How to Ask Someone If They Are Done With Gym Equipment

It’s one of the biggest sources of gym anxiety, but it doesn't have to be. Knowing how to ask someone if they are done with gym equipment is a skill. And like any skill, you can learn it, practice it, and master it. This isn't about being brave; it's about having a simple, repeatable script that works every single time, so you can stop waiting and start lifting.

Key Takeaways

• The best phrase to use is, "Hey, how many sets do you have left?" It is less confrontational than "Are you done?"
• Always wait for a natural break between their sets before you approach them. Never interrupt someone mid-lift.
• If they have 1-2 sets remaining, the correct response is to say "Cool, thanks" and wait patiently nearby.
• If they have 3 or more sets left, you can ask, "No worries, mind if I work in?" This shows respect for their workout.
• "Working in" means alternating sets. You must always return the weight and seat settings to how they had them.
• A water bottle, towel, or phone on a piece of equipment is the universal sign for "this is in use."

Why Just Standing There Fails

Let's be honest. You’ve done this before. You see the person on the leg press you need for your workout plan. So you stand nearby. Not too close to be weird, but close enough to send a signal. You pretend to stretch. You check your phone. You fill up your water bottle for the third time. You are trying to use telepathy to tell them, "I need that machine."

This almost never works. And it fails for a few simple reasons.

First, most people in the gym are in their own world. They have headphones on, they're focused on their next set, and they are completely oblivious to the silent drama you're creating. They don't notice you. To them, you're just another person in a crowded gym.

Second, even if they do notice you, they have no idea what you're waiting for. Are you waiting for the water fountain? The machine next to them? Are you waiting for a friend? Your awkward hovering creates confusion, not clarity.

Worst of all, it makes both of you feel uncomfortable. You feel like a vulture circling your prey, and they feel watched and pressured. It turns a simple interaction into a weird, passive-aggressive standoff. It wastes your time, spikes your anxiety, and can derail the momentum of your entire workout. You might even give up and skip the exercise altogether, which compromises your results.

The direct approach is always better. It's faster, clearer, and shows confidence. You just need the right words.

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The 3-Step Script That Always Works

Forget the awkwardness. This simple, three-step process is the standard etiquette in every gym around the world. It's what experienced lifters do every day. It's clear, respectful, and gets you the information you need in under 10 seconds.

Step 1: The Approach

Timing is everything. Never, ever approach someone while they are in the middle of a set. Wait for them to finish their last rep and put the weight down. This is the natural pause in their workout where they are catching their breath. This is your window.

Make brief eye contact and give a small nod or smile. If you're wearing headphones, take one out. This is a non-verbal cue that says, "I'm about to speak to you." It's polite and prepares them for a quick chat.

Step 2: The Question

This is the most important part. Do not ask, "Are you done?" or "When will you be done?" Those questions can come across as impatient or demanding, even if you don't mean them to.

The magic phrase is:

"Hey, excuse me, how many sets do you have left?"

This question is perfect because it's polite, respectful of their workout, and asks for specific information. It acknowledges that they are in the middle of something and you're just trying to plan your next move. 99% of the time, you will get a friendly and direct answer.

Step 3: The Follow-Up

Your response depends entirely on their answer. There are two main paths.

If they say "One" or "Two" sets left:

Your response is simple: "Cool, thanks!" or "No problem, thank you." Then, you walk away to a spot where you can see the machine but you're not hovering over them. Give them space. They know you're waiting, and they'll usually give you a nod when they're finished.

If they say "A few," "Three," or more:

Your response is slightly different. First, say "No worries." Then, you have a choice. You can either find an alternative exercise, or you can ask to work in. The polite way to ask is:

"Mind if I work in with you?"

This is a standard gym request, and most people are happy to oblige. It's the most efficient way for two people to use the same piece of equipment.

How to "Work In" Without Being Annoying

For beginners, the concept of "working in" can be intimidating. It's simple: you alternate sets on the same piece of equipment. While they rest, you do your set. While you rest, they do their set. It keeps the flow going for both of you.

However, there are strict rules of etiquette you must follow. Breaking these is a fast way to become "that person" in the gym.

Rule 1: You Are the Guest

Remember, you asked to work in on *their* workout. You are the guest. This means you adapt to them. The most important rule is to always return the machine to their exact settings after your set. If you change the pin on the weight stack, you must move it back. If you adjust the seat height, you must return it to their position. Before you even touch the machine, make a mental note of their weight and seat settings. Forgetting this is the biggest mistake you can make.

Rule 2: Be Quick and Efficient

When it's your turn, get in, do your set, and get out. Don't start scrolling through your phone while sitting on the machine. As soon as you finish your last rep, re-rack your weights, adjust the settings back to theirs, and step away so they can begin their set. Your rest period happens *off* the equipment.

Rule 3: Don't Touch Their Stuff

This should be obvious, but never move their water bottle, phone, towel, or gym bag. Work around their things. They were there first.

Rule 4: Be Realistic

Working in is great for machines with pins (like a leg extension or cable row) where changing weight takes 2 seconds. It's much harder for exercises that require a lot of setup, like a barbell squat or deadlift, especially if there's a big strength difference. If someone is squatting 315 pounds and you squat 95 pounds, asking to work in is impractical. It would involve stripping and re-loading over 200 pounds between every single set. In those cases, it's better to just wait or find an alternative.

Rule 5: Say Thank You

When you've completed all of your sets, give them a nod and a simple, "Hey, I'm all done. Thanks for letting me work in." It's polite and closes the loop on the interaction.

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Handling Awkward Situations (The "What Ifs")

Even with the perfect script, you'll eventually run into some tricky situations. Here’s how to handle the most common ones with zero drama.

What if they're just on their phone?

You see it all the time: someone is sitting on the bench press, head down, scrolling through Instagram. They haven't done a set in minutes. This is the one time when it's acceptable to be more direct. Use the 5-Minute Rule. If someone has been resting and actively on their phone for 5 minutes or more, the equipment is fair game.

Walk up and use the script: "Hey, how many sets do you have left?" This is a polite but firm nudge that says, "People are waiting to use this." Often, this is enough to get them to either finish their workout or let you have the machine.

What if they say "no" to working in?

It's rare, but it can happen. Someone might be doing a very specific, timed workout, or they might just not be comfortable with it. If you ask to work in and they say no, you have only one option: smile and say, "No problem, thanks anyway."

That's it. Do not argue. Do not try to convince them. Do not give them a dirty look. It is their right to say no. Just accept it gracefully and move on to an alternative exercise. Getting into a gym confrontation is never worth it.

What if they are "saving" multiple machines?

During peak hours, gym etiquette is one person, one machine. You can't claim the squat rack, the leg press, and the hamstring curl machine all at once with strategically placed towels while you do a 45-minute circuit. This is not okay.

If you see a piece of equipment with a towel on it, but the person is clearly across the gym using something else, you can approach them. Use a friendly, slightly questioning tone: "Hey, sorry to interrupt, are you still using that bench over there?" This question highlights the situation without being accusatory. Most people will realize they're holding up equipment and let you use it.

What if they are just rude?

Once in a blue moon, you'll ask "How many sets left?" and get a rude or aggressive response. Do not engage. Do not escalate. It's not about you. They could be having the worst day of their life. The gym is full of heavy metal objects; it is not the place for conflict. Just say "Alright, no problem," and walk away. Your safety and peace of mind are more important than any single exercise.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is too long to rest on a machine?

For building muscle, rest periods are typically 60-90 seconds. For strength, it can be longer, around 2-5 minutes. If someone is sitting on a machine for more than 5 minutes, especially if they are distracted by their phone, it's reasonable to ask if they're still using it.

Is it rude to ask how many sets someone has left?

No, it is absolutely not rude. It is standard, accepted gym etiquette everywhere. In fact, it's considered more polite than hovering silently. It shows clear communication and respect for everyone's time. The only rude action is camping on equipment you aren't using.

What does it mean if there's a towel on a bench?

A towel, water bottle, or phone on a piece of equipment is the universal sign for "this is currently in use." The person is likely nearby, perhaps getting a drink or using the restroom. Give it a minute or two before looking for the owner.

Can I just take the weights if no one is there?

No. If weights are loaded onto a barbell or a machine, you must assume it's in use until you can confirm otherwise. Look around for someone who might be using it. Taking someone's weights mid-workout is a major breach of gym etiquette.

Conclusion

The fear of asking for equipment is almost always worse than the reality of doing it. Most people in the gym are regular, friendly individuals focused on their own goals. By using a simple, respectful script, you transform an anxious situation into a normal, everyday interaction. Now go get your workout in.