Gym etiquette: Pumping iron and politeness
Written by Martin Ebner, Head personal trainer and sports nutrition specialist at Ebylife.
Whether you love it or hate it, the gym is a fitness institution that should be respected. Boasting some rather large personalities and pecks, it can be a little intimidating at times. Whether you’re a first-timer ready to take the plunge or a seasoned professional in need of a recap on gym etiquette, this article will keep you in good stead. Here's what you need to know.
1. Clean up after yourself
This to me seems like common sense but the number of times I rock up to my next exercise only to find what appears to be the remains of a Bikram yoga orgy dripping from the exercise equipment never fails to amaze me. Good hygiene is important, especially in this day and age. Take a towel, use it and then wipe down the equipment after you’ve finished using the cleaning products provided.
2. Using multiple pieces of equipment at the same time
Individuals using multiple pieces of equipment at the same time is commonplace at every gym. It can also be very infuriating when it's the one piece of equipment that you need to finish your workout. While it's perfectly acceptable to use a couple of pieces of equipment simultaneously, there are limits, especially during busy times. If you are someone who supersets or even giant sets multiple exercises during your workouts, be flexible and prepared to share the equipment that you're using. Remember, it's a shared space and everyone has equal rights.
3. Time spent on each piece of equipment
I was in the gym yesterday and I heard one gym user ask another if he had much time left on a particular machine. The man responded, “Yes, I have one hour left”. I almost choked. Coincidentally it was the same man that tried to educate me and my client on gym etiquette. I bit my tongue.
When It comes to the use of gym equipment, try to stick to a maximum of 20 minutes per machine or be willing to share with others.
As a caveat, you aren't obligated to share equipment if it doesn't suit you. Please don't feel pressured into it by other overbearing gym users. As long as you aren’t going over your 20 minutes, you're under no obligation to share.
4. Don’t play your own music
This goes out to gym users and gym owners. If you don't have headphones, don't think it's ok to play your music through your loudspeaker. It's not. You're in a public space. Show respect.
As for gym owners. Get your music sorted out. It's not necessarily what you play but how loud you play it. If I can't hear my own music or feel as though I'm in the middle of the worst DJ set in history, it's too loud.
5. Don't approach others mid-set
There's very little that frustrates gymgoers more than being approached by someone mid-set to ask how many sets they have left with the equipment. By all means, ask, just don't do it when the person is clearly straining and focused on their set. Be patient and wait until they’re done before approaching them.
6. If you’re strong enough to rack it, unrack it!
There’s always some younger, stronger and likely better-looking version of yourself at the gym. They act like the world revolves around them and treat the gym as if it were purposely built for their own needs. Don’t be that person. I know that unracking (removing the weights) can be tedious but remember this, there are older and less capable people at the gym whose job it is NOT to clean up after you. Chances are they may not be physically able to remove the weights. Once you’re finished using the equipment, return it to the way you found it, and ready for the next person to use. In the case of dumbbells and barbells, return them to the rack.
7. Wear deodorant, clean clothes and try not to fart
If you reek of B.O, you're unlikely to be a gym favorite. If the chap on the cross trainer is dry heaving at the sheer sniff of you, chances are it’s because you forgot to put deodorant on or/and wash your clothes. I get it, some people smell more than others. Sometimes it's genetic. Just do your best to keep the stench to a minimum.
As for Farting. We all do it. For many it’s uncontrollable and more often than not it’s close to impossible to refrain when bouncing around or deep squatting. If you simply can't hold it, mosey on over to the corner and let loose!
8. Fashion nightmares
As a Personal trainer, I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve seen a “nip slip” or a willy expose itself. I get that it’s important to look sexy at the gym and It's encouraged that you dress comfortably, but do us all a favor and try out your fitness wear pre-workout. It might save you the embarrassment of getting hauled out in handcuffs for indecent exposure.
9. Keep it down, please
There’s one woman in particular that springs to mind as I write this. She struts into the gym, hops onto the treadmill, and meanders along at a tortoise pace whilst expending the majority of her energy shouting down the phone. If you must take a call at the gym, keep it down or head to a non-workout area.
Additionally, if you grunt when lifting, which if you're pushing hard enough, you should, keep it to a reasonable decibel. Just like you would if you and your partner were having sex with the kids in the house, or your parents, depending on your age.
10. Treat the equipment as if it were your own
You head to your favorite piece of gym equipment only to find it wrapped in “out of order” tape!? Yes, believe it or not, it didn’t break itself. Don’t act like a caveman (or cross-fitter). Instead, treat the equipment as if it were your own. That means, slowly lowering the weights back to the start position. It's not hard and if you're strong enough to lift the weight in the first place, you're strong enough to gently place it back down.
11. Gym selfies and videos
Gym selfies and videos are commonplace in all gyms these days, especially with the rise in “fitness influencers”. While it's perfectly acceptable to film and take photos, don't get frustrated with others if they walk through your shot. It's a workout space first, film studio second.
12. Be kind to newbies
Look, we've all been the new kid at the gym, feeling lost amidst the sea of equipment and unsure of where to start. It's easy to get frustrated when someone takes longer to figure out a machine or doesn't quite grasp gym etiquette right away. We were all there once so let's pay it forward and extend a helping hand. Let's welcome the newbies with open arms, showing them the ropes and making them feel right at home. After all, a little kindness goes a long way in building a supportive gym community.
Summary
As we wrap up, let's keep in mind that the gym is a shared space where respect and consideration go a long way. It's not just about lifting weights or breaking a sweat; it's about fostering a community of like-minded individuals striving towards their fitness goals. By following simple guidelines like cleaning up after ourselves, sharing equipment, and being mindful of others, we can ensure that everyone has a positive gym experience. So let's sweat it out, lift those weights, and most importantly, show kindness and support to our fellow gym-goers. Together, we can make the gym a place where everyone feels welcome and motivated.
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