Copyright (c) 2007 Ainsley LaingA large well known fitness facility company has a no grunting policy. Last year, they made news in the U.S. when they called the police to escort a member out of the gym for grunting. Whats the deal with that?Ok, ok. Aside from being drama queens and a bit annoying, what are these grunters really doing wrong?And how does the gym staff decide what is a grunt and whats just normal exhalation of air upon exertion?Do they hire Grunt Monitors ?I can see it now in Grunt Monitor Training: Ok grunt monitors, a grunt is considered a legitimate grunt when it sounds like uuuoooohhhgg but is not a grunt when it sounds like ugh . I mean, honestly doesnt this seem pretty silly?Of course, theres the weight lifting belt amazon deeper more philosophical question: is there a difference between a snort and a grunt?What if you drop a weight on your toe and scream ouch . Do you get expelled for that?And what are the exact procedures for expulsion from the gym for grunting? Is a member issued a grunt warning first?
Maybe two grunt warnings? Three grunts - you are out?Imagine what happens at the employees shift change: Hi Jack, you see that guy over there in the red shirt? Watch him carefully. Hes had two grunt warnings already and I believe I heard the beginnings of a grunt earlier. His days are numbered Ok Susie, you can count on meI never miss a grunter .What about the poor grunters? Dont you think they feel discriminated against? Is this the beginning of gym apartheid?Will people have to be grunt-tested before they can join the gym? If they grunt, will they be sent to the grunters gym?New membership drives and advertisements will go something like this: Are you a grunter? No problem! Come on down Maybe more avant garde gyms could have tiered membership fees as in, Yes indeed sir, we do have a Gold Membership just for grunters. Of course, it will cost you more. Most women when they workout make more of a moaning sound than a grunt. Do gyms need special rules for moaners?Or is it like ladies night at a bar? Ladies attract men, so they are allowed to moan.Heres an idea: they could implement special hours for lady moaners. That would be good for business, dont you think?
Fit women sweating and making moaning sounds. Most guys I know would be there for sure and not to workout either!On a more serious note, what is the grunting and moaning all about? Does it really serve any purpose? Well, theres not much evidence that it serves a physiological purpose. Psychological? My guess is thats the reason people do it.To lift heavy things properly, its important to breathe deeply. Holding ones breath when lifting can drive blood pressure up.There used to be a belief among trainers to teach people to exhale at exertion, but that idea is continuously challenged by new research.Its more common now for trainers to explain to folks the importance of breathing well and continuously while working out.Whether one inhales or exhales on the lift doesnt really matter. Whatever is comfortable is bestso long as breathing occurs.
