Gym Etiquette: How to Be a Responsible Gym-Goer

Most gyms are in that January rush, where millions head out with goals to get fit, lose weight, get strong, etc. The crowds are often big so it’s really important to learn a little about how to behave at the gym to keep the peace during your workouts. We have talked about how to maintain your goals. and some tips for joining a gym. Today, let’s talk about gym etiquette.

Now, just because I mentioned gym newbies, don’t assume I’m just talking to them. I see plenty of experienced fitness buffs who don’t seem to know (or pay attention to) gym etiquette.

As you know, I work at a gym, so I see a lot of bad behavior and poor gym etiquette. And that’s at a country club fitness center with an average age of over 70! You can just imagine what happens at the World Gym down the street! Just last week I saw a very fit man using several pieces of equipment at once (several sets of dumbells, a bench, a mat, and a few kettlebells), then leave it all on the floor when he left! While I think this was the son of a member, there is really no excuse.

Gym Etiquette: How to Be a Responsible Gym-Goer

Whether you're new to the gym or a long-time participant, you need to know these gym etiquette rules to be a considerate exerciser. #fitness #gymetiquetteClick To Tweet

Bring a Towel

Keep a towel in your gym bag (and hopefully wash it from time to time!) and use it! Not only to wipe off the equipment after you use it but to protect yourself when you sit or lie on a mat or bench. You simply don’t know if the person who was there before you was as responsible as you.

Wipe up Your Sweat!

Please. You’ve got that towel. Wipe up the equipment after you use it. Most gyms also have sanitizing wipes or spray to use to clean up after yourself. I have personally noticed that equipment cleaning has dropped off since the beginning of Covid and I have to ask why? Covid or not, we still spread germs and bacteria, so please, clean up when you’re finished with the equipment.

Don’t Hog the Equipment

Be considerate of others who may want to use the equipment, especially during busy hours. Don’t hang out checking email or taking selfies if others are waiting. Again, personal experience where I witness three men chatting while hanging out at the chest press. They were there during the entire hour I was working with my client! Fortunately, we didn’t need that particular machine.

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Pick Up After Yourself

Honestly, are you five? Do you think your mother is going to come along to pick up your junk? If you pulled it out, put it away. It’s considerate to others, including the staff who has to do it otherwise.

Re-Rack Your Weights

Good for you if you can press your body weight! Just don’t expect me to come along to remove all of the weights! 

 

Don’t Talk on the Phone

If you absolutely have to have a phone conversation during your workout, please step outside or at least into the lobby.  Many gyms prohibit it and the rest discourage talking on the phone because it’s just rude. 

Be Aware

Keep your eyes open as you move around the gym to make sure you’re not moving into someone’s workout space or tripping over or bumping into a piece of exercise equipment. People don’t always think so be alert that someone may step into your personal space as well.

It Ain’t Social Hour

Working out with a buddy is a great way to have fun and keep yourself accountable. But the operative words should be “working out.” Encouraging words are great but keep the random chitchat to a minimum.

 

Keep Your Selfies Discreet

I’m not going to tell you not to take selfies because, as if! Just try to be discreet when you do it. And as someone suggested last time I published this, no selfies (or other photos) in the locker room. It’s rude, invasive, against the rules, and even illegal.

Another thing, since it has been coming up lately when Instagram and TikTok “influencers” film themselves working out: Don’t film other people without their consent or knowledge. It’s an invasion of privacy and probably against the gym’s rules. In fact, filming at all may be against the rules in certain gyms so be sure to check if creating videos is your jam.

Only Give Advice When You’re Asked

This may happen both ways, but as a woman, I know that I have been “helped” by men who think they know better than I do how to get a good workout. Just don’t.

I’d Rather Smell Your Sweat Than Your Cologne

Well, that may be an exaggeration, but wearing perfume or cologne to the gym is simply not appropriate. Many people have allergies or sensitivities to strong scents and they may end up walking out of the gym with a headache or worse. 

If You Don’t Know How Something Works, Ask

While this is more of a safety alert, I can tell you that after watching many gym gif videos, people do a lot of crazy things on the equipment where they risk not only their own safety but others’ as well.  If you don’t understand, read the instructions (they’re usually on the machine!) or ask.

 

Be Considerate

When I started this list, I thought it would be fairly short. And it should be. If we all were simply considerate of each other, none of the other rules would be necessary. In my opinion, gym etiquette comes down to good manners.

While much of gym etiquette comes down to the Golden Rule, is there any specific suggestion that I missed? As I wrote this I kept thinking of more things. Locker room behavior, how to dress appropriately, singing out loud, anything else?

 

 

 

And Now It’s Time for the Runners’ Roundup!

 

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