Gym carry?

[toreskha]

Does anyone know of an ideal way to carry while working out at the gym? I'm a little hesitant to carry my P3AT on my person while running and lifting just because it seems like it will get in the way and break my concentration. The holster will also have to be washed regularly.

I've considered maybe getting a very small bag to carry around for towels, water, etc. IMO external carry is very practical in this situation because the most likely type of incident in a gym setting is probably a "deranged madman" who walks in the door and just starts blasting away, or possibly comes out of the locker room. Most people are there for a specific purpose, and those who aren't will tend to stick out. I'm usually not near the entrance, and if I hear shots near the front desk I would have a few seconds to seek cover, call 911 and draw before the shooter shows up.

Any other thoughts on this? I want to be low-profile, but also avoid getting sweat and possibly water on my gun and holster.

Alternately, the trip from or to my car is also a possible time for a problem, but I already carry in my gym bag, and keep that pocket partially unzipped. I'd like to get a holster made into the side though.

[Glock Fan]

In this particular situation I would recommend a fanny pack designed for CCW. I have a pack that has a pocket for my firearm, an external pocket that holds an extra magazine and tactical light (never know when the power will go out), and a pocket in the back that holds my ID, CCW permit and some cash. My iPod Nano fits well in the back pocket as well. It's a perfect "low profile" way to discreetly carry. A lot of LEO in my area carry this way and blend in great among the other gym patrons with the same rig. There are the big time "roid" users that have a similar fanny pack, but it's packed with their "substances" and other "suppliments". You can hang the fanny pack from the treadmill handles or strap it around the weight bench while working out. Add a water bottle and ths tiny required gym towel to wipe down the machines and you're set.



gf

[toreskha]

Hmmm...well, I might look into that if it has space for a Nalgene. What pack do you use?

[Glock Fan]

No specific brand name. It's a simple leather fanny pack designed for CCW that I picked up at a gun shop in NV. I previously used a nylon Blackhawk pack. The guys in the shop "made me" instantly and suggested the leather pack to be more discreet. After observing folks in various areas where I travel, the leather pack does look less conspicuous. :sly:


gf

[toreskha]

Hmmm...well, I think you've turned me on to the concept of fanny packs as a practical solution. The only problem is that CCW packs don't seem to very often look like they "belong" in the gym. REI and backcountry.com sell a lot of things that wouldn't look out of place at all. I'll go look at a number of these and find one that will work well. Alternately I might end up performing some structural modifications to attach a holster internally, but it would be worth it for a custom fit.

It's surprising to me that there isn't more of a demand for this sort of thing.

[HK4U]

Might not be so good for weight lifting but for running The Urban Strider is a good choice. Check it out.

http://glockstore.com/pgroup_descrip...%26filter_4%3D

[CAPTAIN MIKE]

To me (and many others) a Fanny Pack shouts 'Gun!!' - and would make it easy to be 'made'. I'm with the other posters that like the type of pack that would not be so obvious.

[toreskha]

Originally Posted by CAPTAIN MIKE

To me (and many others) a Fanny Pack shouts 'Gun!!' - and would make it easy to be 'made'. I'm with the other posters that like the type of pack that would not be so obvious.

A fanny pack in the grocery store or the bank would be very suspicious; one that looks like it was bought on a CCW site would shout "gun!", especially if it's made out of black cordura. However, a small yellow one that has a bottle of water and is attached to a towel would look completely appropriate in a gym.

I have seen people carrying these around - as Glock Fan said, they often have supplements, occasionally steroids, or whatever in there. I don't use steroids but I do use legal supplements and vitamins...normally I carry these in my pocket because I don't like to carry a lot of stuff, but in fact this may be more convenient AND allow me to work out while packing. It also means I may be able to carry something larger than my normal P3AT.

[whiptrackercracker]

Personally, I'm not one for off body carry, but thats just personal choice. When I go to the gym I where a smart carry under my jogging pants while I lift weight. It works really well and does not get in the way. However, the holster sits on an elastic belt which tends to bob up and down just a bit during running. Some people I know find this very annoying others do not. I'd +1 on the fanny pack type idea though, it probably will not shout gun in a gym situation, but keep the pack in close watch and near by. People tend to swip things like that. I particularly like finding one with a water bottle loop or something. You can easily make it look like a standard gym supply bag. I see people once in a while carry those with wipes for the equipment, a towel to dry of some sweat, and water. You'll have to let us know what you find to work.

[toreskha]

Originally Posted by whiptrackercracker

I'd +1 on the fanny pack type idea though, it probably will not shout gun in a gym situation, but keep the pack in close watch and near by. People tend to swip things like that.

I don't intend to let it get any farther than arm's length away.

I have a Camelbak backpack which has a roomy pocket...the P3AT fits in but it's a squeeze, and I think it would start to print with moisture buildup. Getting it out would also be difficult, as I'd have to first remove the bag itself, and the actual draw would be awkward. However, it would be a great place for a slim knife or a tightly wrapped chain. No one is likely to try to access it from behind as it hugs the body closely.

I'll look around later this week and take some pictures. It'll be interesting. The hippies in the kayak store will have no idea what I'm really looking for. :lachen: