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Many people start off the New Year by joining a gym. Many drop off after a few weeks. If you’re regularly going to the gym, congratulations. It is not easy to make exercise a habit, especially when there are other things that are constantly vying for your attention.
If you’re totally new to the gym, we understand it can be a little overwhelming. You may have even gotten some strange looks or glares from your fellow gym goers. Seems like you have yet to catch on to the unspoken rules of the gym.
Thankfully, our friends at Greatist.com put together the Ultimate Guide to Gym Etiquette to help you navigate every area of the gym. Below we have put a quick guide together of some tips on what to do, and what not to do in the different areas of a gym.
Weight Area
Do respect the headphone rule – it is a universal rule: headphones in, means do not disturb. The person is likely trying to focus on their form and distracting them may cause an injury. Plus, it’s just rude.
Do wipe down machines when you’re done – no one wants to sit in your sweat. Wipe down the machines when you’re done.
Do return the weights to their rightful place – you may have just crushed your deadlift PR, but in the event that the next person using the equipment isn’t as strong as you, return the weights to their rightful place. Don’t just leave them on the floor either, someone could fall and get injured.
Don’t hog the gym mirrors – gym mirrors are not there for selfies or applying makeup. They are there so people can mind their form and for the safety of everyone lifting.
Don’t work out in the wrong zone – don’t do your bicep curls in the squat rack. You could hurt yourself or someone else if you’re not working out in the proper place.
Do share – unfortunately, there isn’t always enough space for everyone. Letting someone “work-in” while you’re resting is a nice thing to do.
Don’t drop the weights – aside from the obvious danger of dropping them on someone, many gyms have a policy against slamming weights around.
Cardio Area
Don’t let everything hang out – some gyms have modesty policies, but as a general rule keep some parts hidden while at the gym.
Do allow for some breathing room – cardio generally means a lot of sweat. Give your fellow gym goers a little space. If there are a few treadmills open you don’t need to choose the one right next to the guy prepping for his marathon.
Don’t overly use your phone – using your phone to track your miles is acceptable, but don’t text or talk on the phone while on the treadmill. Not only are you putting yourself at risk for an injury, but it’s more respectful to those around you.
Don’t do stunts – Treadmill stunts look cool, until you see someone fall off, and if you fall off that could be quite embarrassing. Interval training in itself is impressive. Don’t put yourself at risk for getting hurt by showing off.
Do keep your fluids to yourself – don’t spit or shoot a snot rocket while at the gym. Keep that behavior where it belongs: outside far away from people.
Don’t mark your territory – don’t leave your water bottle on the treadmill to save it for future use. Use the machine and then move on so someone else can get it done.
The Studio
Do arrive early – arriving late to a group class is distracting for the instructor and for other participants. Arrive early and find your spot.
Do stagger your place – give yourself enough room so you can go through your yoga sequence without invading the personal space of others.
Do go with the flow – class energy matters. The hooting and howling you do in Zumba probably isn’t appropriate while you’re doing savansana in yoga.
Don’t be a creep – if you’re walking by the studio on the way to the weight area, don’t peek in and watch what’s going on. Let the participants in class do their thing while you do yours.
Do be kind – be nice to the people around you. You’re all there for the same reason and who knows, you might make some new friends.
The Locker Room
Do wear deodorant – no one smells good after finishing at the gym. Chances are perfume or cologne will not be enough to mask the smell. If you aren’t allergic, please wear deodorant.
Do grooming in private – no one wants to watch you shave or floss out in the open. Intimate cleaning is best left for home.
Do respect boundaries – you may be comfortable walking around without a towel, but not everyone is comfortable looking at you.
Don’t leave your stuff around – lockers are available for a reason. Give your fellow gym goers some space to get ready by stowing your stuff.
By following these tips you’ll not only improve the gym experience for yourself, but for others around you as well.
Click here for the original article on Greatist.