[gordner]

Originally Posted by Ziggythecat

Lot's of opinions out there if you google "leaving treadmill running in gym."
Haven't found one yet that sees the OP as anything but iresponsible and a danger to others.

Here's one.
Plenty, plenty more.


That said, I really think you should interrupt your workout to find a staff member the next time you see it happen. Yes, it's annoying. However, the potential consequences of someone stepping onto the machine without noticing that it's on at a good clip (or accidentally stepping on the belt while trying to turn it off) are dire enough that a two-minute interruption in a workout pales in comparison. It isn't just a matter of possible treadmill burns; someone could wind up breaking a bone or getting a concussion. You don't even have to "catch him in the act" with the staff. You could just hop off your machine when you are in a recovery period, grab someone and point out the offender, then hop back on for your next sprint. You could snap a photo with your phone so you can show the person at the front desk who you are talking about.

Either this guy is really oblivious and doesn't understand how to stop the treadmill (which means he is putting himself at risk by using the equipment) or he's doing it on purpose (which means that at best he is a clueless prankster, at worst a booby-trapper). Whatever the case may be, this guy is actively endangering others and someone needs to stop it. He might be able to ignore you, but it would be tough for him to ignore the employee who has the power to kick him out of the gym indefinitely. I really do think that the "don't leave the treadmill running" message should come from someone with authority.

All that tells me is that the blame culture of no personal accountability is rampant in our nations....A sensible person would blame no one but themselves for stepping on a running treadmill...