Close Ad ×

Muscle & Fitness logo Muscle & Fitness

  • Workouts

    Workouts

    • Workout Routines
    • Workout Tips
    • Fitness
    • Athlete/Celebrity Workouts
    • Exercise Videos
    Find Exercises Targeting…
    • Abs and Core Exercises
    • Arm Exercises
    • Back Exercises
    • Chest Exercises
    • Leg Exercises
    • Shoulder Exercises
  • Nutrition

    Nutrition

    • Healthy Eating
    • Lose Fat
    • Gain Mass
    • Supplements
    • Performance Nutrition
    Female sitting on a kitchen table leaning against a trifecta meal box while looking at her phone

    Performance Nutrition

    Trifecta Nutrition Vegetarian Shiratake Noodles Stir-fry
    Performance Nutrition

    8 Micronutrients Important for Performance and Where to Get Them

    Sarah fitness transformation from the Trifecta challenge
    Performance Nutrition

    Shifting Your Mindset in 90 Days

    5 Must-know Winter Bodybuilding Nutrition Tips
    Gain Mass

    5 Winter Bodybuilding Nutrition Tips

  • Athletes & Celebrities

    Athletes & Celebrities

    • News
    • Interviews
    • Women
    • Pro Tips
    • Behind-the-Scenes
    • Videos
    McGough Memorial
    News

    The Life of Peter McGough (1949-2020)

    McGough
    News

    Peter McGough, Legendary Bodybuilding Writer, Dies

    Olympia-2019-Roelly-Winklaar-Press-Conference
    News

    Roelly Winklaar is Out of the 2020 Mr. Olympia

    Seniors
    News

    It's Never too Late to Lose Weight, New Study Confirms

  • Features

    Features

    • Active Lifestyle
    • Gear
    • News
    • Opinion
    Muscle-And-Fitness-Holiday-Gift-Guide-and-Christmas-Present-Ideas
    Gear

    The M&F 2020 Holiday Gift Guide

    Man applying lotion to his and looking in the mirror
    Features

    The Ultimate Skin Care Guide for Men

    Orthopedic surgeon for the National Basketball Association Benedict Nwachukwu wearing a face mask inside a NBA basketball court and the NBA bubble,Walt Disney World Resort
    News

    What Other Sports Can Learn From The NBA Bubble

    Muscular women and female bodybuilders competing and a bodybuilding competition
    News

    Ms. Olympia Returns: A Tradition Restored

  • Flex

    Flex

    • Olympia
    • Nutrition
    • Training
    • Videos
    Mr. Olympia 2020 Top 5
    IFBB

    2020 Olympia Winners

    Olympia PPV
    News

    3 Ways To Livestream 2020 Olympia Weekend

    Professional bodybuilder George Peterson posing at Olympia 2020
    IFBB

    George Peterson - 212 Bodybuilding - 2020 Olympia

    Professional-Bodybuilder-Derek-Lunsford-posing-at-Olympia-2020
    IFBB

    Derek Lunsford - 212 Bodybuilding - 2020 Olympia

  • Hers

    Hers

    • Workouts
    • Nutrition
    • Supplements
    • Athletes & Celebrities
    • Features
    Kelsey Heenan Trainer
    Hers Workouts

    Total-Body At-Home Strength Workout

    Peter Lee Thomas Trainer
    Pro Tips

    Breathing Tips From Halle Berry's Trainer

    Man's hand holding a cup of coffee in a to-go cup
    Hers Nutrition

    Coffee Linked to Lower Body Fat in Women

    Blond-Tom-Boy-Female-Short-Hair-Stretching
    Hers Workouts

    7 Stretches for a Better Workout

  • Olympia

    Olympia

    • Olympia
    • Buy Tickets
    Mr. Olympia 2020 Top 5
    IFBB

    2020 Olympia Winners

    2019 Olympia Finals Report
    IFBB

    2019 Olympia Finals Report

    Stars Visit the Muscle & Fitness Booth
    IFBB

    Stars Visit the Muscle & Fitness Booth

    2019 Olympia Open Bodybuilding Callout Report
    IFBB

    2019 Olympia Open Bodybuilding Callout Report

Subscribe to YouTube Subscribe to the Newsletter Terms of Use Privacy Policy Cookie Policy Accessibility Statement Manage Cookies
  • Workouts
    • Workout Routines
    • Workout Tips
    • Fitness
    • Athlete/Celebrity Workouts
    • Exercise Videos
  • Nutrition
    • Healthy Eating
    • Lose Fat
    • Gain Mass
    • Supplements
    • Performance Nutrition
  • Athletes & Celebrities
    • News
    • Interviews
    • Women
    • Pro Tips
    • Behind-the-Scenes
    • Videos
  • Features
    • Active Lifestyle
    • Gear
    • News
    • Opinion
  • Flex
    • Olympia
    • Nutrition
    • Training
    • Videos
  • Hers
    • Workouts
    • Nutrition
    • Supplements
    • Athletes & Celebrities
    • Features
  • Olympia
    • Olympia
    • Buy Tickets
  • Resources & Highlights
    • Topics
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Contact
    • Terms of Use
    • Privacy Policy
    • Cookie Policy
    • Accessibility Statement
    • Manage Cookies

Stay Connected

Success!

Thank you for signing up. Your information has been successfully processed!

I want content for...
Facebook Twitter Youtube Pinterest
Open menu button
Open search bar button
×

Search M&F

Featured Articles
Lean Muscle
Healthy Eating

28-Days-to-Lean Meal Plan

With the right plan and the right discipline, you can get seriously shredded in just 28 days.

Read article
Kate Upton Attends the 2016 Vanity Fair Oscar Party
Women

The 20 Hottest Female Celebrities

Talented stars, killer physiques.

Read article
Fit Woman in the Gym
Hers Workouts

The Transformation Workout Plan

This workout combines cardio and weight-lifting drills for serious body-sculpting results.

Read article
The 50 Best Female Fitness Influencers on Instagram
Girls

The 50 Best Fitness Influencers on Instagram

Follow these fit women we're crushing on for inspiration, workout ideas, and motivation.

Read article
Flexonline

TOP 8 REASONS YOU’RE DISTRACTED AT THE GYM

Don't let these hindrances sidetrack your mission to add more lean muscle.

by Tiffiany Moore
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
TOP 8 REASONS YOU'RE DISTRACTED AT THE GYM View Gallery

TOP 8 REASONS YOU’RE DISTRACTED AT THE GYM

Close gallery popup button
1 OF 9

1 of 9

TOP 8 REASONS YOU'RE DISTRACTED AT THE GYM

Stay Focused

It’s all but certain that when you get to the gym you’re going to have to deal with distractions. From sights to sounds to smells, there will be something seeking to sidetrack you. Left unchecked, this sort of interference can cause you to lose focus and mess up your ability to make gains. But don’t worry, there’s a way around every potential preoccupation you might face. Check out these fixes to common distractions.

2 of 9

workout-music-2

Your Music is Lame

We’ve all been there – fiddling with smartphones or mp3 players looking for the perfect song to knock out some squats. This happens most when a playlist gets stale. The beats that used to thump have hit a slump, and the songs you used to rock out to just don’t do it for you anymore.

Scanning playlists and music libraries for something motivating has got to be one of the most common – and biggest – distractions in the gym.

Solution

Update regularly.
Take a little time every day or so to add new songs and ditch old ones. Look for inspiration everywhere. Use Shazam to capture songs that you hear out and about. Text yourself the names of songs you hear on the radio. But keep it fresh. You don’t want to get stuck with stale music.

3 of 9

body-odor_0

B.O

Imagine you’re on the treadmill, and you’re hitting a good stride. Then all of a sudden you get punched in the nose by some wicked body odor. At this point all you can focus on is this person’s funk and how offended you are – therefore losing all concentration on that run.

Solution

You’ve got to move
Simply put: relocate. There’s no other option. You can’t lose your concentration because someone didn’t shower or decided to wear the same gym shorts for a week.

4 of 9

Hip-Hop-Music

Your Wires Are Crossed

Ever pick up a barbell to do a set of curls only to get your headphone wires all tangled up, and you end up having your earbuds snatched out of your head? And now, you have to put the barbell down, fix your earbuds and figure out how to prevent that from happening on every rep. Yeah, me too. Talk about irritating

Solution

Go wireless.
If you can’t afford cordless headphones, that’s one thing. But if you’re being cheap, just stop. Splurge on yourself for once and get a decent Bluetooth headset. It’ll make your workouts that much more intense if you don’t have to stop every darn rep to fiddle with stupid cords.

5 of 9

gym-crowd-crunches

Gym Is Packed

Everybody’s lifting today.
There are few things worse than having to change plans every exercise because all of the equipment you want is being used by someone else.

And maybe it’s not just the equipment. Sometimes it’s so busy that people are constantly invading your personal space. This will happen on those packed Monday nights and Saturday mornings.

Solution

Adjust your workout time to go during non-peak hours. Though it may be not the most convenient thing to do, it’ll help in the long run so you can use the gym most efficiently. Going at 6 a.m. instead of 6 p.m. can make all the difference in the world.

6 of 9

cell-phone

Get Off That Phone

The ever-demanding cellphone — this little device has the ability to turn a short, snappy 30-minute workout into a drag two or three times that long.

The things are always flashing with updates. Texts, calls, emails, Instagram likes, Snaps. They all want the attention and focus you should be paying your workout.

Solution

Stay strong.
Treat these devices like you do sweets when you’re low-carbing. Just ignore them. If you can, consider leaving your phone in your car or locker. Another option is to turn off your updates while you’re doing your cardio warmup. Just remember to turn them back on when you’re done!

7 of 9

heavy-man-gym_0

Stop Eyeballing

We all people-watch. It’s natural. It’s only a problem when you’re more focused on that hottie from across the room than your workout. (Or if you stare. Don’t do that. It’s creepy.)

If you’re too concerned about what other people are doing or wearing or what they’re wearing when they’re doing it, that means you’re not focused on your own program. This lack of focus will set you back, guaranteed.

Solution

Mind your business.
Nobody’s saying don’t look. It could be a source of fitspo or comedy. But keep it in check. Remember why you’re at the gym. Focus on yourself and your results. Minimize the watching to just a glance, and keep it moving.

8 of 9

smile_tips_teeth_sex_women_flirt

To Much Chatting

Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah …
You know how it goes, a quick hello turns into a 10-minute (or much longer) conversation that goes from what your workout consists of to what club you plan on hitting up on the weekend. It’s the worst when someone is talking at you instead of to you. Uggh.

This can affect your results. During the time you’re talking, your heart rate decreases, your body cools and you basically have to start all over again to put yourself in an ideal state for getting results.

Solution

Cut them off.
You know who you’re likely to end up chatting with at the gym for too long. Before a conversation even gets rolling, announce to your buddy that you’re short on time and need to finish up your work. Tell them – in a friendly way – that you’ll catch up with them later, then walk away.

9 of 9

muscular-man-style-guide-tshirt

Wardrobe Malfunctions

It may seem like a good idea to work out in an old T-shirt. But what happens when you get to the gym and it’s too loose or too tight and that’s all you can think about? Forget about squeezing your muscles at the top of the movement, all you’re thinking about is how much you hate wearing that shirt. If this isn’t distracting, then I don’t know what is.

Solution

Get in the mirror.

Try on several gym outfits. Treat it like you would work clothes or club gear. But take some time to figure out what you’re most comfortable working out in. What works for some people may not be the best option for others. Learn about yourself and what fits well for you.

Back to intro

Stay Focused

It’s all but certain that when you get to the gym you’re going to have to deal with distractions. From sights to sounds to smells, there will be something seeking to sidetrack you. Left unchecked, this sort of interference can cause you to lose focus and mess up your ability to make gains. But don’t worry, there’s a way around every potential preoccupation you might face. Check out these fixes to common distractions.

Your Music is Lame

We’ve all been there – fiddling with smartphones or mp3 players looking for the perfect song to knock out some squats. This happens most when a playlist gets stale. The beats that used to thump have hit a slump, and the songs you used to rock out to just don’t do it for you anymore.

Scanning playlists and music libraries for something motivating has got to be one of the most common – and biggest – distractions in the gym.

Solution

Update regularly.

Take a little time every day or so to add new songs and ditch old ones. Look for inspiration everywhere. Use Shazam to capture songs that you hear out and about. Text yourself the names of songs you hear on the radio. But keep it fresh. You don’t want to get stuck with stale music.

B.O

Imagine you’re on the treadmill, and you’re hitting a good stride. Then all of a sudden you get punched in the nose by some wicked body odor. At this point all you can focus on is this person’s funk and how offended you are – therefore losing all concentration on that run.

Solution

You’ve got to move

Simply put: relocate. There’s no other option. You can’t lose your concentration because someone didn’t shower or decided to wear the same gym shorts for a week.

Your Wires Are Crossed

Ever pick up a barbell to do a set of curls only to get your headphone wires all tangled up, and you end up having your earbuds snatched out of your head? And now, you have to put the barbell down, fix your earbuds and figure out how to prevent that from happening on every rep. Yeah, me too. Talk about irritating

Solution

Go wireless.

If you can’t afford cordless headphones, that’s one thing. But if you’re being cheap, just stop. Splurge on yourself for once and get a decent Bluetooth headset. It’ll make your workouts that much more intense if you don’t have to stop every darn rep to fiddle with stupid cords.

Gym Is Packed

Everybody’s lifting today.

There are few things worse than having to change plans every exercise because all of the equipment you want is being used by someone else.

And maybe it’s not just the equipment. Sometimes it’s so busy that people are constantly invading your personal space. This will happen on those packed Monday nights and Saturday mornings.

Solution

Adjust your workout time to go during non-peak hours. Though it may be not the most convenient thing to do, it’ll help in the long run so you can use the gym most efficiently. Going at 6 a.m. instead of 6 p.m. can make all the difference in the world.

Get Off That Phone

The ever-demanding cellphone — this little device has the ability to turn a short, snappy 30-minute workout into a drag two or three times that long.

The things are always flashing with updates. Texts, calls, emails, Instagram likes, Snaps. They all want the attention and focus you should be paying your workout.

Solution

Stay strong.

Treat these devices like you do sweets when you’re low-carbing. Just ignore them. If you can, consider leaving your phone in your car or locker. Another option is to turn off your updates while you’re doing your cardio warmup. Just remember to turn them back on when you’re done!

Stop Eyeballing

We all people-watch. It’s natural. It’s only a problem when you’re more focused on that hottie from across the room than your workout. (Or if you stare. Don’t do that. It’s creepy.)

If you’re too concerned about what other people are doing or wearing or what they’re wearing when they’re doing it, that means you’re not focused on your own program. This lack of focus will set you back, guaranteed.

Solution

Mind your business.

Nobody’s saying don’t look. It could be a source of fitspo or comedy. But keep it in check. Remember why you’re at the gym. Focus on yourself and your results. Minimize the watching to just a glance, and keep it moving.

To Much Chatting

Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah …

You know how it goes, a quick hello turns into a 10-minute (or much longer) conversation that goes from what your workout consists of to what club you plan on hitting up on the weekend. It’s the worst when someone is talking at you instead of to you. Uggh.

This can affect your results. During the time you’re talking, your heart rate decreases, your body cools and you basically have to start all over again to put yourself in an ideal state for getting results.

Solution

Cut them off.

You know who you’re likely to end up chatting with at the gym for too long. Before a conversation even gets rolling, announce to your buddy that you’re short on time and need to finish up your work. Tell them – in a friendly way – that you’ll catch up with them later, then walk away.

Wardrobe Malfunctions

It may seem like a good idea to work out in an old T-shirt. But what happens when you get to the gym and it’s too loose or too tight and that’s all you can think about? Forget about squeezing your muscles at the top of the movement, all you’re thinking about is how much you hate wearing that shirt. If this isn’t distracting, then I don’t know what is.

Solution

Get in the mirror.

Try on several gym outfits. Treat it like you would work clothes or club gear. But take some time to figure out what you’re most comfortable working out in. What works for some people may not be the best option for others. Learn about yourself and what fits well for you.

Author picture
Written by Tiffiany Moore
Related Articles
Trifecta Nutrition Vegetarian Shiratake Noodles Stir-fry
Performance Nutrition

8 Micronutrients Important for Performance and Where to Get Them

Muscular bodybuilder doing a kettlebell workout while using fat burning supplements for 2021
Lose Fat

The Top 10 Fat Burners For 2021

Stay up to date

Sign up below to receive our newest workout routines, recipes, news stories, and offers from our partners

Success!

Thank you for signing up. Your information has been successfully processed!

I want content for...

Follow us

Facebook Twitter Youtube Pinterest

More news

Professional bodybuilder George Peterson posing at Olympia 2020
IFBB

George Peterson - 212 Bodybuilding - 2020 Olympia

2020 Joe Weider's Olympia Fitness & Performance Weekend!

Read article
Professional-Bodybuilder-Derek-Lunsford-posing-at-Olympia-2020
IFBB

Derek Lunsford - 212 Bodybuilding - 2020 Olympia

2020 Joe Weider's Olympia Fitness & Performance Weekend!

Read article
Ahmad-Ashkanani-212-Bodybuilding-2020-Olympia
IFBB

Ahmad Ashkanani - 212 Bodybuilding - 2020 Olympia

Ahmad Ashkanani - 212 Bodybuilding - 2020 Olympia

Read article
All Flexonline
  1. Home
  2. /
  3. Flexonline
  4. /
  5. TOP 8 REASONS YOU’RE DISTRACTED AT THE GYM
Muscle & Fitness logo
  • Workouts
  • Nutrition
  • Athletes & Celebrities
  • Features
  • Recipes
  • Topics
  • Videos
  • Exercise Videos
  • Podcasts
  • RSS Feed
  • 2020 Olympia
  • Buy Olympia Tickets
  • Archives
  • Sitemap
Facebook Twitter Youtube Pinterest

Newsletter Signup

Success!

Thank you for signing up. Your information has been successfully processed!

I want content for...

Muscleandfitness.com is part of A360 Media LLC Fitness & Health Network

Contact Us Terms of Use Privacy Policy Cookie Policy Manage Cookies Accessibility Statement

JW Media, LLC

Copyright 2021 JW Media, LLC, parent company of Muscle & Fitness. All rights reserved.