I have signs that say 'no grunting...' but - I just ask to be kept at a minimum...but, it is aggravating to other members. Usually, if it's out of 'control', the members will give a 'look' to the grunter and then the grunter usually embarassingly apologizes:) I also understand that the heavier the weight being pushed, it is almost natural to have to exert sound...but (again) years ago at a conference, we were also told that 'grunting' doesn't really help with the lift...Then again, it is better to lose one member than losing 3,4 or 5....I have been in the fitness business for 30 years...at one time, I had a member with headphones singing opera 'loud', that was another story!

It's a shame that people don't understand real training and effort. Those in the gym that are truly working hard and pushing themselves to their limits will grunt, exhale loudly and more than likely make some noise. These people are actually training not 'working out'. The grunters are the one's that want the results and are commited and willing to put in the time, sweat and effort to get them.

I own CrossFit Thoroughbreds in Fort Myers, Fl. and would never discourage any member from grunting, groaning, exhaling loudly or dropping weights in our olympic lifting. In fact I encourage it.

I want to see my members pushing their limits, training hard and getting results. Not just walking in the door, going through the motions and pretending something magical will happen just because they walked in the gym.

When did the 'Fitness Industry' become so sensitve and wussofied?????

Let's get back to real training and real results!

Grunting doesn't bother me or the majority of my members. I have an issue with heavy weights being dropped on the floor in an uncontrol manner. I know the pros and cons of each side of the argument but when I see my members jump at the unexpected sound, it becomes unnerving.

As a Bodybuilder for 17yrs, a personal trainer 15yrs and a gym owner - I understand hard exhaling when doing a tough lift or the final rep or two. Loud grunting that I hear coming from the gym floor is uncalled for - intimidating to many and rather obnoxious.

You do not hear martial artists having baby's when they practice or even in tournament. Lifting is no different - grunting as if you are having a baby is showing off plain and simple. Sadly most that do the loudest grunting have the poorest form and show little results except they can grunt as loud as any.

Breathe hard - exhale hard - keep the noise down.

I train hard and also like to think it shows.....as people always approach me in the gym regarding training advice and lifting technique. When training hard one really has no choice but make some grunts or a little noise. Now an all-out obnoxious grunting and groaning through the entire set is a little un-called for. One of the things that I'm finding more annoying than that is the kid in the corner who thinks he's getting ready to step into the octagon....while im getting ready for a heavy set of squats he's over there bouncing around and throwing punches and karate kicks in front of the mirror.....Very Distracting. And Annoying.

I don't ban grunting at The Crest but I don't allow screaming and I will kick you out if you improperly dismount your dumbells...You are not supposed to lower the weights to your sides while laying on a flat bench. It's improper form and extremely bad for your shoulders.

I train very hard as well and I never grunt.
Grunting is for meatheads who want attention to themselves.

I'm a director for multiple facilities and I have a strict no grunting policy

Anything that is disruptive to more people than it serves is counterintuitive to any business.
So if one person is annoying several, then they need to get off their high entitlement horse.
The only difference between breathing hard and grunting is the engagement of the vocal chords, which involves... guess what... muscular control. Anyone who claims to 'know what I'm doing', when he is obviously making other people who share a common space miserable, apparently doesn't think he has anything to learn.
Guess again. And so long, douchebag.

Another thing.

If you can't put down your weights without slamming them on the floor, then they are probably too heavy for you.

Gyms and managers with a draconian aproach to this subject get my goad. It's a free country and the effectivness of making noise when exerting ones self is debatable. Just because you dont do it does not mean it's not effective for others. Imagine if tennis baned grunting. Saying so long douchbag to your customers is poor customer service and counterintuitive to any business. As a gym owner or manager you should be more open minded and reasonable.

Another thing.

If you can't put down your weights without slamming them on the floor, then they are probably too heavy for you.......Really, In that case you can lift the same weights all the time and never make progress..At some point you have to challenge yourself and lift a weight you have never handled before..If it's too heavy it may make a noise as it reaches the floor..Once in a while is ok, but if it happens every time you're just craving ateention..Grunting is ok

Id rather have guys grunting in the cages and working hard, than a bunch of glorified wusses jabbing on their iphones, and bs ing with their friends while taking up a piece of equipment. And Im sure that all of these weekend heroes dressed up in their multi colored spandex and prancing around the facility are NOT trying to call attention to themselves? Please, if you dont like the noise, got to Curves.

Grunting means, usually, you are trying too hard. If more people focus on healthy, whole-body movement, the grunt (if if even happens) will be small. Traing soooo hard that you need to grunt is often an idicator that your form is breaking down (even on the unseen neurological level).

Try training to the point just before the grunt would kick in. You may find you'll be injured less often, if at all, and feel your results move foreward from progress and NOT backward from doing too much too often.
PS: Nobody needs a 400lb bench. Try working up to 100 push ups instead.

Let's define 'grunting'. Grunting is LOUD noises starting with first rep and continuing on until the final rep. Loud obnoxious noises that bring attention to them selves and annoy other members who know the proper way to lift. Exhaling or holding one's breath in the final 2-3 reps for maximum lift is useless if you have improper form. Getting as much oxygen in the blood as possible is the key. Breathing does this not grunting. Those who want to grunt from the beginning to the end of the workout should go to venice beach with the rest of the grunters.

Bottom line is we live in a society that loves to complain to each other, we just want to be heard. Grunting doesnt bother me as long as it's not profane. People are just overly sensitive. Grunting was at the gym before any of the people who actually complain about it, I think it comes with the territory. Slamming of weights though, that is where I draw the line.

'Those who say don't know, those who know don't say'

When a true expert like Paul Chek jumps in and tells me that grunting is functional and the more the better I'll be all for it.

So far the loudest grunters, and the guys who slam plates between repetitions and drop their weights regularly from great heights have not proven themselves to be anything other than jerks.

In a true 'sport lifting' facility like crossfit the rules don't apply, but don't come into a regular gym acting like you own it if you are only a dues paying member.

I've been on both sides of this, being a former competitive power lifter and strong man; but also with over a decade of working in the industry (mostly in management). While I I think excessive noise (grunting, dropping weights, etc) needs to be addressed people also need to be aware of where they are. If you're deadlifting 450-500 pounds, there will be some noise associated with the movement. If you're pressing 30 pound dumbells- not so much. But just as gyms should watch for this behavior; they should be just as strict with the 'herds' of people monoploizing equipment, the excessive socialization and outfit comparing that is much more rampant at facilities today.

As a gym owner, I myself and staff get a grunter or a dumbbell thrower, we hurry over to them sometimes run and inquire with concern 'Are U Alright!!!) After doing this repeatedly sometimes during the same workout, they get the hint and either quit it so we don't point out how stupid they R or they move on to another gym so they can show off to a new crowd.
PS This works on they Grunting Gals too.

As one whom has trained heavy for years, and as a gym owner, loud grunting is unnecessary and distracting to everyone at the gym. Some low volume or breathy noises as a result of powerful exhalation is perfectly acceptable, but those I most often find being the loudest are not the heaviest lifters and will often grunt loudly even during warm-up sets. It is a total disregard for others and for gym etiquette. From a business perspective, I would much rather run the few loud grunters out of the gym than lose the dozens of others that will leave because of them.

Nick A.

Love the idea, thanks for the tip.

As a veteran fitness instructor & personal trainer I sometimes want to hear my participants making some noise to let me know they are putting in the effort I am hoping for. I certainly do not discourage it. I am 60 years old now, yet I don't look it or feel it -- I am still going strong & plan to continue. It takes hard work to maintain youthfulness, but it is totally worth it. I have spent some time on rowing machines which really challenges me to the point I am making noises that I don't realize others are noticing until a fellow instructor checked on me once to be sure I was OK. Yes, just feeling the workout -- which is GOOD! I am also probably sounding off more than I realize while weight training because I am concentrating so much on execution that I am blocking out everything else. Anyone so sensitive to be offended by some natural human noise may just be in the wrong place; they just need to focus on their own workout or get their earphones on so as to be in their own world.

After reading a good majority of the comments, I think some have missed the true topic. As a personal trainer at a Health Club, I see the impact loud grunting and dropping weights can have on the majority. Health Clubs are for families and people trying to correct the improper habits they have had for most of their life. These people are senstive to things going on around them and a looking for an atmosphere that does not draw attention. GYM's are a completely different story. Places like Crossfit, Gold's and other competitive establishments promote loud noises, quick movements and even yelling. That's why their are so many fitness options around. The object is to find a place that is suitable to your own workout standards... not force everyone else to deal with your habits.

Certainly, as a gym owner who has heavy dumbbells, barbells and other robust fitness tools on my floor, then grunting and snorting is expected. However, I do believe some individuals can go over board with violent oxygen diarrhea. That said, knowing one comes with the other, I've planned accordingly and placed the heavy lift items in a part of the gym where others have no reason to go unless they are lifting heavy.

Personally, I believe gym owners assume all responsibility and should create a 'considerate' floor plan for your clients. Furthermore, gym and club owners should accurately inform potential clients of the type of atmosphere the gym/club provides, to include of the area where heavy lifting takes place. Most of my clients have no problem with this atmosphere and appreciate the notification.

As a side note for those owners who frown on or disallow the grunters, yet have a full arsenal of Oly and Powerlifting tools, these owners should ban all cellular devices on the floor. Has anyone seen a gym's version of 'road rage?' Watch the confrontation between a customer yacking on his cell phone and a client is who is on the floor to get some work done.

If you don't want somebody grunting in your gym then why to you have 150lb dumbells? Hundred pound plates? Do you really think one can pick these heavy weights up without straing? Like the guy said, join Curves or open one. I'm training for competion and I take it seriuosly. I push myself 5 to 6 days a week. In three months I'll be 48 years old!
Signed,
a grunting badass old man!

Theres a chain called Planet Fitness which prohibits grunting and has a lunk alarm. So they are basically Curves for Men.....great place for the forever fat and lazy not to mention men without balls.

Grunting is indication of supreme effert and should be rewarded not punished. America is becoming wussified and low effert gyms or 'fitness centers' are leading the way