Basic Gym Etiquette

With 2011 behind us and 2012 now in full swing many of you are probably experiencing crowds at your fitness facilities.

Are there things at your gym that drive you absolutely crazy?  Are there certain people and/or behaviors that make your skin crawl?  Below I have outlined some basic gym etiquette that everyone should follow. In fact, I think it would be a good idea for people to have to take a class on gym etiquette before they ever allowed to work out!  Enforcing these basic guidelines will make going to the gym a better experience for veterans and new members alike.

1)    Wear appropriate workout attire.

• If you are going to the gym, you should look like you are going to the gym.
• Tip: Do NOT wear flip flops or jeans to the gym.

2)    Clean up after yourself.

• Make sure that you wipe down equipment after using it.
• Always put your weights back in their appropriate places, its not anyone else job to clean up after you.
• Tip: If you are strong enough to lift all of those heavy weights, you are strong enough to put them back on their racks / weight trees.

3)    Be courteous to those around you.

• Do NOT slam the weights.
• Do NOT yell/grunt/scream excessively.
• Do NOT walk or stand in front of a mirror where someone is doing a set.
• Do NOT talk to people while they are in the middle of a set (wait until they are finished).
• Do NOT sit on machines and equipment that you are not using.
• DO allow people to “work in” on machines with you.
• Tip: You are at the gym to workout, not to put on a show. Leave your cell phone in your car and be respectful of those around you who are trying to get a good workout as well.

4)    Help those around you (if you know what you are doing).

• Help new members get accustomed to your gym and the equipment.
• Assist others with movements, form, and spotting.
• Tip: Do NOT attempt to help others if you do not have a strong background in fitness or weight training. Beware of “Joe Workout” who tends to want to give a lot of advice without any in-depth knowledge or training background…

5)    Practice good hygiene (probably the most important guideline on here!)

• Wear clean clothes (including clean shoes).
• Wear deodorant (basic, but as we all know often overlooked!)
• Tip: No one likes body odor, so be aware of it!

Follow these simple ‘rules’ and you’ll create a better workout environment for everyone!