Crompsie, during my experiences in the gym, I was using high-intensity training (HIT) techniques. My workouts often consisted of going to complete muscular failure via slow and somewhat sustained movements. I've never grunted in the gym in my life.

If someone is excessively grunting while lifting (i.e. the whole gym can hear it), they are probably doing it wrong. They might be some muscle-bound lifter, but even muscle-bound lifters have bad habits. I've seen many absolute titans who know how to switch on their stealth mode. I think most should be able to do this.

And, for the record, I can't wear an iPod while working out. I'm too busy for cheap entertainment.

When grunting is loud, it's distracting. If I'm doing HIT, I'm timing my lifts. I don't need some grunty bear throwing me off my timing because he can't control his breathing, or he thinks grunting gives him super Paleolithic powers from his grunty ancestors.

I don't see why anyone has a problem with people grunting at a gym.
If you're yelling because it hurts you each time you do a rep, then you deserve to get called on it. Or if you yell while at the threadmill.
But grunting is often beneficial to your work out, and it doesn't need to be loud, it just helps give that last push to finish a rep of whatever you're doing.
Now, to enforce a rule just because people who are relatively unfit feel uncomfortable and self-conscious in front of people who make it their hobby to build their body, and thus perform more straining exercises to continue and build strength, is ridiculous.
At some point, you reach a plateau where just lifting what you can lift easily is useless, if you want to move forward you need more weight. The grunting type exercise is necessary, but it's easy to tell when one does it for show.

What'd you say about my mama? Heh, I'm a product of the military and thus I love grunting. I have pro-grunt bias.

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Are we talking about grunting or screaming here? The "errgh" noise that comes from some guys when they're benching is perfectly understandable. The "AAAAAAAHHHHRRRR!" noise that some guys vocalize isn't a grunt, it's a show-off scream. Difference, right? I guess the hard part is defining the terms. When I think grunt, I think a low noise of exertion that can't be heard in another room.

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Martial arts has taught me the value of "war cries" in physical exertion. They're beneficial to fighters in many ways (as listed above in the post with the science bit). Using calls like "Tza!" for things like blocks and "AI-tza!" after punctuated strikes really can increase the power of a motion for those who know what they're doing. My instructor is a 7th degree black belt in AFK and he's demonstrated it numerous times (including on me). You don't have to use it and many don't, but there is a physiological (and psychological) advantage to doing such. And it makes kicking a Crompsin across the room that much more satisfying.

So, yeah, breathing is the key to success in any physical activity. Gotta remember to breathe.

Wow, this was stupid!!! No gruting, I chuckled then threw out my thoughts of joining planet fitness!!

The reason doesn't matter. The management politely asked him to leave and he refused...thus breaking the law. If he owned the gym he could make the rules.

Completely true and indisputable, but a total conversation buzzkill.

Seems like a good, logical, well thought out plan. Do you find something wrong with making more money by catering to "recreational lifters?" And, is it the gym owner making money or the recreational lifters that you object to?

Grunting from exertion (unless REALLY loud) doesn't bother me, but clanking and weight dropping really gets under my skin. Damn hot dogs.

Lindy
I guess you can add "hot dog" to non-PC terms like pencil-neck, musclehead, pansies, etc.

This made me laugh aloud.

Regarding the grunting issue.. I can see how grunting can result from pushing oneself to get those last few reps, or really pushing physically. In this case it seems it was handled poorly. I suspect there would have been a less dramatic outcome if the gym employee had approached the grunter and politely explained the club's policy and how he was breaking it.

Grunting in the gym is fine with me, but it's made watching tennis unbearable. Monica Seles, go on, take a bow.

This thread also reminds me of the "My New Haircut" video on YouTube, specifically 1:15 and onward (explicit language):