Grunting and groaning at the gym? Here’s one guy who thinks it’s OK

Groans and grunts by heavy-lifters and others at the gym? Over the years, many gyms and fitness bloggers have weighed in on both sides of the workout not-so-white noise.

Julie Deardorff in this Julie’s Health Club blog at the Chicago Tribune writes about a buff and otherwise courteous dude who was recently asked to keep it down: “You don’t get to bench press 400 by just showing up to the gym and magical osmosis when you are there,” he says in the post. “You put in the work and that’s what I do. I’m inspiring guys at the gym to do the same.”

Still, the issue may be less about physiology and more about courtesy.

True, there are no universal rules governing etiquette at all gyms. But this “fitiquette” guide from Gold’s Gym could help, as could this video outlining 10 gym no-nos -- with lots of eye-rolling attitude.

And grunting isn’t just an inside-the-gym problem. This Los Angeles Times story examines what the International Tennis Federation has to say about distracting grunting by pro players.

In the meantime, iPod anyone?