Gym Etiquette, The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
So many different styles of gyms and so many different gyms to choose from. It can always be tough to figure out what kind of space you want to do your working out in, can be even more difficult trying to figure out what kind of vibes you are going to be around. If you haven’t gotten a chance to check it out, please peep my blog about picking out the right gym! Let’s talk about what some gym goer’s prefer in their gyms and what you can do to not be that person!
Dos and Don’ts, Mostly Don'ts
So you’ve found a gym that you like and you want to feel comfortable in your space. I would hope that no matter where you are, that the environment is comfortable for you, but I’m a realist and I know that isn’t always the case at all. The gym can be an intimidating place on it’s own, let alone not understanding what the general etiquette is. I wanted to know what a lot of the gym goers at Fit One Four thought, so I put out a poll asking what they would change about the culture and etiquette here. There were all different kind of answers, but a lot of them should follow the same in every gym. Here are a few:
Re-rack your weights!
As a trainer and gymgoer, this has to be my biggest pet peeve. We all have to use the equipment in the gym and we should all get the same opportunity to grab weights at their proper location. Not only that, its a matter of courtesy. Who knows if they are still in use if they are not in their normal spot. Re-racking your weights shows that you respect the gym and it’s members. Trust me when I say it is so simple, but so common to have to put the weights back after people.
Seriously, don’t be that person!!
Don’t lounge on equipment.
Rest between sets is important. I am all about catching your breath, especially after a tough set. The issue becomes when someone is taking longer than 5 minutes in between sets on a machine. The line is a little more grey when it comes to lifting platforms but you still can’t just vacation in a space. Remember, we all share the same space! Please be courteous of the time you are spending on machines and using equipment and use them with intention!
Be spacially aware.
This one is especially for the smaller gyms. When there isn’t a lot of space, awareness is key. The last thing you want to do is set up for an exercise and someone isn’t paying attention, you can use your imagination after what could potentially happen. I am not saying be on red altert, but maybe recognizing what people are doing around you can help avoid any potential collisions or disasters.
Be Kind
Took a poll about this. I think that judgment takes different forms and this is a perfect example. I don’t really care what you wear or what you have to drink water wise. Don’t be the person to label someone in the gym.
This one really flows with the other dos and don’ts. Being kind can really make an experience for a new gym goer and make the gym space a better environment for everyone. For those who have never worked out before, the gym can be an intimidating place to be. The last thing we seasoned vets should want, is to give a bad look because someone doesn’t necessarily know how to use equipment, or maybe recording themselves to get a move down. Judgement free truly goes for everyone and should be practiced in every gym. You don’t have to be the most social person out there, but please set a good example for everyone else. We all pay for that membership so lets treat the place like its our home and the people around us!
Again only a few of the many different things you can practice to make the gym a better environment. It’s a vulnerable place lets make it more comfortable for everyone. Share some other examples of gym etiquette for the other readers below! Thanks for reading!
