There’s tons of reasons why people join a gym. For some of us, it’s about packing on muscle to improve strength. Other members may be looking for a more natural energy boost than caffeine, and some simply want to treat their body with respect. Overall, going to the gym is to derive a sense of accomplishment.
To get that sense of accomplishment, it is important to know how to navigate the chaos of a gym. Sure, you want to get your New Year’s fitness resolution moving and the gym is a must-go, as a newbie, having good gym etiquette will not only make you feel more comfortable, but it will help you fit in, and earn the respect of fellow gym-goers.
It might seem like some sort of secret code of conduct, but the rules of gym etiquette are really just common sense. By following these 7 rules of gym etiquette, you will no doubt, have the best gyming experience.
Have Good Hygine
No one should be told at this point that it’s important to have good hygine, it shouldn’t even be mentioned! Showing up to the gym in a state of good hygine is important. What this means is wearing clean workout clothes and having your body odor managed. See, common sense.
By having your body odor managed, you should not overdo it by wearing perfume/cologne. When working out in the gym, the environment becomes less ventilated over time. Whilst people are sweating, hyperventilating, and taking up space, it would be a bad idea to wear overpowering colognes or perfumes because some of the gym members will find you distracting and irritating. It is however, important to be conscious of personal hygiene so it doesn’t get excessive or affect other members’ workouts.
Wipe Down Equipment After Use
Not only is this a simple act of hygiene, it is also the decent thing to do. Even if you didn’t leave any visible sweat, it’s just plain healthy to wipe down any equipment after you’re done using it. This is basic gym etiquette and reduces the smear of sweaty germs all across the equipment.
It’s also important to put the equipment away when you’re done using it. Dumbbells, barbells, weight plates, barbell collars, etc, should always be returned to their correct stations and positions on the racks. If you want to avoid getting yourself or others injured, then you should to treat the gyms property with care and if in case you spot any misplaced equipment, be a good lad and do the right thing.
Ditch The Cellphone
You are ‘IN’ the gym so be ‘IN’ the gym. Most people, 10 minutes in the gym, they are lost in their phones. You came to get your fitness on, not view posts on Instagram. The gym should be the period of the day where we get to turn off distractions and really focus on the body and mind. It’s ok to take a call or text, if you need to, as long as it isn’t distracting to other gym goers.
Hearing another person’s conversation over the phone or just taking up space in the gym while having a long phone or text conversation can be so annoying. The proper etiquette is to step away or outside to use the phone.
Don’t Hog The Equipment
Sometimes, there are situations where a specific equipment is needed by many people, but there just isn’t enough to go around. It becomes frustrating to have to wait for the piece of equipment someone is using to take the perfect picture, oblivious to the waiting queue.
It is important to be considerate of other people who might need to use the gym equipment you’re on, and be willing to change up your plans if someone else needs to use that piece of equipment, too.
Respect Personal Space
When you go to the gym without friends, all you meet are strangers. Strangers, who like you, are there with a mindset, to achieve a goal. And to achieve that goal, the last thing they need from you is violating their personal space.
There’s nothing more annoying than having someone circle the gym equipment like a hawk or stare at you unnecessarily while you’re working out, or even, exercise in close proximity to you, not giving any breathing space. It’s not a conformable feeling at all.
The gym, being a shared space, requires proper gym etiquette for it to be a comfortable and safe space to work out. Working out very close to a stranger puts you both at great risk of the equipment. Better safe than sorry, right…
Avoid Excessive Grunting
We all know that person. We get it, you’re lifting the heavy equipment in the room and the world depends on you but, Hey! you’re doing the most. Stop it.
If you’re also the type of person who’s doing almost nothing and keeps grunting excessively, stop it. You know what you’re doing so, stop it.
Of course it’s hard to not let out a sound but there’s a point at which we all know that the noise level becomes, well, too much. You should remember that you’re not the only one in the gym. You have to be aware of the people around you.
Only Give Advice When Asked
We’re not all perfect. There can be someone in the gym who’s workout posture is bad, doing everything in all the wrong ways possible and out of goodwill, you just want to give the person good advice… No! There are trainers for this.
Being helpful is a good thing, but being helpful to someone you don’t know can make things go south fast. Unless there’s someone in immediate danger, keep your advice to yourself until someone asks you for help.
Conclusion
Following the proper gym etiquette will set a pleasant tone for your workout, making the gym a healthier and safer place to be for everyone. It all boils down to being considerate of others.
If we all work together, we can get in a good workout and enjoy it!
