Your gym probably has a code of conduct and certain rules that you are required to follow. However, there are also “unspoken rules” that should be followed if you want to be considered a polite and respectful gym-goer as well. These are a few etiquette tips that you should be following when hitting the gym.
- Wipe Down the Machines
It’s never a bad idea to wipe off the machines before you use them, and it’s good gym etiquette to wipe them off when you’re finished. When you’re using the weights bench, for example, chances are good that you’ll work up a sweat.
Not only can your leftover sweat gross out the next person who wants to use the bench, but failing to clean up can cause the spread of skin infections and all sorts of other issues. It only takes a minute but is the polite thing to do.
Luckily, nowadays, many gyms even offer supplies — such as antibacterial wipes — all throughout that you can use to quickly and easily wipe down the machines when you are finished with them.
- Respect Those Who Want Quiet Time
Some people hit the gym to make friends and to socialize with others. Others like to zone out and focus on having a bit of alone time. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to chat with others, of course, and the gym can be a great place to meet people. However, you probably don’t want to be a bother to those who are there to focus on themselves and a little bit of alone time, either.
Therefore, when you see that someone is wearing headphones, respect their privacy rather than bothering them. When chatting with someone, don’t follow them around the gym to each machine that they visit; instead, give them some space. Conversations will pop up naturally when you’re working out with like-minded people, so there is no reason to push it on those who aren’t interested.
- Give People Some Space
Even though there might be times when the gym is a bit busy, it’s best to avoid getting on the machine right next to someone else if you can avoid it, even if you are respecting their headphones and their desire not to talk.
If you use running as part of your gym workout, for example, try to use a treadmill that isn’t right beside someone. When the gym is packed and you don’t have any choice, however, others will usually understand.
Making an effort to respect others’ space when you can will make them feel more comfortable and less crowded while they’re hitting their own gym goals, though.
- Keep it Quiet
Even though a gym can be quite noisy already with the machinery running and various other noises going on, there’s no reason to contribute to the noise pollution any more than necessary.
If you’re going to be listening to music or watching videos on your tablet or phone, use headphones, and make sure that you keep the volume to a reasonable level so that it isn’t bothersome to anyone else. Additionally, avoid dropping heavy weights on the ground, which can be noisy and downright frightening for those who don’t expect it.
- Don’t Show Off
There’s nothing wrong with being proud of your body when you have been putting in the hard work to achieve your fitness goals. However, bragging to others, posing in the mirror or otherwise showing off just isn’t good gym etiquette. Instead, save the showing off for when you’re in front of the mirror at home.
When it comes to visiting the gym, you probably don’t want to bother the others who are there working out, just as you probably don’t want anyone to bother you. Along with making sure that you follow any rules that have been put in place by the gym, keep these tips in mind. They can give you a general guideline on basic gym etiquette that other gym-goers at your fitness center are sure to appreciate.
Leave a Reply