If you’ve never been to the gym, your first day there can be intimidating. You come face to face with jacked guys lifting huge weights, people yelling and grunting, and a culture you have to navigate to become one of the “gym bros” or “fit chicks.”
Like many public places, gyms have a code of mostly unwritten rules of conduct. Read on to learn gym etiquette that will keep everyone happy—including yourself.
Put things back in place
This could be the golden rule of gyms. Once you’ve finished using your dumbbells, kettlebells, or any other weights, returning them to their rightful place is customary. Imagine if everybody left their weights everywhere. The gym would be untidy, creating unnecessary work for the trainers who should instead be training someone, or it would become a tripping hazard for other gymgoers.
Don’t hog gym equipment
If there’s no one around or only a few people at the gym, you can use two or three machines or equipment. But if it is overcrowded, don’t claim two places for yourself or spend too much time (more than 20 minutes) on one. For instance, you shouldn’t have several sets of dumbbells at your feet since this equipment is usually limited in gyms. Also, be willing to share your equipment with others.
Respect personal space
Gyms are usually full at certain hours, especially evening hours or specific periods like the beginning of the year. That said, try and respect everyone’s personal space.
If you find someone using the equipment you want, ask them how long they plan to train at the station. If it’s too long, be flexible and find another exercise instead of hovering around. Nobody wants someone training too close to them, because it’s a physical hazard if something goes wrong.
Conversely, if you feel someone is encroaching on your personal space, politely ask them to give you space to do your movements to the max.
Bring your own towel and use disinfectant wipes
It might seem obvious, but it’s surprising how many people head to the gym without a towel, thinking they “don’t sweat very much.” Ideally, you should have two towels: one for wiping away your sweat and another for cleaning off machines, barbells, dumbbells, and other equipment that others might have used.
While wiping off someone else’s sweat might seem unappealing, it’s far preferable to exercising in the residue left by others. This practice maintains personal hygiene and helps prevent the spread of germs across gym equipment.
In the wake of COVID-19, many gyms have heightened their hygiene protocols and now provide disinfectant wipes or sprays for members. Make it a habit to use these products before and after using equipment to ensure everyone has a safe and clean workout environment. This simple act contributes significantly to a collective effort to keep the gym a healthy space for all.
Make friends but respect their time
Once you become a regular gymgoer, you’ll keep meeting the same people at the gym. It’s proper etiquette to greet or acknowledge them and at least know their names. You may make a new friend or find a partner to help spot for you when lifting heavier weights.
However, be mindful of people’s time because people have squeezed their schedule to be at the gym. Don’t be the chatty guy at the gym who keeps talking even when the other person wants to continue their workout. Avid gymgoers know that spotting is normal. But if you ask another person to spot you, thank them and don’t take too much of their time.
Don’t give unsolicited advice
You may notice that a person isn’t doing an exercise the way you think they should, but resist the urge to give unsolicited advice. Your comments may leave some people — especially newbies — feeling shamed and judged. You may never know why someone is “slacking” or doing the exercise their way. They may have an injury or disorder that makes it difficult to do the exercise well, plus it’s the trainer’s job to show them the perfect form of working out.
Claim your space
We may have said respecting other people’s space is important, but it’s equally important to claim yours. You know which exercise you plan to do, so claim the space required for your movements for your safety and that of others. For instance, if you want to swing a kettlebell or squat, ask people around you to give you enough space.
Also, if you are going out to get more water, for a nature call, or to pick up a quick phone call, you can drape your towel on the equipment to show you’ll be back shortly. That said, don’t spend too long on a machine.
Bar safety
Always fasten or secure the weights on a bar and balance the weights you’ve placed on either side. Also, be careful when unloading heavy weights to avoid hurting people around you — ask for help if you can’t load or unload alone.
Never abuse or demean other gymgoers
Keep your politics, religion, dieting regimen, or other divisive comments to yourself. Sure, you may share your workout or diet if asked, but don’t try to force other people to accept your views. Also, don’t laugh at other people who may be just beginning, comment on their form or weight, or in any other way demean people. If someone does that to you, report them to the manager.
Limit the selfies
Lastly, it’s nice to see and show others your progress, but limit the number of gym selfies or videos. This behavior interferes with other people’s sessions; some people don’t want to appear in other people’s photos. Remember, no selfies in the changing rooms.
Remember these gym codes of conduct, and you’ll have an enjoyable time at your newfound gym. Enjoy your fitness journey!
