7 Annoying Things Your Workout Buddy Does

Working out with a buddy can boost motivation, provide accountability and even make exercise more enjoyable. But not all workout partners are created equal. Some can test your patience, kill your focus, or make you dread your sessions altogether. From hogging the mirror to treating the gym like a photoshoot, annoying workout buddy habits can quickly turn gains into gripes.

In this blog, we’ll dive deep into the most frustrating behaviours your training partner might be guilty of. If you’ve ever rolled your eyes mid-rep or silently screamed into your protein shake, this one’s for you.

Key Takeaways

• Workout buddy annoyances can derail progress and motivation.
• Common issues include over-socialising, poor hygiene, and trying to compete.
• Clear communication is key to resolving training partner frustrations.
• Setting expectations early helps avoid awkward confrontations.
• Choosing the right gym buddy is as crucial as the workout itself.

1. Clicking Too Many Photos at the Gym

We all appreciate a good progress shot, especially when hard work starts showing. But when your gym buddy transforms every session into an Instagram content shoot, it’s more frustrating than flattering. Constant selfies, checking angles, or asking for retakes can interrupt the rhythm of your workout.

The gym is a place to grind, not pose. This obsession with snapping photos often leads to longer rest periods and reduced intensity. You came to sweat, not to play photographer. Among all the annoying workout buddy habits, this one tops the list, especially if you're on a tight schedule.

It’s fine to want memories or social media updates, but moderation is key. You shouldn't have to hold a ring light mid-squat or pause every two minutes for "one last snap".

2. Taking Long Social Breaks Between Sets

Your heart rate’s up, the sweat’s real, and you’re ready for your next set, until your gym buddy starts chatting with the person next to you. Ten minutes later, you're standing around, muscles cooling down, waiting for them to wrap up their life story.

This is one of the classic workout partner pet peeves. Long, unnecessary social breaks can kill momentum and extend workouts way beyond their natural timeframe. While it’s great to enjoy company at the gym, when the session becomes a catch-up session rather than a workout, it’s frustrating.

If your training partner's frustration stems from too much talk and too little action, it might be time for a heart-to-heart. Let them know that rest periods should be about recovery, not storytelling.

3. Showboating During Exercises

There’s a fine line between confidence and arrogance. A workout partner who showsboats every time they lift can come across as performative and distracting. It’s not just about grunting louder or dropping weights with a bang; it’s the smug glances in the mirror, the exaggerated reps, and the constant need to ‘outshine’.

Working out should be about progress and pushing limits, not proving superiority. When your gym buddy treats each session like a stage, it can turn the atmosphere from supportive to competitive.

This type of behaviour often masks insecurity or a need for validation. Still, it doesn't make it any less annoying. A gym buddy annoying thing like this can breed resentment and make workouts feel more like a battle than a bonding activity.

4. Always Trying to Lift Heavier Weights Than You

Healthy competition is fine. But when your workout buddy constantly tries to one-up your lifts, it becomes a dangerous game. They’ll add an extra 10 kg to the bar, not because they can handle it, but because they want to 'beat' you.

This isn’t just annoying, it’s unsafe. Incorrect form, lack of control, or straining beyond limits can lead to injury. The gym should be a place of encouragement, not ego clashes. If your partner’s obsession with lifting heavier weights than you clouds their judgment, you may need to step in.

Helping each other grow is the point of working out together. Not every day needs to be a PR attempt. Sometimes, focusing on technique over load is what truly counts.

5. Using Your Towel or Leaving You a Sweaty Bench

This one's an absolute hygiene nightmare. You’ve brought your own towel, only to find your buddy casually using it after their set. Or worse, they leave a sweat-drenched bench for you to use next. Few workout buddy annoyances are as off-putting as poor gym etiquette.

Using someone else's towel is just gross. It’s also completely avoidable. As for sweaty bench gym buddy annoyances, the fix is simple: bring a towel and wipe down after use.

It might feel awkward to call it out, but your health and comfort matter. A quick reminder can go a long way, and it’s better than silently suffering through someone else’s perspiration.

6. Acting Like a Drill Sergeant

Motivation is great, but barking orders like a boot camp commander? Not so much. Some workout buddies go full drill sergeant workout partner, turning every session into a shout-fest. “Push harder!”, “Don’t stop!”, “One more or you’re weak!” all yelled while you’re gasping for breath.

While encouragement is important, everyone responds differently. Aggressive coaching can quickly cross the line into demoralising. Instead of uplifting you, it adds unnecessary pressure and ruins the experience.

If your partner doesn’t understand your boundaries or needs, it’s time for a calm conversation. Respect is just as important as intensity in any partnership, especially in the gym.

7. Never Matching Your Workout Pace or Goals

You’ve planned your workout of the day, focused, goal-oriented, and paced to perfection. But your buddy shows up either in a lazy mood or trying to turn leg day into cheat day. This disconnect leads to mismatched routines, awkward waits, and a frustrating lack of flow.

A workout buddy who can’t sync with your energy or goals creates more hassle than help. Whether it’s skipping warm-ups, not finishing reps, or just showing up late, it disrupts your rhythm and motivation.

Effective training requires alignment on pace, intensity, and mindset. Before teaming up long-term, ensure your partner is on the same page. A good gym buddy complements your style, not complicates it.

How to Handle Workout Buddy Annoyances Gracefully

It’s tempting to explode after the tenth selfie or the fiftieth skipped rep, but tackling workout buddy annoyances requires diplomacy. Here’s how to deal with them without damaging the friendship:

• Communicate Openly: Be honest, but kind. Let them know how their behaviour is affecting your workout.
• Set Boundaries: Establish workout rules—like keeping phone use minimal or sticking to set rest times.
• Lead by Example: Model the behaviour you expect. Show up on time, stay focused, and be supportive.
• Be Flexible: Not every issue is worth a confrontation. Pick your battles wisely.
• Find Common Ground: Choose exercises or formats that motivate you both to stay on track.

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, things won’t improve. And that’s okay. You can still be friends without being training partners.

Conclusion

A solid workout buddy can be your greatest asset, but a mismatched one can be a major setback. Recognising the annoying workout buddy habits early helps protect your time, goals, and sanity. From clicking too many photos at the gym to acting like a drill sergeant, these frustrations are more common than you’d think.

Whether you choose to confront, compromise, or cut ties, remember: your health and progress are priorities. Choose training partners who elevate you, not exhaust you, and don’t be afraid to sweat solo if that’s what gets you closer to your goals.