Gym Etiquette

Some people are not careful with what they do inside the gym, forgetting that the place is not an extension of their home. Here are some reminders:

It’s Not Your Home

Several times, I stumbled on some equipment on the floor, which should have not been there. Clean up after yourself. After doing your sets, re-rack your weight equipments to avoid accidents. If you are strong to use them, surely, you are strong enough to return them. Remember, you do not own the place and should behave like you are a guest in someone’s home.

You Are Not Alone

Some people think they have exclusive use of the equipment and just hog it most of their stay in the gym. Remember: You are not alone. Others paid their monthly dues too. With or without a line of people waiting for the use of the workout machine, do not overstay. Do your set and move on. If you have 3 or more sets to do in one equipment and there are people waiting, allow other exercisers to alternate sets with you.

Dials Are Not Yours

Some people can get too assertive in touching the controls (lights, airconditioning, sound system and etc.) thinking that they have paid for it. Nope. You paid for the use of the gym equipments. As for the controls, the instructors or management should do their handling unless indicated otherwise. If you are not comfortable, tell someone who works at the gym to make the necessary adjustments.

Give Gentle Love To The Weights

Your muscles are straining, you are feeling like you are going to break your arm but please, do not drop those 10 pounders on the floor. Your toes could get hit and the loud “thud” can be distracting or jarring to others, it can also be destructive to the equipment.

Wipe Please!

I always find it yucky getting on a gym equipment that is still wet with towel. Have a towel with you and wipe sweat off the equipment after you use it. Do not wait for somebody else to wipe your own sweat off the equipment. If you are using an exercise mat, cover it with a towel before you stretch out on it.

Be Nice To The Nose

There is this guy that I can actually know that he is present in the gym without seeing him just by standing by the gym door. It is common to see or smell mild sweaty odors in the gyms but sometimes, there is somebody that can really stand out just by his smell and can actually clear the gym area. A medical problem could be causing the smell that you are not aware of. You will know when no one wants to get near you or if they have to, they pretend that their nose is itchy to cover their nose. Easiest solution is to put on extra deodorant or using sports deodorant before going to the gym. Make sure not to reuse your workout clothes without washing them thoroughly first.