The Basic Rules of Gym Etiquette

I’m on the road again this week, which means working out at a hotel gym.  They’re usually not so bad, but yesterday was a bit different.  I had the misfortune of working out with someone who was very rude or at least inconsiderate.  Rather than get into details, I thought I would share with you some basic rules of polite behavior in the gym.

Allow others to work in - There is a limited amount of equipment at the gym.  This is why people invented “working in”.  Working in means allowing someone else to do sets in between your sets.  It’s polite and it’s also a great way to make friends.  I can’t tell you how many people I’ve met and started conversations with just because we happened to both want to use the same machine.  On the other hand, I can’t tell you how annoying it is to encounter someone who refuses to let you work in just because they want to rest on the machine.

Don’t waste time on a machine - Again, gym equipment is meant to be shared.  If you’re standing on the only treadmill having a conversation on your cell phone for 10 minutes, then you’re being inconsiderate.   You’re making other people wait even though you’re not actually using the machine.  Either hang up or let someone else take your place.

Be aware of your noise level - Speaking of cell phone conversations, the rest of us don’t actually need to know what you and your wife are talking about.  If you’re going to have a lengthy conversation, how about taking it elsewhere?  And yes, I realize you need to be loud if you want the person on the other end of the line to hear you.  That’s because you’re at the gym, a place that’s not so good for phone conversation.  Perhaps you should take that hint.  I always have my cell phone with me but if it rings while I’m working out, I get off whatever machine I’m using and step outside the gym.

Not everyone appreciates your choice in television shows - In a related item to noise levels, almost all gyms have TV screens.  Some of them are built into the exercise machines and can only be heard through ear phones.  Those are fine, but others are simply screens scattered through out the gym which anyone can control.  If you want to watch TV on these, check with the other people working out if they don’t mind.  You should probably do this before changing channels.  Also, turning up the volume so you can hear the game or the news is not ok if it means turning it up so high that the ceiling shakes.

Bathe - Yes, I realize most people shower after a workout but believe me, sometimes it’s good to shower even before a workout.  Fresh sweat doesn’t actually stink, but it does make whatever you smelled like before you entered the gym a lot more powerful.  So please, for the sake of those around you, please practice some level of personal hygiene before working out.

Keep your belonging in the locker room - Your gym bag or purse do not belong on the gym floor.  This isn’t just a courtesy issue, it’s also a safety one.  Items like these trip people up and cause accidents.  Most gyms provide you with lockers for a reason.

Put stuff back in its place - If you work out with equipment like freeweights, then put it back in the right place after you’re done.  It’s annoying to have to search for weights because someone didn’t want to spend a few seconds putting them back.  It’s also rude to some people who may actually have difficulty moving heavier weights.

Clean up after yourself - I sweat when I work out, which is why I wipe machines down after I use them.  I think it’s just common courtesy.  A few of you don’t seem to agree.  It’s really not that hard to do and most gyms will even provide your with cloth or paper towels for this express reason.

The gym is not a meat market - This is the number one complaint I get from women who go to gyms.  Most of them end up being stared at or approached.  Remember, just because she’s wearing a tank top doesn’t mean she’s looking to be picked up.  It just means working out in a sweater isn’t comfortable.

Don’t be condescending - This is another one that guys are more guilty of.  If you see someone lost or doing something that might injure them, don’t just walk up to them and say “you’re doing that wrong!”  This is especially appropriate if you see a woman working out.  She’s not going to be eternally thankful and attracted to you if you walk up and try to show her why everything she’s doing is wrong.  Also, don’t assume they’re doing something wrong.  Remember, there are a lot of variations on exercises and they all work well.  Perhaps they’re doing something right and you’re not, ever think of that?  If someone does look a bit lost, I usually find a “you ok?” paired with a smile to be the best approach.  If they ask something, I answer it.  If they say they’re fine then I walk away.

If you need help, ask - The reverse side of the previous point.  If you’re lost and you have no clue what to do, ask.  Don’t just try something.  This is the gym, and trying something you have no clue about can cause injuries to you or to others.  It can cause damage to equipment or it can just make you look like an ass.  Believe me, most experienced gym goers are very willing to help.

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That’s all, just some basic rules on how to make friends instead of enemies at the gym.

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