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‘What are people’s thoughts on using the office gym during the day?’

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By Legal Cheek on

22

Trainee seeks advice


In our latest Career Conundrum, a trainee solicitor wonders whether it’s a bad look to use the firm’s on-site gym during the working day.

“Hi. Slightly random conundrum to put to your readers… I’m a trainee at a City law firm which has an on-site gym. Nothing overly flash but does the job. Does it look bad if I nip down for a quick workout during the day? I typically work through my lunch (eating at my desk) so I don’t really have time then, and there’s naturally some quieter moments in the day where I think I could be getting my pump on! There’s a few people that use it during the day but so far I’ve just stuck to after work before heading home.”

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22 Comments

5PQE

I have not experienced this actual conundrum but my instinct is it’s *probably* best to avoid the gym during working hours. And if you must do it, then stick to lunch breaks. I say that because the answer “sorry I was at the gym” may not go over well with some partners if something urgent arises. Save it until you have a bit of a goodwill in the firm post qualification if others are doing it.

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(46)(3)

Agony Aunty Denning

It’s hard to say without knowing the culture of your firm.
Generally, when you are a trainee or a pupil it’s usually better to take the path of least resistance and avoid doing anything that people can take objection to. Final recruitment can be quite political & you don’t want triviality to be used as evidence that you aren’t committed , skiving off during the working day when others are working.

Lunchtime is probably acceptable but outside that I’d be careful. If you are outstandingly brilliant it probably won’t matter but if like most people you are normal it could be used as a hook for negative feedback.

It’s only 24 months. It’s not worth it.

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(36)(1)

Umamusume Contracts Team

More billing, less bulking

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(21)(2)

MC trainee

I’d say it’s possible if you’ve built up some reputation as a reliable pair of hands in the first few weeks/months of your seat.
Listen to music on your work phone and keep off silent mode. That way you’ll know every time you get an email or message from someone, and if you need to respond then you can.
And if someone asks about your whereabouts and needs you back at your desk, then make sure you’re able to be back in 5 minutes. So don’t work out so intensely you’re sweating everywhere.

Obviously don’t do this if the team is working towards a deadline, only for quiet moments (as already stated).

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(11)(1)

Obviously

As a trainee, do not work out in the working day. Either get to the office early to train, or go after 7pm.

Sincerely,

An elite level powerlifting solicitor

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(20)(1)

Old skool

Fireable offence.

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(12)(3)

Lewis Silk Cut

Use the gym. That’s what gyms are for.

Use it in the mornings, during lunch breaks or after work. Avoid it at other times to avoid going against the grain.

Some other commenters seem a bit pedantic about not doing something in case it’s objectionable. I would avoid this type of mind set at all costs, it’s not good for your mental health. If someone has an issue with your behaviour they should address it with you directly. Until then, use the facilities that are available and create a healthy work-life balance!

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(11)(5)

Do you even lift?

Invite your supervisors to the gym. If you can lift more than your supervisors, you automatically become their superior

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(56)(1)

Ahnold Benchenegger

Fuuuuuaaaaarrkkk dis Komment giv me da paaaamp. Yeeeaaaaaghhhrl

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(3)(3)

Are you being serious

Just use the gym you have at your house like the rest of us. Stop trying to cut down your working day like a lazy so and so by using the work gym as an excuse when everyone knows you more than likely have one in your house. On the off chance yiu dont have a home gym – which i highly doubt – prioeitise your work over your vanity muscles, its the lack of a job in two years time over a lack of muscles built up phrely for vanity and self esteam purposes that youll miss more if you had to forego one.

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(5)(25)

I am serious, and don't call me Shirley

Assuming you dropped your weights on your head/fingers/keyboard with this garbled, nonsensical response. Be better.

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(12)(1)

Earl

Oh shut up you 1st amendment denying cherry blosom

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(3)(7)

Question

Big day at the pub today?

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(8)(0)

still at lunch

You will not survive in this game with that attitude you massive show off, get your head down and concentrate on the firm’s business. Remember, no one cares what you think.

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(10)(7)

An employment solicitor who takes 1 hour lunch and leave at 5:30 everyday

Do you have a lunch break? If yes, work out in your lunch. You’re entitled to lunch. Take it…..

If someone asks where you were, you say you were on lunch. No one needs to know where.

Other option is say you needed a break for your health. No one is going to tell you that your mental health doesn’t matter. Especially in this day and age. You don’t have to put up with a culture just because that what’s the partners all did. The right of passage argument is obsolete. You have rights as an employee, might as well use them.

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(1)(3)

C’mon

Nobody cares what a high street lawyer from some provincial backwash side street cares. Your experience and input is irrelevant.

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(4)(7)

Back to work, fresher.

Your contract essay isn’t going to write itself.

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(9)(1)

in house lawyer

I went to the office gym most days when I was a trainee and associate at a US law firm.

Actually, it was one of the best things I did to build relationships because many of the firm’s senior management also went to the gym. Everyone knows there are quiet periods in the day, and getting to know your colleagues for a reason other than a legal issue is a good thing that can be difficult in a big firm.

I only have experience of one law firm (I was there ~10 years). Maybe other firms are culturally different and would frown upon it. Their loss.

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(5)(1)

Cynic

How about do some work at work.

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(3)(6)

Old style Senior Partner

Have you ever been punched in the face?

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(6)(2)

4PQE

I am an associate at K&E and use the office gym at 2-3pm every day. No one cares. Prioritise your mental health. You can still respond to emails and go back to desk when needed within a flash.

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(5)(1)

It’s never that deep

Similar situation in my firm but no one cares as long as you are responsive (ie have your work phone with you) and don’t disappear for hours at a time. Otherwise it’s not as big a deal as people are making it out to be. Nipping away from your desk for an hour every so often is fairly normal and if you are good at your job no one cares…

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(1)(0)

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