It’s that time of the year! New members are joining, guests are visiting, and the club is starting to get busy. Although Merritt works with you every step of the way on your fitness journey, there is one thing that you don’t get a how-to manual on: gym etiquette. Whether you’re reading this as a new gym-goer or as a veteran gym rat who has someone in mind to send this to, this blog will helpfully explain the unwritten rules of the gym.
What is Gym Etiquette?
Just like at the beach, movie theater, library, or any other public place, the gym demands certain behavior. Gym etiquette helps ensure the mutual respect of gym-goers, especially when the New Year’s rush hits. You wouldn’t put your umbrella right in front of another family on the beach when there’s miles of open sand around you, right? The same thing goes for the gym. Let’s talk about it.
Space, Sharing Equipment, and “Working In”
When the gym starts to get crowded, it’s especially important to respect the space of your fellow gym goers. For cardio equipment, follow the urinal rule: that is, leave a gap. Don’t go on the treadmill right next to someone when there are other treadmills available. Obviously, as the gym gets more crowded, this rule no longer applies. Keep in mind, too, that if all of the equipment fills up, now might not be the best time for you to use the treadmill for two hours. Keep it short– unless equipment starts to open up again.
When it comes to strength training, there’s often only one piece of equipment for each exercise. In this case, it’s important to allow other members to “work in”. This means that in between your sets, you allow other members to do a set on the machine as you rest. It’s really unacceptable to brush someone off saying you “only have three sets left”. For some people, it takes some bravery to come up and ask to share, so be polite and let them get a lift in, too. This is always the rule for pin-loaded machines, as it’s very easy to adjust the weight between lifters. You can also work-in on plate-loaded machines, but it’s respectful to change the plates back if you are the one who asked to share. Don’t make someone lift your heavy weights if they don’t lift as much as you!
Along with allowing fellow members to work-in, please also do your best to not sit on the equipment while using your phone for more than a minute. It’s impolite if another member is waiting to use that machine! If you need a longer rest period, stand up so that others can use it while you rest.
Reserving Equipment
This goes with the idea of working-in, but don’t “reserve” your equipment with a towel, phone, or water bottle and then walk away. If you like to superset (jump between two or more machines/exercises), that’s okay! But if everyone follows the working-in rule, you should be able to come back to that machine even if other people hop on to do a set. If someone’s on the machine you want to come back to, that’s okay! Just tell them after they finish their set that you were using the machine, and ask if it’s okay for you to hop back on for another set. If you’re sweaty too, bring a towel or a wipe to wipe the seat off. No one wants to sit in butt sweat!
If you find something draped over a machine “reserving it” and you want to use it, first be sure to take a look around. If you see someone running over to you, talk to them and ask to work-in. If no one is around, you have the right to use that machine! Just be ready to get up in between sets in case they come back.
Unsolicited Advice
The gym is a great place to learn more about exercise. From talking to trainers, athletes, and veteran lifters, you can learn a lot from asking around! That being said, please do not go up to anyone and give advice that they aren’t asking for. Many people struggle with self-image and self-consciousness in the gym and don’t want to be approached, so keep it to yourself unless you are asked for help. On the other hand, if you’d like to ask for advice, that’s great! Most gym-goers are happy to help, or you can ask a trainer. Please keep in mind that regardless of your reason for approaching someone in the gym, do not interrupt their set. Wait until they are done with their set to get their attention.
The one exception to the advice rule is if you see someone abusing equipment or putting themself in immediate danger. Then, it is always okay to step in, but it might be best to grab a trainer or team member to speak to them. When in doubt, alert a trainer!
Hygiene
The gym should be a sweaty place! With that in mind, please be sure to practice good hygiene and shower/use deodorant before coming to the gym. We’ve all been there: waiting until after you’ve done your yard work for the day or until it’s “hair-wash day” to workout so you don’t get smelly right after you’ve finally gotten clean. It makes sense! But keep in mind that at the gym, there are other members around that want to be able to workout without smelling body odor. So, please be mindful of the experience of your gym pals! This also goes for wearing very heavy cologne or perfume. Unfortunately in the gym, there isn’t always the option to walk away, so be considerate of those around you.
Congratulations! You now know the basics. There are many unwritten rules of the gym, so keep an eye out for part two! In the meantime, we hope you enjoy getting your sweat on!