From pristine white New Balance sneakers to blow-drying naked in the locker room, these unconscious habits are broadcasting your birth year louder than any gym playlist ever could.
Ever notice how you can spot certain gym-goers from across the weight room before they even pick up a dumbbell?
Last week during my morning workout, I watched someone walk into the gym wearing pristine white New Balance sneakers, carrying a small towel draped over their shoulder, and heading straight for the stationary bike with a newspaper tucked under their arm.
Within seconds, I knew exactly what generation they belonged to.
Look, there's nothing wrong with having your own gym style. We all have our quirks and preferences. But if you're a boomer trying to blend in with the younger crowd at the gym (or just curious about what might be giving away your vintage), you might want to know about these telltale signs.
As someone who spends plenty of time in various gyms thanks to my trail running habit, I've noticed these patterns everywhere from budget chains to high-end fitness clubs. And honestly? Some of these habits are endearing. Others... well, they might be holding you back from getting the most out of your workout.
1. Reading actual newspapers or magazines on cardio machines
Remember when people used to bring reading material to the gym that wasn't on a screen?
While millennials and Gen Z folks are plugged into podcasts or scrolling TikTok between sets, boomers are often the ones propping up actual printed newspapers on the treadmill display. I've seen everything from full-sized Wall Street Journals to dog-eared paperback novels balanced precariously on elliptical machines.
There's something admirable about the focus required to read while walking at 2.5 mph. But here's the thing: if you can comfortably read the sports section while doing cardio, you might not be pushing yourself hard enough to see real cardiovascular benefits. When I first started running seriously at 28, I learned that effective cardio means breathing hard enough that reading becomes impossible.
2. Wearing jeans or khakis to work out
This one always amazes me. You'll spot someone doing bicep curls in Levi's or walking the track in pressed khakis and a polo shirt.
The thought process seems to be: "I'm just doing some light exercise, no need for special clothes." But proper workout attire isn't just about looking the part. It's about mobility, moisture-wicking, and preventing chafing. Trust me, after logging 20-30 miles a week on the trails, I've learned that the right gear makes all the difference.
If you're wearing street clothes to the gym, you're probably not planning to break a sweat. And if you're not sweating, are you really getting the health benefits you came for?
3. Monopolizing machines while socializing
Have you ever waited for a machine while two people sit on adjacent leg presses, chatting about their grandkids for fifteen minutes without doing a single rep?
Social connection is important, and I love that the gym can be a community space. But there's a difference between friendly conversation between sets and turning the equipment into park benches. Younger gym-goers typically understand the unwritten rule: chat in the lobby or between stations, not while occupying equipment others need.
4. Using equipment in creative but incorrect ways
Watching someone use the assisted pull-up machine as a leg press or doing seated rows while standing up is like watching someone eat soup with a fork. Sure, you might get somewhere eventually, but there's definitely a better way.
Many boomers learned to exercise in an era before YouTube tutorials and personal trainers became mainstream. They're often self-taught, which I respect, but it can lead to some interesting interpretations of how machines work. I've seen people use the cable machine in ways that would make any physical therapist wince.
When I joined my trail running group, I had to unlearn a lot of bad habits I'd developed exercising alone. Sometimes asking for help or watching others isn't admitting defeat; it's just smart training.
5. Excessive naked time in the locker room
Why is it always the over-60 crowd blow-drying their hair completely naked or having full conversations in their birthday suit?
Younger generations grew up with different ideas about privacy and personal space. We change quickly, keep towels handy, and generally minimize our naked time. Meanwhile, many boomers treat the locker room like their personal bathroom at home.
Cultural norms have shifted, and what was once normal locker room behavior now makes people uncomfortable. A little modesty goes a long way in shared spaces.
6. Bringing outdated equipment and accessories
Sweatbands, weight belts for every exercise, those ab rollers from late-night infomercials, or those vibrating belt machines that supposedly shake the fat away. If your gym bag looks like a time capsule from 1985, you might be dating yourself.
Modern fitness has moved toward functional movements and simplified equipment. You don't need a utility belt of accessories for a good workout. In fact, over-relying on supports and gadgets can actually prevent you from building the stabilizing muscles you need.
When I overcame my compulsive exercise tendencies, I also simplified my approach. Less equipment, more focus on form and consistency.
7. Sticking exclusively to machines and avoiding free weights
Watch the free weight section of any gym, and you'll notice a generational divide. Younger people gravitate toward dumbbells, barbells, and functional training areas. Many boomers stick to the circuit of machines like they're following a prescribed path at a museum.
Machines aren't bad, but exclusively using them limits your functional strength development. Free weights engage stabilizing muscles and promote better overall fitness. At 42, when I trained for my first marathon, incorporating strength training with free weights made me realize I was capable of so much more than I'd believed.
8. Completely ignoring gym etiquette around phones and music
Taking calls on speaker, playing music without headphones, or FaceTiming while on the treadmill are dead giveaways of someone who didn't grow up with mobile technology.
Most younger gym-goers inherently understand that phones should be seen, not heard, in public spaces. But I regularly see boomers having full volume conversations about their medical appointments while everyone else tries to focus on their workout.
Your phone use affects everyone around you. Keep calls brief and quiet, use headphones, and save the video calls for home.
Final thoughts
Here's what I want you to know: there's no shame in being a boomer at the gym. The fact that you're there, moving your body and prioritizing your health, matters more than whether you're wearing the latest athletic wear or know how to use every piece of equipment perfectly.
But if you want to feel more integrated into gym culture or get more out of your workouts, consider updating some of these habits. Ask for help with equipment, invest in proper workout clothes, and maybe leave the newspaper at home.
The gym has evolved since the days of Jack LaLanne and Jane Fonda. And while those legends paved the way for modern fitness culture, today's gym etiquette and best practices have shifted. Embracing these changes doesn't mean abandoning who you are. It just means adapting to get the most out of your fitness journey, regardless of your age.
After all, fitness has no expiration date. Whether you're 25 or 75, we're all there for the same reason: to feel better, live longer, and stay strong. And that's something every generation can agree on.
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