#10 - Thou shalt re-rack your weights!
If you teach your 7 year old to put their toys away when they are done playing, you should follow the same rule. This includes barbells, power cages, dumbbells, and of course kettlebells! This doesn't mean to take a 45lb plate and lean it against the machine. This can lead to broken toes. Putting back dumbbells also avoids awkwardness with other gym members as they stand back and wonder if you are done with your set. Remember you are sharing this equipment!
If you teach your 7 year old to put their toys away when they are done playing, you should follow the same rule. This includes barbells, power cages, dumbbells, and of course kettlebells! This doesn't mean to take a 45lb plate and lean it against the machine. This can lead to broken toes. Putting back dumbbells also avoids awkwardness with other gym members as they stand back and wonder if you are done with your set. Remember you are sharing this equipment!
- Re-rack in the correct place
- Laying weights on the floor can lead to injuries
- You look professional and respectful
#9 - Thou shalt keep your eyes above the neckline
We aren't at a singles club. The reasons some guys have "females only" sections is so everyone can feel comfortable working out without getting goggled at. Even if you are only observing for educational purposes, it's much less creepy to go up and simply ask a bit about their exercise rather than stare at them like a youtube video. Remember you are their to improve your own body, not check out other bodies.
We aren't at a singles club. The reasons some guys have "females only" sections is so everyone can feel comfortable working out without getting goggled at. Even if you are only observing for educational purposes, it's much less creepy to go up and simply ask a bit about their exercise rather than stare at them like a youtube video. Remember you are their to improve your own body, not check out other bodies.
- Look like you care about your body, not theirs
- Everyone can enjoy the comfort of the gym
- These are people, not runway models
#8 - Thou shalt observe the space
This can go two ways. Don't crowd others during their sets. If you see a fellow gym member looking at their form in the mirror don't block their vision. If you are running the rack, don't stand in front of the rack! It inhibits others from accessing weights and usually disrupts you own tempo.
If you are talking to some friends at the gym, don't sit on a bench! Take your conversation out of the main part of the gym and near the water cooler so people who want to get their pump on can. This includes talking on the cell phone on a piece of equipment.
This etiquette extends into the locker room. Every locker room is going to have more lockers then sitting areas. So slide your stuff over, and let others have some space!
This can go two ways. Don't crowd others during their sets. If you see a fellow gym member looking at their form in the mirror don't block their vision. If you are running the rack, don't stand in front of the rack! It inhibits others from accessing weights and usually disrupts you own tempo.
If you are talking to some friends at the gym, don't sit on a bench! Take your conversation out of the main part of the gym and near the water cooler so people who want to get their pump on can. This includes talking on the cell phone on a piece of equipment.
This etiquette extends into the locker room. Every locker room is going to have more lockers then sitting areas. So slide your stuff over, and let others have some space!
- Don't block weights or mirrors
- Don't congregate in popular areas
- Etiquette continues into the locker room
#7 - Thou shalt limit sounds
Alright so you are maxing out today. That is a grand and personal achievement for you. Keyword: personal. It's o.k. to slightly exhale to help push out your extra set but don't grunt and moan like you are competing in the Mr. Universe competition.
We don't need to know how much you just lifted. This also includes dropping your weights trying to cause an earthquake. Its loud and can interrupt the flow of peoples workouts. If you have to drop your weight that hard, you are probably lifting too much to begin with.
Alright so you are maxing out today. That is a grand and personal achievement for you. Keyword: personal. It's o.k. to slightly exhale to help push out your extra set but don't grunt and moan like you are competing in the Mr. Universe competition.
We don't need to know how much you just lifted. This also includes dropping your weights trying to cause an earthquake. Its loud and can interrupt the flow of peoples workouts. If you have to drop your weight that hard, you are probably lifting too much to begin with.
- Focus on the lift, not the sound
- Dropping weights is distracting
- Etiquette continues into the locker room
#6 - Thou shalt dress for the gym, not a fashion show
Girls, if you don't want to attract unnecessary attention, dress to work out. Keep your clothing functional and comfortable. Nothing too flashy or distracting. And don't forget to invest in a quality sports bra.
Guys, save the hats for the baseball game. If you are wearing a hat in a gym, then you clearly aren't sweating enough. Extra baggy clothing can get caught in machines and become dangerous.
Girls, if you don't want to attract unnecessary attention, dress to work out. Keep your clothing functional and comfortable. Nothing too flashy or distracting. And don't forget to invest in a quality sports bra.
Guys, save the hats for the baseball game. If you are wearing a hat in a gym, then you clearly aren't sweating enough. Extra baggy clothing can get caught in machines and become dangerous.
- Keep clothing functional
- You aren't their trying to show off the goods
- Etiquette continues into the locker room
#5 - Germ free gyms are happy gyms
Step 1: Get Towels. Step 2: Use Towels. Wipe down all equipment when you are done with it. Lay down on a towel when using benches. No one wants to go to do their workout and swim through a puddle of sweat. Even in saunas its polite to use a towel for where you sit, especially if you are drenching. And if you are using towels provided by the gym, put them in the appropriate bins!
If you are sick, stay home! There are obvious health reasons to not workout when too sick. It does no good for you to pick up extra germs nor does it help other gym members to get germs from you.
Step 1: Get Towels. Step 2: Use Towels. Wipe down all equipment when you are done with it. Lay down on a towel when using benches. No one wants to go to do their workout and swim through a puddle of sweat. Even in saunas its polite to use a towel for where you sit, especially if you are drenching. And if you are using towels provided by the gym, put them in the appropriate bins!
If you are sick, stay home! There are obvious health reasons to not workout when too sick. It does no good for you to pick up extra germs nor does it help other gym members to get germs from you.
- Wipe down equipment after use
- Stay home when sick
- Don't throw used towels on the floor
#4 - Thou shalt not be a personal trainer
No one wants unsolicited advice. It can be bothersome, insulting, and sometimes downright incorrect. And despite what you may think, this is a terrible pick up line.
If you see someone doing something that can put them in danger, quietly inform the nearest staff member. They will be trained in how to handle these situations.
No one wants unsolicited advice. It can be bothersome, insulting, and sometimes downright incorrect. And despite what you may think, this is a terrible pick up line.
If you see someone doing something that can put them in danger, quietly inform the nearest staff member. They will be trained in how to handle these situations.
- Don't offer unsolicited advice
- Inform staff if a member is putting themselves in danger
#3 - Thou shalt arrive to class on time!
Don't show up to a class late. Take your fitness seriously and arrive 5-10 minutes early. This way you can claim your spot, introduce yourself to the class leader and other members.
A similar note, if you do show up a bit late, do try to cram your way up to the front. You wouldn't cut in line at the grocery store!
Don't show up to a class late. Take your fitness seriously and arrive 5-10 minutes early. This way you can claim your spot, introduce yourself to the class leader and other members.
A similar note, if you do show up a bit late, do try to cram your way up to the front. You wouldn't cut in line at the grocery store!
- Arrive early and ready, this is your body and life on the line
- Don't cut in line to the front of the class
#2- Thou shalt honor the use of headphones
If someone is rocking some new Beats by Dre, they are enjoying their music and focusing on trying to get the best possible workout in. Maybe they are listening to the newest Eminem track, or a fan of heavy metal.
One track they didn't want to hear was the one about how your day went. There are very few reasons where it is appropriate to actively interrupt someones workout.
This shouldn't be viewed as a free pass to be talking loud on your cell phone. While its not the worst thing in the world, if you are talking on the phone you are probably not focusing hard enough on a good workout. If you do have to use your phone, make sure you are talking with an inside voice and not talking about anything inappropriate.
If someone is rocking some new Beats by Dre, they are enjoying their music and focusing on trying to get the best possible workout in. Maybe they are listening to the newest Eminem track, or a fan of heavy metal.
One track they didn't want to hear was the one about how your day went. There are very few reasons where it is appropriate to actively interrupt someones workout.
This shouldn't be viewed as a free pass to be talking loud on your cell phone. While its not the worst thing in the world, if you are talking on the phone you are probably not focusing hard enough on a good workout. If you do have to use your phone, make sure you are talking with an inside voice and not talking about anything inappropriate.
- People using headphones do not want to be bothered
- Use cell phones only when necessary
#1- Thou shalt respect others
A simple rule, that we sometimes forget. If trying to memorize 10 commandments its a bit hard this is the single most important one to remember. Keep in mind you are using a public space and need to be mindful of others. Wear proper deodorant, put your equipment back, and just be a nice person to others!
A simple rule, that we sometimes forget. If trying to memorize 10 commandments its a bit hard this is the single most important one to remember. Keep in mind you are using a public space and need to be mindful of others. Wear proper deodorant, put your equipment back, and just be a nice person to others!
Do you agree with this list? What etiquette violations do you see the most at your gym? Leave your comments below. Follow us on twitter and facebook!