Etiquette for the Gym
Posted on March 7th, 2006 by garyPosted in Exercise, Winter Shape Up 2006
There are many behaviors at the gym that might strike a nerve with you; sweat-soaked weight benches, cell phones that ring during yoga, cardio equipment hogs or smelly guests. Etiquette offenders are everywhere. Although many adults know better, often in haste basic manners get tossed aside. People are at the gym with limited time to spend there and are sometimes not even aware of what they are may be doing. Everyone could be some type of an offender. You may have behaviors that are other’s pet peeves. Every club has etiquette guidelines. Some even post them. But still there are many who disregard even the most commonsense rules. It is up to you now to set an example so here are some rules to follow:
CELL PHONES ARE A NO-NO:
The biggest etiquette complaint among gym members are cell phones. It is very annoying to be working out next to someone who is talking on the phone at full volume. It is just as disturbing when it goes off during any type of workout class. If you must carry a phone, keep it on vibrate. If you must take a call- step away from the class or machines so you will not disturb others. Keep your voice down and avoid use of any camera phones in the locker rooms.
CONTROL FUMES:
If you arrive to the gym somewhat clean, you will keep your workout aroma to a minimum. Make sure you apply deodorant and don’t wear clothes that have been sitting in your gym bag since the last time you worked out. Keep perfume and cologne use to a minimum- others may be sensitive to fragrances.
DRESS APPROPRIATELY:
Wear clothes that will keep you cool and reduce sweat. Clothes that may you feel confident and good about yourself are ok but there is no need to put on a show. Wearing too little may distract or intimidate others. Follow your clubs dress code guidelines.
SICK-THEN STAY HOME:
Exercise may not bother you when you have a cold but you can easily spread your germs and infect others. Avoid the club when you are infectious.
MAKE ROOM FOR OTHERS:
Although you may want a particular space or machine, do not get upset if someone else gets it first. Just find a new location. If space is limited in a class, do not bring along your personal items that will take up space- use a locker.
SHOW UP ON TIME:
Arriving late for an exercise class can cause a disruption as you scramble to find a spot or make others move for you. If you are late, opt for a different workout.
RESPECT YOUR LEADER:
Avoid any group class if you are tempted to do your own thing. It is one thing to modify certain moves to suit your fitness level or avoid an injury, but it is another thing if you are changing moves or just veering from what the instructor is doing.
SHOW GOOD LOCKER ROOM BEHAVIOR:
Space is limited in most locker rooms so don’t take over the place. Limit the space you need. Clean up after yourself. Throw away used paper towels and tissues. Put dirty towels in laundry bins. No naked sitting please. Place a towel over a bench before you sit. Everyone may not wish to see you strut your stuff –so wrap a towel around you when you need to walk around even if the shower is steps away.
CARDIO EQUIPMENT ETIQUETTE:
When you are done on a machine, leave no trace. Get a towel and wipe down the equipment. Most clubs provide sprays and towels. Do not hog a machine –most clubs have a time limit for equipment use. It is also not polite to leave personal items on a machine to save it while you walk away. If you must talk on the phone or to a friend next to you while you work out- respect those around you.
RERACK THE WEIGHTS:
It is very frustrating when you go to use a weight machine and you have to remove extra weigh from the equipment before you can use it or if you go to find a dumbbell and it is missing. Be courteous and return weights to their proper places, reset weight machines and empty bench-press bar when you are done.
By following these simple guidelines, you can make your health club experience more pleasant for everyone. There will always be people who break the rules unfortunately but you can always be aware of your behaviors and the sensitivities of your fellow gym members.
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