Boomers at the Gym

“Stay Off My Lawn—and My Leg Press”

I read an article the other day by someone who thinks gray hair and good manners are gym violations. Let’s just say he’s lucky the internet is still mostly punch-proof.

The whole thing was about how baby boomers “give away their age” at the gym. Because, apparently, speaking to people, using machines, and not dressing like a Lululemon mannequin is some sort of generational red flag.

I didn’t really get mad. But I did feel that familiar burr under my saddle. So, allow me—card-carrying, Medicare-flirting, gym-going boomer—to respond.

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1. “Boomers treat the gym like a social club”

Yeah. And?
We say hello. We know the front-desk guy’s name. We acknowledge other human beings by speaking to them… out loud. It’s called basic social skills.
If that outs us as old, fine. We’ve earned our place. Don’t want to talk? Turn up your earbuds and jog on.

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2. “They only use machines”

Yep—and for good reason.
Because they work. And they don’t wreck your rotator cuffs or turn your lower back into tomorrow’s excuse not to show up. They support your form so you can build without breaking.

I’m usually in the gym six days a week. I’ve been doing this longer than half the gym bunnies have been alive. You think I’m scared of a dumbbell? No. I’m just smart enough to know what’ll keep me out of the orthopedic ward.

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3. “They stretch like it’s 1982”

Damn right we do.
We like touching our toes. We think warming up is smart. And we don’t need a YouTube yoga guru in $300 color-coordinated stretchwear telling us how to reach for the ceiling with intention.

Stretching matters. We do it. And no, we don’t care if it doesn’t look cool.

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4. “They dress like it’s Casual Friday at a lawn-care convention”

Correct. We dress for sweat, not selfies.
Cargo shorts. Old sneakers. A T-shirt that may or may not have a barbecue stain from 2009. Why? Because we didn’t come to pose—we came to sweat.

Meanwhile, I see some folks in spandex so tight I can see their pulse—among other things. Shoes too pretty to scuff. And a designer water bottle that’s more accessory than necessity.

If your gym outfit says Dry Clean Only, it’s not workout gear—it’s Gym Drag.

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5. “They ignore their smartwatches”

You’re on a roll.
We don’t need a device to tell us we’re winded. You think a boomer who’s survived a few recessions, kids, and a few colonoscopies is impressed by a step counter?
I know it’s working because I’m sweating, breathing, and muttering curse words under my breath. That’s enough data for me.

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6. “They rest too long between sets”

That’s six for six.
We rest for the recovery time we need—not because we’re texting, scrolling, or posting selfies. On the flipside, I see gym rats hog a machine like it’s their therapist’s couch. One rep, sit on the equipment for five minutes of TikTok. Rinse, repeat.

Boomers? We lift. We recover. We lift again. Then we move on.

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Why bring all this up?

Because I see too many people getting discouraged before they ever start—especially folks my age. They walk into a gym, feel out of place, feel judged, and head for the door before they even break a sweat. That’s a damn shame.

Nobody needs your commentary, side-eye, or unsolicited advice. You don’t like someone’s stretching technique, gym attire, or workout choice? Great news—you’re free to structure your own workout however you see fit. It’s called minding your business—a timeless classic. And appropriate.

If more people focused less on appearances and more on consistency, maybe we’d have fewer pulled hamstrings and more folks over forty who can touch their toes without a spotter.

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Final Set:

Let me put it like this—time may thin our hair, but it’s done wonders for our perspective.
We’ve learned that consistency beats speed, sweat beats style, and showing up beats showing off.
So, while the world argues about playlists and protein shakes, we’ll be over here quietly getting it done.

Now shut up and let me stretch.

That’s The Condition—still standing, still laughing, still showing up.
💪 Stick around, subscribe, and keep lifting—spirits included.