The 12 Types of People You Always See at the Gym

It takes a lot of motivation to go to the gym this time of year — especially when your New Year’s cheer wears off. I can think of a million things I’d rather do than run on a treadmill while watching (or rather, reading) the news with delayed closed captioning because that’s what’s on the TV near my torture device. But when it’s snowy out and I’m really desperate to get my sweat on, I’ll do it. On these occasions, I take small comfort in the fact that I’m surrounded by others sharing my misery.

Even if you haven’t been to the gym in months — or years — you can always count on seeing the same cast of characters there. The workout clothes may have changed (we should actually just have ’80s-themed days at the gym), but the girl who is afraid to try any machine but the elliptical is still there. It could be a warm, sunshine-filled day, but you're still going to see the same guy inside doing squat lifts. I don’t mean this as a bad thing — I’m impressed by their commitment to their gym membership. But it’s a fact of life.

This year, while you’re sticking to your resolution to get fit, take a look around and try to pick out these 12 types of people you’ll find at any gym. We might as well make friends — we’re all in this together!

1. The Resolution Maker

Hey, we all start somewhere. This person probably has no clue how to use any of the weight machines, but they'll catch on... if they keep coming back.

2. The Super Fit Old Lady

She has a six-pack and is spinning like a maniac. What's her secret? Where does her energy come from?

3. The Hot Personal Trainer

You can't afford a personal training session, but this instructor is pretty good motivation to sign up for one.

4. The Grunter

It doesn't matter if he's doing bicep curls or bench pressing, you're going to hear the effort this dude's putting into his reps.

5. The Cellphone Addict

You're annoyed by how much she's chatting on her phone (does she ever stop?), but trying to piece together the conversation on the other end of the line is your only form of entertainment right now.

6. The Competitive One

This person was a year-round athlete in high school, and she needs some competition to fuel her workout. You might not think you're racing on the treadmill... but you are.

7. The Glamour Girl

Her makeup is perfectly done, she's wearing adorable workout clothes, and you're over here dying in your old gym shorts.

8. The Space Waster

First step: Go to the gym. Second step: Actually exercise. This person is halfway there, but in the meantime, can he or she stop resting on the machine you want to use?

9. The Nudist

You wish it were Ryan Gosling. Usually it's old ladies in the locker room, and they're not afraid to flaunt it.

10. The Workout Buddies

Whether it's two lady friends getting each other through the workout or two guys bro-ing out while spotting each other on the bench, these pals are a package deal.

11. The Dude Everyone Knows

Seriously, it takes this guy a half hour just to get into the locker room to change because he stops to talk to everyone, from the receptionist to the hot personal trainer.

12. The Sweaty One

I mean, we all sweat, but this person is dripping everywhere. Then again, that's what the towels and sanitizer are here for, so sweat on!

Images: MilitaryHealth/Flickr; Giphy (11); Tumblr (1)