Proper gym etiquette

The gym is a place where many people come together for a common purpose: to get or stay in shape. Although we are all there trying to do the same thing, unfortunately not everyone practices proper gym etiquette. With so many people in one area trying to work, it is vitally important to understand basic rules in order to ensure the comfort and safety of all involved. Most of this is common sense, but here are but a few basic guidelines to make sure everyone’s gym experience is a safe and pleasant one:

STAY SANITARY– Apparently, it is lost upon some people that one actually tends to sweat while working out. Naturally, your sweat doesn’t bother you much, but it certainly bothers everyone else. It is a breeding ground for bacteria (most notably MRSA, which is REALLY bad) and just plain gross! All gyms should offer antiseptic sprays, foams, or wipes in an effort maintain a bacteria-free environment for you. Please take a moment to wipe down each and every piece of equipment you use and do not hesitate to politely ask someone do so if it happens to slip his or her mind.

CLEAN UP AFTER YOURSELF – Some workout routines require a sequence of exercises requiring you to utilize an array of dumbbells, plates, and/or other gym equipment. This is all fine and well, but please put everything back when you use it. Leaving stuff lying around is not only a potential injury waiting to happen, but it’s just plain rude. I have actually seen a 63 year-old woman trying to unload 875 pounds that some knucklehead left on the leg press machine. Totally not cool.

DON’T BE AN EQUIPMENT HOG – As I mentioned in the last point, many routines require successive use of multiple pieces of equipment. This can get problematic during peak gym hours. Trying to “lock down” multiple machines when the gym is full is not only selfish, it’s a good way to get yourself in a fight! Please allow others to work in with you if the gym is crowded and try your best to accommodate others. After all, we are all in there trying to do something good for ourselves. Working together only serves to add to humanitarian ambiance of the exercises experience (wow, that was deep).

NOBODY LIKES A KNOW-IT-ALL – I see many people doing exercises improperly. However, I only say something to someone when I believe they stand a good chance of injuring themselves. Even then, I try to be as politically correct as I possibly can and I never interrupt someone in the middle of a set. Offering unsolicited advice tends to bruise egos and cause friction in the gym.

DON’T ABUSE THE GYM – A lot of adrenaline is produced in a gym setting. People get amped up moving iron around. They get so excited working out that sometimes people slam weights and machines in a reckless manner. This is a safety hazard for those in the immediate area and shortens the life of the equipment. Sure the gym will buy new stuff, but believe me when I tell you the cost will be passed on to all members.

In closing, please make note of all the annoying things that people do in the gym and make a mental not to avoid similar behavior. Doing so will make that exercise just a little less uncomfortable for all.

- Jeff