Let├óΓé¼Γäós face it — there are some gross people at the gym who don├óΓé¼Γäót clean up their treadmills or wear deodorant.
Read these gym etiquette tips by Ryan Walseth and don’t be one of those people!!
1. Seek help: If you’re new to a health club and don’t know how the machines work, don’t hesitate to ask! The more you know, the more likely you are to be confident in your surroundings, and, in turn, actually use your new membership:)
2. Clean up: Two parts to this one; any amount of time spent on a cardio machine (bike, treadmill, elliptical, etc) requires you to wipe it down when you’re done. As for strength machines, if you are a sweater, wipe down everything you touch. If not, then you get a hall pass in most situations.
3. Dress the part: Clean, odor-free fitness apparel is a must. Leave your jeans, ‘funny’ t-shirts, old shoes/boots, and overly revealing attire at home.
4. Report it: If a machine is broken, report it to a staff member ASAP. Not everyone may realize it’s broken, (so be aware) and improperly functioning exercise equipment can cause serious injury!
5. Share: If someone is waiting for a strength machine you are using invite them to alternate sets with you. Remember it goes both ways, if you would like to use an occupied machine, just ask them if you can “work in” with them between sets. Use that exact lingo and you’ll be golden!:)
6. Mirror time: One of the unwritten rules of the gym. Mirrors guys and gals, are in gyms to give you feedback on form, not to indirectly stare at another member or to check out your big guns. When a member is performing a set in front of the mirror, do not walk between the member and the mirror. Walk behind them or wait until the end of their set.
7. Body Odor: Nobody wants to suggest to a fellow member that they need to hit the laundry mat and the showers prior to coming to the gym. But rank body odor can crush an entire gym atmosphere. Notify a staff member about the issue, most health clubs have programs that teach staff how to address social issues such as this.
8. Help out: Health clubs can be an extremely intimidating scene for new members. If you’re a regular, it’s easy to spot someone that is a little unsure of their surroundings. The best way to go about this is to say; “Do you mind if I offer some assistance?” or “Do you mind if I show you a better/safer way to do that exercise?”.
9. You’re not alone: I don’t care if you’re the baddest dude in the gym, don’t monopolize any equipment or area of the gym. If you want your own gym, buy one. Until then, respect the other members around you, they are all paying to be there as well.
10. Busy, busy: This time of year all health clubs are jammed with people looking for a fresh start. If others are waiting to use a piece of cardio equipment, the rule of thumb at the gym is 30-minutes.
11. Don’t litter: The most commonly broken rule at any gym is members not returning their dumbells and weight plates back to the racks. This request is as basic as gym etiquette 101 gets folks! Thank you in advance for your adherence.
