something is labeled a "rule", it doesn't automatically earn my agreeance, acceptance and me blindly following it because someone else says I have to.

[CyberLaw]

This rule does not "contravene" any human rights. It does not say: Men are not allowed to grunt. It just says: No grunting, it applies to all, equally.

What happens if your Boss asks about if you intend to get married, and or have kids. Guess what, that would be sexual harassment, as it is no consequence to your job performance. Nor would that question be asked of any man.

I would find it demeaning if a "person" in authority "comments" on my looks rather then my intelligence and job performance.

Rules are the basis of society. Laws, school rules, city rules, rules of conduct etc. It is the expectation of how one will conduct themselves in society.

They are in place so "everyone" cannot do what ever they please to whomever they please, when ever they please. There are consequences for breaking the rules. If you don't like the rule, break the rule, then be prepared to "expect consequences".

This is how children are raised to be respectful and law abiding citizens.

Rules that discriminate based on human rights ground have recourse. No rules should be inacted to treat others differently from anyone else.

All this man had to do: Was "not seek power and control" over the staff of the gym, not exert his "perceived" authority over the staff, abide by the "rules" in place for everyone who uses this gym, not expect that "since" he did not agree with the rules, he is free to break them to the detriment of the other people who use the gym. All he had to do was just "be a normal" civil person".

But his choice, was to start a fight, refuse to abide by the rules, and then the Police were called. There is a right way and a wrong way to handle a situation, he choose the wrong way and had "consequences" to his conduct.

This man is just so special, so entitled, that he feels he is above the rules that apply to every ohter "paying" member of the gym.

Well he learned that he is not. I very much doubt that they want him back anyways.

Just the simple fact that women do not get paid at the same rate for the same job as men, is just fine with some women. Guess what it is not fine with me.

Watch the movie North Country, and you will see the effects of harassment and sexual harassment which in essence is power and control of men over women and tell me if you think "sexual harassment" is just fine.

[2sisters]

Am I the only woman in this sue-happy, lawsuit-loving day and age that isn't offended when a man says "You look pretty today."????? I totally disagree that a man telling me that I look pretty is about sex!!! That is so hilarious to me.

Now, if a man said to me "Nice ass, I'd love to grab me some of that...", THAT is sexual, and although it wouldn't OFFEND me, it would piss me off and I'd have no problem speaking up and telling him so.

If a man tells me I am pretty, and says so in a respectable way, I take that as a compliment. Some people, mainly women, don't take compliments well, but that doesn't mean that a compliment then should be turned into something it isn't.

In defense of all men, the day all compliments to women turn into sexual harrassment is a sad day in the world!

As far as "rules are rules" and the need to respect them, I say there have many rules that have been changed and overturned because they were later deemed to be ridiculous, unecessary and discriminatory. That applies to public AND private businesses. Just because something is labeled a "rule", it doesn't automatically earn my agreeance, acceptance and me blindly following it because someone else says I have to.I am not offeneded at all . I wish someone, anyone would call me pretty! I am not a man, but Julianne, you are pretty today!

[2sisters]

This rule does not "contravene" any human rights. It does not say: Men are not allowed to grunt. It just says: No grunting, it applies to all, equally.

What happens if your Boss asks about if you intend to get married, and or have kids. Guess what, that would be sexual harassment, as it is no consequence to your job performance. Nor would that question be asked of any man.

I would find it demeaning if a "person" in authority "comments" on my looks rather then my intelligence and job performance.

Rules are the basis of society. Laws, school rules, city rules, rules of conduct etc. It is the expectation of how one will conduct themselves in society.

They are in place so "everyone" cannot do what ever they please to whomever they please, when ever they please. There are consequences for breaking the rules. If you don't like the rule, break the rule, then be prepared to "expect consequences".

This is how children are raised to be respectful and law abiding citizens.

Rules that discriminate based on human rights ground have recourse. No rules should be inacted to treat others differently from anyone else.

All this man had to do: Was "not seek power and control" over the staff of the gym, not exert his "perceived" authority over the staff, abide by the "rules" in place for everyone who uses this gym, not expect that "since" he did not agree with the rules, he is free to break them to the detriment of the other people who use the gym. All he had to do was just "be a normal" civil person".

But his choice, was to start a fight, refuse to abide by the rules, and then the Police were called. There is a right way and a wrong way to handle a situation, he choose the wrong way and had "consequences" to his conduct.

This man is just so special, so entitled, that he feels he is above the rules that apply to every ohter "paying" member of the gym.

Well he learned that he is not. I very much doubt that they want him back anyways.

Just the simple fact that women do not get paid at the same rate for the same job as men, is just fine with some women. Guess what it is not fine with me.

Watch the movie North Country, and you will see the effects of harassment and sexual harassment which in essence is power and control of men over women and tell me if you think "sexual harassment" is just fine.I do not recall anyone saying sexual harrasment was fine. What is worng with a boss asking if you intend to have a family? Or someone saying you are pretty? Someone can complement on your brains too. No wonder people are so rude and nasty to one another, you can't complement them without being deemed a pervert.

[Karole28]

Just the simple fact that women do not get paid at the same rate for the same job as men, is just fine with some women.

Sorry to butt in here. But, this is a fallacy.

Thank you, that is all.

[JBean]

I have not read ths whole thread, but for those of you that are not weight lifters, grunting is silliness among weight lifters. It is a sign of an amateur or someone who wants attention or it is a sign of showing off."Look a Me" mentaility.
Typically , grunters are those that don't really know what they are doing, or they want the whole gym to look at the amount of weight they are lifting.

Generally speaking,it is completely unecessary and controllable. There are times when it just happens, but so does passing gas when you lift heavy weight. However, most people manage to keep it in. It's a lot about focus, concentration,control and how you expend your energy. Noy about drawing attention to yourself.
I was always taught it's a no no to grunt. I was trained by a professional power lifter for 10 years and he made this pretty clear. no grunting! I was surprised how easy it was and i lifted heavy back in the day, very heavy.
I have been lifting for many years, but didn't know there were places with a no grunting rule. I love it. it is extremely annoying and this rule would attract me to that gym. It's like wiping your sweat off the bench when you are done...good rule.
So tip for you newbies at weightlifting. Don't grunt and people will think you are a pro.:angel:

[txsvicki]

It seems obvious that this gym doesn't allow grunting. It is also obvious that the person wasn't escorted out for "grunting", but because he was arguing with the manager. The police were probably called in because the grunter became unruly after being asked to stop grunting. I suppose we should allow people to bully those who enforce the rules? The headline of the story is misleading which doesn't suprise me...
This has nothing to do with sexual noises or equal rights...it's about enforcing the rules that the whole gym is based on.

http://www.planetfitness.com/wappingersfalls/?s=1042&c=10059&x=0

Planet Fitness® strives to promote health in a respectful atmosphere. For over a decade, Planet Fitness® has gone to great lengths to provide its members with a friendly space to work out. We call it the Judgment Free Zone. We discourage weight dropping and obnoxious grunting so you can focus on your own workout and not the person next to you.

It sounds like this place which hasn't even been in business very long just wants people to work out and don't really want dedicated weight lifters. The gym I used to go to didn't even have weight lifting close to other people who can't do all that heavy lifting. I wouldn't want to hear weights dropping but would also never join a goofy sounding place that worded their advertisement this way. Judgement free zone sounds silly and prissy.

[JBean]

It sounds like this place which hasn't even been in business very long just wants people to work out and don't really want dedicated weight lifters. The gym I used to go to didn't even have weight lifting close to other people who can't do all that heavy lifting. I wouldn't want to hear weights dropping but would also never join a goofy sounding place that worded their advertisement this way. Judgement free zone sounds silly and prissy.What makes you think they don't want dedicated weightlifters? Doesn't sound that way to me.
I must say I do like a gym that feels like a "gym". I only use the free weight room, and I would love a no grunting rule.

[Jeana (DP)]

I have not read ths whole thread, but for those of you that are not weight lifters, grunting is silliness among weight lifters. It is a sign of an amateur or someone who wants attention or it is a sign of showing off."Look a Me" mentaility.
Typically , grunters are those that don't really know what they are doing, or they want the whole gym to look at the amount of weight they are lifting.

Generally speaking,it is completely unecessary and controllable. There are times when it just happens, but so does passing gas when you lift heavy weight. However, most people manage to keep it in. It's a lot about focus, concentration,control and how you expend your energy. Noy about drawing attention to yourself.
I was always taught it's a no no to grunt. I was trained by a professional power lifter for 10 years and he made this pretty clear. no grunting! I was surprised how easy it was and i lifted heavy back in the day, very heavy.
I have been lifting for many years, but didn't know there were places with a no grunting rule. I love it. it is extremely annoying and this rule would attract me to that gym. It's like wiping your sweat off the bench when you are done...good rule.
So tip for you newbies at weightlifting. Don't grunt and people will think you are a pro.:angel:


The "pros" where you are must be in the lightweight class. The guys we've got lifting around here are big time lifters. When they're pushing upwards of 1200-1500 at times, they can't be expected to do so silently. Thankfully, they're not surrounded by a bunch of poofers, so they can grunt whenever they feel the need.

[reportertype]

Wow. if I found grunting offensive, I could no longer watch women's tennis. They have some serious grunting going on. I've been to plenty of gyms; I go to work out. I don't wear makeup or matching clothes or any of that crap. And I pay no attention to grunting or weight dropping or anything. It's just part of the background noise. People who are so easily offended by noises should probably stay home and avoid public places.

[nanandjim]

Wow. if I found grunting offensive, I could no longer watch women's tennis. They have some serious grunting going on. I've been to plenty of gyms; I go to work out. I don't wear makeup or matching clothes or any of that crap. And I pay no attention to grunting or weight dropping or anything. It's just part of the background noise. People who are so easily offended by noises should probably stay home and avoid public places.
I totally agree. However, I do find it annoying when the guys intentionally drop the heavy weights on the floor or let them slam really hard after they have finished a set on a piece of equipment. This is the only part that I find to be showboating.

The grunting/breathing heavily is natural when you lift weights or exert any type of extra energy. As I posted way ago, I even make noise when lifting fairly light weights. It does help. I always "exhale on effort." Sometimes, it is just a little louder than other times. :blushing:

[julianne]

Wow. if I found grunting offensive, I could no longer watch women's tennis. They have some serious grunting going on. I've been to plenty of gyms; I go to work out. I don't wear makeup or matching clothes or any of that crap. And I pay no attention to grunting or weight dropping or anything. It's just part of the background noise. People who are so easily offended by noises should probably stay home and avoid public places.
My thoughts exactly. The people who are "offended" by someone making a grunting noise while lifting weights in a gym would probably be offended by someone sneezing or coughing in a doctors office waiting room.

There are enough LEGITIMATE things to be "offended" by going on in the world today....people certainly don't need to add such trivial and inconsequential things to that.

[JBean]

The "pros" where you are must be in the lightweight class. The guys we've got lifting around here are big time lifters. When they're pushing upwards of 1200-1500 at times, they can't be expected to do so silently. Thankfully, they're not surrounded by a bunch of poofers, so they can grunt whenever they feel the need.No they are not lightweights. they are the real deal. No one expects them to be silent..but they don't grunt with every move. Grunting if they feel the need is cool, but I bet they don't grunt with every lift.

All I mean is in our local gyms when you hear people grunting away when they are not lifting weight of any significance, they want to be noticed and are not very well trained. I don't mean to offend anyone, but I do understand what this gym is aiming for with the no grunt rule.

[GlitchWizard]

Sorry to butt in here. But, this is a fallacy.

Thank you, that is all.
Actually, it doesn't bother me to be paid less than a man in my same field. But then again - I chose this job. If I wanted to be paid more, I'd get a different job. You create your own paycheck by your level of education and the jobs you choose to apply for at the places that will pay you what you want to be paid. If you want paid the same as the next guy - there are places you can work to do so.

I guess I roll with life, and don't sweat it.