u/minimiako

Hi all! I’ve been working out at home previously and doing Pilates and barre but I’m new to an actual gym (as in 1 month new lol). I have likely a silly question re: etiquette. This past week I’ve noticed some people will sit at machines or areas for 10-15 mins scrolling on their phones. If I see someone sitting somewhere I’d like to use for more than 5-10 mins and they don’t appear to be working out in the moment is it inappropriate to approach and ask if I can use the equipment? I don’t want to come across as impatient or rude but it almost seems like they’re just relaxing and scrolling something on the phone?

My second gym etiquette question - often the guys at the front desk have disappeared (maybe checking stuff somewhere else idk) but a few times I’ve come across a machine (typically glute bridge or hack squat) I want to do but I’m quite small and not super strong yet so can’t unrack the 45lb weights off it to move over elsewhere. If I see a stronger person nearby who does not appear in the middle of a set or occupied is it rude to ask if they might be open to helping me move the weights? I usually try front desk first but Saturday I waited 15 mins for one of them to come back up there so just wondering.

Thank you! I’ve been intimidated by the gym for a long time so I’m excited to finally be going!

I recently had my 3yo cat insured and because she was recently adopted I had no medical records. I took her to the vet for a wellness exam and they noted an ear infection, tapeworms, and a retained baby tooth. Due to this, the medical summary trupanion provided excludes any dental related issues, tapeworms, and any ear infection or allergy issues as they say ear infection can be allergies. Trupanion is by far the most expensive quote I received with it running about $50 a month ($500 deductible per issue and no limit) and now knowing zero dental will be covered i don’t know that it’s worth it. The quote from lemonade was around $16 a month for a $250 annual deductible with 20k limit. In my mind if dental isn’t covered anyway it makes more sense to switch to a cheaper monthly plan just to handle any catastrophic or highly expensive things. What would you do? My trupanion policy is in the free month now and I start paying beginning of August so debating if I call and cancel prior to paying. Especially knowing prices will go up each year maybe makes sense to start with a cheaper plan? I never had cat insurance for my previous cats but one was diabetic and somewhat $$ so thought it might be worth it for this new cat. Thanks!

Hi all! I’ve been a host for 2 years and have had amazing sitters but i think many of us have noticed a decrease in sitters applying for sits even in popular areas like where I am. Of course I always stock my kitchen for the sitter and offer a gift card to whole food also (it’s the closest grocery across the street) but would love to hear other perks that you’ve had on previous sits! I can’t offer my car but open to most other ideas. I have a pretty easy sit with a talkative but sweet cat (my previous sits were for my last cat who is no longer with us). Would love to hear what have been some of your favorites :)

Hi all! I’m visiting Chengdu and then heading to Yunnan and Tibet but I’m having difficulty finding good flight options. My airport is ATL and I’m happy to reposition but seems there aren’t really any good options for Chengdu that I can find? Am I better off to fly into another city and then fly domestically from there to Chengdu? Any recommendations? I’ll be leaving from kunming and anticipate I’ll have the same problem. Really want to book this trip but need to sort out feasibility of transit there first (flights for my time period in next may haven’t opened yet) as I only have limited time off work and need to make sure it’s doable. Thanks so much!