Dear Vancouver Park Board Manager and Recreation Director;

I'm a regular and long time users of Kits Community Centre gym. Cell phone usage while sitting on weight training machines has become a major problem, with patrons either texting or surfing on their phones for several minutes in between sets, oblivious to the time and others wanting to use the machine. This behaviour is very disrespectful of other patrons and interferes with their fitness routines. Surely it's possible to have a workout without being on your phone? 

A sign at Kits gym outlines "Fitness Centre Etiquette". No 9 states: "Share equipment and space... do not MONOPOLIZE equipment while texting, resting or talking." 

Yet this rule is continually ignored and the gym staff refuse to do anything to enforce it. 

I'm asking the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation to review the cell phone usage policy in our fitness centres and implement a system that either bans cell phones completely or restricts their usage to listening to music and fitness apps. According to their website, Renfrew Community Centre already bans cell phones in the gym. 

As Jim Thomas, a gym business expert, writes in a recent article in LinkedIn:

Phone Etiquette in the Gym: A Guide for Gym Owners and Members

As a gym owner, it’s essential to create an environment that promotes productivity, focus, and respect among members. In today’s digital age, smartphones have become an integral part of our lives, often coming with us to the gym. While phones can serve many useful purposes, such as tracking workouts or playing motivating music, improper phone use can be disruptive, frustrating, and even lead to a less effective workout experience.

As more people adopt the habit of spending time on their phones in the gym, especially during workouts, it has become increasingly important to address the need for proper phone etiquette. This article will discuss why gym phone etiquette matters, how gym owners can enforce reasonable phone policies, and tips for members on responsible phone use during workouts...

... When people misuse their phones in the gym, it can cause several problems that affect the atmosphere, performance, and safety:

1. Disrupting the Flow of Workouts: Sitting on a bench or machine while scrolling through social media or messaging means that the equipment is occupied and unavailable for those waiting to use it. This leads to delays and frustration, particularly in busy gyms where equipment availability is limited.

2. Decreased Focus and Performance: Working out requires mental focus and dedication. Excessive phone use can detract from the intensity of workouts, as users become distracted and lose track of their sets, reps, and rest times. For members who are serious about making progress, this lack of concentration can hinder results.

3. Creating an Uninviting Atmosphere: A gym should be a place of high energy, engagement, and motivation. When gym-goers see others constantly on their phones instead of moving, it can lower the overall energy of the environment. Gym spaces that are filled with idle members using phones can feel less dynamic and more like a waiting room than a workout area.

4. Safety Concerns: Distracted behavior during exercise can lead to injuries. Whether it’s mishandling weights, not paying attention to surroundings, or failing to secure equipment, phone use can be dangerous in an environment where focus and proper form are crucial..."

(illustration Mark Matcho, Wall St Journal "The Most Aggravating Smartphone Sins at the Gym") 

• Don't text and lift. ...
• Don't camp out on equipment in between sets staring at your phone. 
• Hogging Equipment:
  Using a piece of equipment as a "social media bench" while others are waiting is a common gym complaint. This behavior can be inconsiderate, disrupt others' workouts, and prevent them from using the equipment.
•  Disruption and Inconsideration: Excessive phone use can disrupt the flow of other gym-goers' workouts, make the gym feel less like a place to exercise and more like a waiting room, and can be a nuisance for those who want to focus on their fitness goals."
  

Thank for your attention to this matter. I hope that you will seriously consider my petition. 

Elvira Lount

May 2, 2025

Kitsilano, Vancouver