What is gym etiquette? In my opinion, gym etiquette is summed up as the following: treat the gym and other individuals as you would want your home or family treated. Proper gym etiquette is something that needs to be reminded every once in a while. I get it, people just want to get their workout in and get out of the gym. Sometimes people just forget to put their weights away. At times, it is understandable if someone didn’t put away his or her weights; everyone is human. However, there are ones who constantly have poor gym etiquette, and people get tired of it.
In no specific order, here is a list of improper gym etiquette, and what you should do instead:
Talking on the phone, talking on the phone LOUD – no one really needs to know what happened at your work. This might just even save you from your boss questioning you about some things. You never know who is listening around you.
Talking too loud OR too much, with your workout partner – Very similar to talking on the phone. You never know who is listening to your conversation. This also slows the gym flow down. Be considerate of the ones around you.
Playing your own music – Okay, some individuals don’t like the gyms music. That doesn’t mean the others around you don’t like the music. Be respectful to the rest of the people around you.
Use of multiple machines – We all do this. Circuit training is ‘in’, and it won’t ever go away. If you are using multiple machines, make sure you leave it open for multiple individuals. Don’t place all of your belongings next to the machine you only use every five minutes. If you walk away for more than a few minutes, you are welcoming others to use the machine.
Asking someone if you can jump in for a set – If you want to do this, ask politely. Take your headphones out of your ears and ask. More importantly, wipe the machine down after you use it.
Wait your turn for a machine – Don’t rush people away from their sets. Your workout isn’t any more important than theirs. Treat someone the way you would want to be treated.
Wipe off your sweat – If there are drops of sweat on the cardiac or weight equipment, it should be wiped off. There are far too many germs, and no one wants to sit in their own sweat, let alone yours.
Don’t act like you’re the only one in the gym – Don’t act like you own the place. The equipment, recreation rooms, and any area in the gym is just as much another person’s as it is yours.
Grunting or yelling – This is not necessary for most individuals. I get it, you are working super hard and putting in 100% effort. That is awesome. But don’t try to attract attention to yourself by sounding like a grizzly bear.
Putting away the weights – Don’t be lazy. Plain and simple.
Curling / Deadlifting in the squat rack – Unless you are Charles Atlas, curling in the squat rack is never a good idea. Same with deadlifts, you don’t need to be inside the rack. The power rack should be done for presses and squats.
Slamming or throwing of the weights – this is one of the worst of the worst. Honestly, this should never happen in a gym that isn’t intended for power lifting or CrossFit. Even more so, a plate loaded machine should never be slammed.
Using dumbbells too close to the rack or other equipment – with your dumbbells, you should always take at least four large steps away from the dumbbell rack. This will allow other gym goers to grab a dumbbell or two.
Welcome new members – This is the most important one. If you see someone new to the gym, go introduce yourself. Gym relationships can lead to anything. You might meet a new friend or even a business partner. Think back to your first time in the gym, they might be as intimidated as you once were.
What do you see around your gym on a daily basis? Is there something that is left out from this list. Take a moment and think if you do any of these on a daily basis. See if you can better your gym etiquette. This may create a better workout for yourself and the people around you.