Mind your Gym Manners

It’s the beginning of the year, and so many have decided to make the resolution to get their health in gear and their butts to the gym! First of all, congratulations to those taking control of their health and taking action to become more active and reach their fitness goals. Now is the time where more and more Gym Veterans and Gym Novices will be sharing their workout space. Some Veterans dread January and the abundance of “newbies” that come with it, but we need to remember that ummm, you were once a newbie too! Physical activity is unfortunately lacking among the majority of the population nowadays, leading to declines in overall health and inclines in chronic illnesses. Those that have decided to take the steps to get their health in gear should not be ridiculed for doing so, but welcomed with open arms. That being said, I know it can become frustrating at times as the gym gets more and more crowded, so I’ve put together 8 simple tips regarding Gym Etiquette so we can all happily share the space together. This is both a Beginner’s Guide for the Novices and a reminder for the Veterans.

1. You work it, you wipe it:

It’s tough enough trying to avoid those pesky colds and viruses going around this time of year. Please be a dear and disinfect the equipment you just used, just in case you are carrying cooties, so the next guy doesn’t have to catch them against his will. It takes just a few seconds to grab a paper towel, spray it with some disinfectant, and wipe down the machine/bench you just used. More than likely, these clean-up stations are located all around the gym and easily accessible. Just think of it as burning a few extra calories with the extra movement😉. On another note, no one wants to walk over to a bench and see that Sweaty Steve (Or Sally) decided to leave a nice little memento in the form of a puddle of perspiration. You work it, you wipe it, and we will all avoid any unnecessary spreading of germs and can continue on without getting skeeved out.

2. Re-Rack or get Smacked

Okay, you won’t really get smacked (I think). But, come on, did you get those 50 pound dumbbells from the slot that says “15 pounds”? No? Then, please, tell me, why are you putting them there after you finished your set? The Free Weight Rack is labelled for a purpose: to keep the weights organized by their size in order for people to easily find the weight they are looking for. Please respect this purpose by putting them back where they belong when you are done. I understand that these damn weights can be pretty heavy, and sometimes the only bench available was the one on the opposite side of the rack. After a draining set of dumbbell bench presses, I know walking those babies all the way back can seem tasking, so just think of it as an added “bonus” workout of carrying them back. Don’t put them where they don’t belong and, for heavens sake, do not leave them on the floor! That will cause the following chain of events: There’s a heavy pair of dumbbells sitting next to an empty bench, 15 minutes goes by, and they are still there and have not been touched. It’s getting quite crowded now, and people are patiently waiting for an open bench. Everyone assumes someone is currently using them and/or the bench. Perhaps they are super-setting? Why would they be left there otherwise?! Where is this person so maybe I can ask them if I can work in? Then the ah-ha moment of OH! They aren’t being used? And neither is this bench? So I could I have been using this 15 minutes ago?! Please, just put them back! This also goes for the squat rack and any plate-loaded machines for that matter. If you can back squat 405 pounds, that’s AMAZING. What ISN’T amazing is when you finish and leave all four 45 pound plates on each side of the bar. I guarantee you, most people can not and will not be squatting that weight, and did not plan on having to un-rack that much weight, so please just take them off for the next guy.

3. Buds in, Boca’s closed

Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with socializing at the gym, but if you see someone with their headphones on and totally focused on what they are doing, then (I’m not sure why you would, but) please do not misinterpret this as an invitation to chat it up about your weekend plans or what you are thinking your next tattoo will be. Headphones are a subtle “Do Not Disturb” sign. When they come off, then that’s when the chit chat is welcome.

4. There’s a Time and a Place

If you are doing Dumbbell Bicep curls in the squat rack, you are wrong. Each piece of equipment has a dedicated use and purpose. If you do not need to use the bar, please find a different (and appropriate) place to perform your exercise.

5. Leave the Boom Box at Home

Many exercisers prefer to work out with music, as it is a great form of motivation. Most fitness facilities even play music on the loudspeakers to keep that motivating feeling. If you would prefer to listen to your own music, pop those headphones in and enjoy your tunes. If you forgot your headphones, I really am sorry, but this does not mean you should now blast your own tunes out loud from your phone/speaker for everyone else to listen to. Everyone has their own style of music they enjoy and find motivating. There’s a pretty good chance that it’s not the same as yours, so don’t make them listen to it with you. It might help your own personal workout, but this is not your personal basement so keep it in the buds. Having to listen to two different music styles butting heads between the gym speakers and someone’s personal boom box also just becomes distracting noise.

5. Sharing is Caring

You’ve joined a public gym. Therefore you do not own any of the equipment in it. If you are using a set of weights or piece of equipment and have long enough breaks in between using them that someone else could easily get their own set in, please let them do so. Sometimes you’re performing super-sets that may not allow this, I get that, but if you’re taking solid 60+ second breaks in between using it, the other guy could’ve gotten a quick set in and hey, maybe you just made a new gym friend too.

6. “Okay to Work In?”

In relation to the previous tip, if you see an opportunity to jump in on a machine during another fellow exerciser’s rest period, make sure you ASK. Just use the words “Is it okay if I work in?” You get the nod, you’re good to go. Do not assume you can jump in without asking, because now that potential gym friend could be a potential gym foe, and, let’s face it, that’s just rude. On that note, do not ask them in the middle of their set, causing them to break focus or shorten their set, because then you are, let’s say, 95% likely to have just become a gym foe.

7. Give Them Some Space

Okay, most gyms have a long row of 10+ treadmills (or other cardio machines). Please do not be the creep that gets on the one right next to someone when there is an entire row of empty ones available. If they are your gym buddy, then of course pick the one next to your pal. If they are not, give them some breathing room!

8. “Eu de Stank”

If you have a favorite perfume or cologne that makes you feel oh so radiant, that’s wonderful. Wear it out to the bar. Don’t wear it to the gym. Many people have allergies, and while a little sneezing fit might be considered an extra ab workout, it’s not one they came to the gym for. D0, however, swipe on that underarm stick before your workout. No one wants the distraction of Smelly Sam parading their BO around (or that nickname). We all have body odor, and we all have a responsibility to cover it up.

If we all follow these 8 simple tips of Gym Etiquette, I know we can all happily share our gyms. Congratulations again to those that are starting off the New Year by taking control of their physical health, and to all the veterans out there, let’s give them some love!