Gym Etiquette 101: Rules Every Gym-Goer Should Follow

July 14 2014

Gym Etiquette 101: Rules Every Gym-Goer Should Follow

Each year, some 50-60 million Americans hit the gym to build muscle and/or shed unwanted body fat. Unfortunately, many of these gym-goers fail to follow proper gym etiquette, making the experience just a little less enjoyable for the rest of us.

Gyms have a finite amount of weights and equipment, so it’s important for members (and non-member guests) to remain courteous of respectful of other people in their surroundings.

Know (And Follow) The Gym’s Rules

Familiarize yourself with the gym’s rules before using any of its weights and equipment. Most gyms provide their members with a printed sheet of rules. Failure to follow these rules may result in forfeiture of your membership without refund.

If you don’t have access to a list of the rules, check to see if they are posted on the walls. Nine out of ten times, you’ll find them posted sporadically throughout the gym.

Return Weights When You’re Finished Using Them

When you are finished using dumbbells, kettlebells, plates or any other type of weight, return them to their original rack or holder. Leaving them strewn across the gym in random locations (or a particular machine) is poor etiquette that’s frustrating for other members. Members want to spend their time working out at the gym, not hunting down lost weights.

Don’t Perform Bicep Curls In The Squat Rack

Bicep curls are a fundamental exercise building bigger arms. With that said, you should avoid curling in the squat rack. Gyms have a very limited number of squat racks, all of which are designed for performing squats.

Rather than hogging this piece of equipment for the sole purpose of performing bicep curls, take a pair of dumbbells over to an open bench.

Carry a Towel

Let’s face it, no one wants to pick up a weight or use an machine that’s covered in sweat. This is both stomach-churning and unsanitary. Whether you’re hitting performing a bout of high-intensity strength training (HIIT) or running a couple miles on the treadmill, keep a towel nearby at all times. If you feel beads of sweat developing around your head and neck, wipe it off so it doesn’t fall on the gym equipment.

Spot Other Gym-Goers

If another member asks you for a spot, take a minute or two out of your day to help. Spotting is a crucial step in maintaining a safe gym environment, but it’s also something that requires an extra person. Maintaining a helpful, courteous attitude in the gym will create positive karma that allows you to find a spotter when you need one.