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April 24, 2008 >> 2:40:35 PM
Dear Robbie
Dear Robbie,
I enjoy working out at
the deep end…probably 4 or 5 times a week. Unfortunately, there is a person
there that exercises, well, let’s just say, “very loudly.” It’s very
distracting for me to be near this person and hear their loud “UHHHHHNNN’s!!!”
and “YEEEAAAAHHHH’s!!”. I tried changing my workout schedule but this person
seems to always be there. Also distracting my routine is when this individual
blatantly checks themselves out in the gym mirrors.
How do I approach this
person with my concern? Should I simply ignore this? And how do I hold back
laughing when they admire their reflection? Thanks.
-Gym Rat for Jesus
Dear Rat,
Wow! This concern regarding this particular student has come up a few times now so I better offer my best help (which is never that good). My first priority is to try to understand this person’s motivation for their behavior. Most likely, this person is hoping to display a sense of power and control in their environment (in this case, the Deep End). You feel unable to concentrate on your own routine which means that you are playing into their motivation.
Now- Be Assertive! You cannot simply ignore the situation…
Many mature advice givers would prompt you to approach this person and explain the situation. But this would not be good because loud people like this do not care to listen to your feelings. Instead, take a more creative approach to assertive action. When this person grunts, “UHHHHHNNNNN!!” immediately follow it up with an even louder, “DEEEEEERRRRWWWEEEAARRRR ISSSS SMMMMEELLLLY!!” An alternative to this would be to follow his “YEEEAAAAHHHH!!” with a “BUH-DAH-BUH-DOOOOO!!!” This will immediately disable further outburst.
I wish I could advise you on how
not to laugh when they check themselves out in the mirror. But I also wish I
could live with the Smurfs one day. Some things are simply not possible.
Robbie
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Wow. wow. And wow. Read this complaint, and its ensuing response because the link was forwarded by a friend. I feel like I need to comment.
Making fun of this person does not seem like the best idea, if in fact as Robbie suggests "loud people do not care to listen", that person will probably be dealing with anger issues, and considering the general mot ivation for preening and intense workoing out is insecurity, will probably feel attacked by this behavior.
Again the preening is indicative of low self-esteem issues, so be kind hearted and pray for the person rather than laughing, that person probably has a wounded heart.
Talk to them first. They may have incorporated the loudness based of of the model presented to them in many corporate fitness locations.
David Hull
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