You’ve decided to sign up for a gym membership, and today is the day you’ll step into the gym. Your excitement is visible on your face, mixed with a dose of anxiety. You enter the gym, look around, and see seasoned gym-goers and equipment that you have no idea about. And everyone is using it like a pro.
You begin to think nervously, “Where do I even begin?” “What does that equipment even do?” “Who do I ask for help?”
Do not worry, fellow gym newbie! This blog will be your guide to navigating the intimidating world of gym etiquette. We’ll break down the unwritten rules to help you feel confident, avoid any embarrassing situations, and make the most out of your workout experience.
1. Bring your own towel to wipe off sweat and protect equipment.
When you come to the gym, you must have the mindset that it’s a public place and you need to prepare yourself from home. Approach the gym as a place for your overall improvement, not just your body. Make yourself an example that you’re a hygienic person and people follow you. Pack essentials before leaving your home, which includes a towel to place on equipment like benches or any equipment that will touch your body. You need to put the towel on that area so that the towel takes your sweat and not the machines. Leaving sweat on equipment is not only unhygienic but also uncomfortable for others. Just think about it. Would you want someone else’s sweat on the equipment you’re using? After completing your use of the equipment, make sure to wipe it down to remove sweat and prevent the spread of germs.
2. Wear appropriate workout attire for comfort and safety.
There are dress codes for different settings, just like you wear formal clothes for the office or uniforms in schools. You need to have appropriate workout attire for the gym. If you head to the gym wearing your office clothes, it is not only going to be uncomfortable for you but also distracting for others. Gym attire is designed to provide comfort and flexibility during exercises, so you can move freely without constraint. Additionally, wearing workout clothes helps create a focused and effective environment for you and everyone in the gym.
3. Practice good hygiene by wearing deodorant and using appropriate footwear.
I once skipped my leg day and went straight to hit my chest because someone with bad hygiene was using the leg equipment. The message was communicated to him by the management later, but you can’t be that person. Shower before and after workouts to keep your body clean. Use antiperspirant to prevent any kind of odor. Do not wear the previous day’s workout clothes; go for fresh attire each day. Make sure to change socks every day to prevent bacteria buildup and promise yourself that you smell fresh during the workout.
4. Put everything back where it belongs.
Every gym should have this etiquette that everyone should rack their weights after they use them. A very simple yet integral etiquette. If you see someone doing crazy deadlifts with all the weights in the gym and he leaves the weights there, unracking will be a workout itself. It is a bad practice to not put the weight back where it belongs. By taking the initiative to rack your weights properly, you will contribute to a cleaner, safer, and more organized gym space for everyone to enjoy.
5. Share equipment if there's a line or if someone is waiting.
If you see a line or if someone is waiting for a machine to use, be mindful and a better person to share the equipment. After every set, you need to rest, so let them use it, and you both can complete the workouts in your prescribed time. There will be times when the gym will be crowded, and it’s a courtesy to ensure the other gym-goers are having a positive experience. Look at it as a personal development community. Respect people’s time, from beginners to seasoned gym-goers. You can all contribute to a supportive and inclusive gym community, and respect their time as well. Also, don’t be the person that uses multiple pieces of equipment at once and not let others use it.
6. Use a spotter when lifting heavy weights to ensure safety.
Once you go from beginner to intermediate, you will need to use weights that push your limits. Safety should always be your first priority. It’s very natural to push yourself. There are exercises like bench press, squats, and overhead press that need weight, and you might not be calculative about the weights. It can be risky if you don’t have a spotter. Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance when you are tackling these weights and challenging lifts. Using spotters will make sure you’re safe. There will also come a time where you have to give assistance. Make it a friendly and collaborative experience by offering a spot in return. Make your gym supportive and safer.
7. Refrain from grunting loudly while lifting weights.
Don’t be someone who makes noise and takes all the attention. This just looks awful. Keep the noise down when you’re lifting weights. Loud grunts are really a buzzkill. Sure, sometimes heavy lifting makes you want to let out a roar, and the loud grunt can sometimes push you to do one extra rep. But do not be a show-off and keep grunting for all the reps. Nobody wants to hear your primal screams while they’re trying to focus. Keep it cool.
8. No filming or photos of others without permission.
When you record yourself squatting your highest weights, please record in such a way that only you are seen in the video. Respect others’ privacy by refraining from recording or taking photos of them without their consent. Maybe it seems innocent to capture moments or workouts to you, but not everyone is comfortable being featured on social media or having their face recorded without permission. Always ask them before filming or let them know you are recording. Also, be mindful of where you point your camera and try to avoid capturing unintended bystanders in your footage.
9. Refrain from offering unsolicited advice to fellow gym-goers.
Everyone has different goals and preferences when it comes to their workouts. And we really don’t know what mindset they have when they are working out. Maybe they don’t want our advice. Maybe they are in a rage mode. However, if you notice someone who may benefit from some guidance and tips, approach them with empathy and respect. Wait for an opportune moment, like when they’re taking a break between sets or they look like they might be open to conversation. Make yourself friendly and ask about their exercise in a genuinely curious manner. If they express interest and seem receptive, you can offer a tip or two on form, but only if you are confident in your knowledge and qualification.
10. Be mindful of time limits on cardio equipment during peak hours.
See the gym as a supportive community. Be there for each other. Think the best for each other. During busy times such as weekday evenings or weekends, be mindful that when you are using the cardio equipment, others get the chance too. Don’t occupy it only for yourself. Be mindful of time limits. If you see cardio equipment is occupied, change the cardio routine with alternative workouts. Incorporate bodyweight exercises. You can also bring portable equipment like jump ropes to alternate your cardio routine and avoid waiting for machines to become available.
Make sure your presence shines wherever you go, especially when you step into the gym. It’s not just about physical fitness; it’s about cultivating a well-rounded persona. Showcasing discipline and impeccable etiquette not only enhances your attractiveness but also reflects your commitment to self-improvement.