A Guide To Gym Etiquette

Etiquette is a very important part of using a public gym. It is important to take into consideration that there are different types of people using the gym and it’s equipment, so it is a good idea to bare this in mind for your own training.

This comes from seeing a member of the gym throwing weights to the floor after working out. Which with the kind of dumbbells that are there, is very inconsiderate as it can often loosen them, making them dangerous to use. As well as this there were 7 pairs around him that were being used. This is fair enough if that’s your training method, but as soon as he was done, he just walked off and left them all there scattered around. This just made it awkward for everyone else in the weight section.

Shouting

The other issue is the shouting. It’s true that when some people have to grunt or breathe out heavily to make sure they get that last rep out. But this was just shouting obscenities with every rep, even with lower weights. This really isn’t acceptable; not even because it’s rude, but because when he did, everyone looked over concerned that he had hurt himself, so the gym stopped for him.

Luckily, this guy is an isolated case, where I am anyway, and he doesn’t train that often. However, it just shows how some actions may look to others using the gym and also acts as a reminder of how you should show consideration. Of course, if it is just you and a partner in the gym, then you may have a laugh and an overt session. But when it is a busy gym, with commercial gym equipment, then you should to make sure you are treating the gym, and your fellow gym goes with respect.

Top Two Pointers

After speaking to a few people, I gathered the top two pointers to try to follow when you are training. The first one is that when you are done with the weights; put them back in pairs on the rack. It only takes a few seconds, but saves the next person hunting around for them when they need to do the next set.

Another pointer is wiping down the bench after use. This is a common sense one and just good hygiene. We all get a bit warm when working out. It happens and it’s good, it means we are working hard, but if you are going to do a big cardio session then jump on the bench, just try to remember to wipe it down afterwards so that the next person doesn’t sit in it. That isn’t nice for anyone.

The gym can be a place to relax (kind of) and enjoy yourself, but just as you would if you were in another public place, you should try to keep an eye on your fellow gym goers and make sure that everyone can enjoy it as much as you!