Gym Etiquette
If you don’t work out on your own Super-deluxe home gym and you go to a gym that you must share with others there are a few rules of etiquette that you should follow just so you can play well with the others.
1. Rerack your weights. I’ve been in many, many gyms and I have yet to see a gym that doesn’t have a sign reminding you to rerack your weights. It’s really just common courtesy. The next person may not be able to lift those 45 pound plates you left on the squat rack and even if they can, that’s not part of their workout–it’s yours. You learned it in kindergarten. Put your stuff away.
2. Don’t dawdle on the machines. That means don’t sit on the leg curl machine and have a conversation with your buddy. When someone else is ready to use it, they’re ready to use it. And if you are sitting there talking away, you’re not using it! Keep the equipment open for everybody.
3. Wipe down the equipment. If you are sweating up a storm, that’s great, that’s what you’re there for but the next person doesn’t want to have to work out in your sweat!
4. Wear flip-flops or some other kind of footwear in the locker room. This is for your own safety as well as others. Germs can’t be seen but they can sure cause a havoc like athlete’s foot.
5. Don’t drop the weights. It makes a ferocious noise and its distracting not to mention it could be dangerous to your little toes. Gently put the weights down. I know sometimes it just happens, but don’t be the one who always does it. Respect the peace and quiet of the others.
6. Be polite about letting someone work in with you. If your workout just won’t allow it, tell them politely and work fast so they can finish their workout too. They pay their dues just like you. Nobody is more priveleged at the gym. Everyone should have an equal chance to work out and get fit.
7. Be on time for fitness classes. It’s a distraction to everyone when the stragglers come in.
8. Don’t offer unsolicited advice. Nobody has a perfect workout everytime. If their form is not quite right or if the order of their exercise doesn’t seem productive, it’s their business, not yours. Most gyms have personal trainers, if they want a personal trainer, they can ask.
9. Don’t try to talk to someone in the middle of a set. Let them concentrate and finish the set first. As long as we’re talking conversations, keep in mind that the gym is not a social club, most people are there to work out not to talk to people.
10. Leave your phone in the locker room. That goes back to the distractions of conversations and overhearing conversations. Also, with camera phones it seems it could be an invasion of privacy. You go to a gym to work out, not to conduct business, not to find a date, not to call your mother, a gym is where you go to exercise and workout. Keep it sacred and don’t take your phone. Your life will be waiting for you when you come out.
And last and probably most important—ENJOY YOUR WORKOUT— It’s your time, make the best of it!
