The unspoken gym rules

Filed in archive Exercises For Everyone on July 22, 2007

When you visit a new gym, whether you are a newbie or a veteran, it can help you if you know the unspoken gym rules. If you follow this simple gym etiquette advice you shouldn´t need to worry about getting angry looks while working out.

First of all, always carry a sweat towel with you. That is for you to clean off any sweat you might leave after using a machine. Or to clean up after the person who has used the machine before you and not cleaned it but left it dribbling with sweat.

If you know that your repetitions will take a while and the gym is full, offer to work in with someone else. That means taking turns while using a machine. When you rest the other person uses it and so on.
You can just imagine how annoying and time wasting it is to wait for someone else when they rest while still on the machine.

Think of the gym as a library, you need to concentrate while working out. Talking is OK, but try to keep your voice down. Having someone talking loudly around you while you try to keep track of your repetitions will only make you lose your concentration.
Same thing for talking on the mobile, unless it´s an emergency, wait until you have finished your workout.

Don´t lift more than you can handle. Don´t try to impress, it won´t work and you will only hurt yourself.
Don´t use more than you need, if you need to rest, sit on a bench or any other appropriate place. Not a machine, you might be hindering someone from working out.
Use clean workout gear and a good antiperspirant. No one wants to be next to someone smelling like a pig, not even in the gym. Save the perfume for afterwards, the same thing applies to smelling like a perfume boutique.

Do come on time to classes. Respect the teachers wish to not let you in if you are late.
You are not the Hulk. No need to make loud noises every time you lift your weights.
The gym is not the place to find a possible girl/boyfriend. Do you really want someone hitting on you when you are sweaty and you are working out?

By following these simple yet effective basic rules you shouldn´t have any problems making yourself at home in the gym.