One of the most annoying things a gym user can encounter is poor etiquette from other gym goers, so please try to think of others by following these basic rules:
Take A Towel
Make sure you take a towel or cloth to the gym with you and wipe sweat off benches and machines with it when you’re finished.
Put Equipment Away When You’re Finished
Barbells, dumbbells and plates usually have specific storage locations, so use them. If you use something like the Powerblock Elite Set Dumbbells, make sure you replace them in the case when you’re finished. Put all kit back where it should be when you’re done with it. I’ve seen people finish exercising and leave huge weights on various machines then some tiny young lady has to come along and struggle to remove all the weight plates when she wants to use it.
Switch Your Mobile Phone Off
It is incredibly infuriating having to listen to someone yapping away on their phone while you’re working out. If you must use the phone then go outside. Better still, use it only for dire emergencies. Give gym users a break!
Don’t Hog The Wrong Equipment
I’d like a dollar for every time I’ve seen someone doing barbell curls in a squat rack. Sure, if nobody wants the squat rack then go ahead and use it but it’s a squat rack so give priority to anyone who wants to use it for its proper purpose. The same applies to all equipment.
Don’t Hog The Right Equipment
If someone is waiting to use the kit you’re using, don’t be unreasonably slow. You were there first, so take the time you need to do your sets properly but don’t hang around chatting and hold people up needlessly. Or let people work in with you if it doesn’t harm your routine and you both lift similar weights. A little cooperation goes a long way and will usually be reciprocated.
Don’t Hog The Bikes, Treadmills And Other Aerobic Equipment
Gyms sometimes have limits on aerobic machine use during crowded times - please respect them and give everyone a fair chance to use it.
Don’t Interrupt
If you’re a beginner you will find that experienced gym users are usually glad to help but don’t disturb them in the middle of an exercise. Wait until they finish and then ask them if they’ll answer some questions for you or show you how an exercise should be done.
Don’t Mock
If you’re an experienced bodybuilder or weight trainer, go easy on beginners - remember you were a beginner once. Don’t laugh at them, mock them or make unpleasant comments - offer to show them how to do things properly instead.
Rock And Roll!
If you must listen to music then do so through headphones and make sure it’s not so loud that other people can hear the annoying, tinny rattle. Better still, forget the music - you’ll be able to hear if someone has a safety issue then.
Safety First
Always keep one eye on safety, both yours and everyone else’s. This means not leaving things lying around on the floor, making sure barbells and dumbbells are collared safely and helping someone out who gets into trouble with a weight.
The gym will be a better place for everyone if you follow those simple rules.