5 Tips For Proper Gym Etiquette

Do you know the cardinal rules of gym etiquette? If not, take some time to find out what other gym enthusiasts expect from you as you work out together in shared space on limited availability machines. A gym membership is a terrific way to get in shape, but when you belong to a fitness gym, it’s important to respect other members’ rights to be there and use the same equipment. A great gym workout relies on the cooperation of all the members using the facility at the same time. Treat your gym and its members with courtesy, and you will receive the same in return.

1. Carry a towel.
A towel in a gym comes in handy. First, if your workout is fairly intense, you can expect to sweat. Dripping sweat on the floor or leaving hand imprints on things you touch is uncouth. Some members drape a towel around their shoulders or tuck it into a waistband. If those methods won’t work, at least grab one and put it in a place where you can get to it easily. Just don’t leave the locker room without one. Or you can bring a favorite from home if the gym permits it.

2. Clean up after yourself.
In addition to wiping yourself free of sweat, don’t forget to clean the machines after using them. No one wants to use a perspiration-soaked stationary bicycle seat or touch equipment handles that are dripping with sweat.

Quickly wipe off any equipment you use to make sure it is dry and safe for others as well as free of any germs you might be carrying, as people often pick up cold and virus germs in public places. Wear appropriate body padding to avoid moisture leaks of any kind.

3. Re-set machines to original settings.
If you’ve loaded up on weight plates, return them to their original positions when you are done. No one wants to pick up after you to by putting things away that you’ve used. Return any gadgets or dials to their start positions for other people, and put away basketballs, rackets, mats, and other equipment so others won’t have to do it for you. Make sure you put things where they belong, not just out of the way somewhere, so others can find them when needed.

4. Shower appropriately.
A gym is where you are expected to work up a sweat, but it doesn’t have to comprise a week’s worth of grime and germs to make people notice you in a negative way. A quick rinse-off in the shower room or before you leave home gives you a fresh start for your workout, with a more thorough cleansing shower to follow. When using the shower afterward, don’t use up too much time or hot water if there are other people waiting to shower. Three to five minutes ought to be plenty. Don’t forget to pack up your shampoo and body soap, and wipe up any spills to prevent others from slipping. Don’t leave used towels lying around; put them where they belong.

5. Take your turn.
No one likes standing around waiting endlessly for a piece of equipment to become available. Nor is it fun to keep checking back for a machine, only to find that the same person is still using it over an extended period of time. While it’s fine to do your complete workout, if the gym is busy or there are others waiting for your machine, let others use it during breaks between lifts or routines. This may not be convenient, but it is respectful. Conversely, while waiting for someone else to get done with a machine, be polite, not pushy or aggressive. Don’t criticize or curse. Just wait your turn, and if someone is really overdoing it on the machine you need to use, as if you can work in your sets.