Gym Etiquette

Part of the joy of being around my family is hearing stories of their latest gym escapades. My family is very athletic and at any given time someone is usually working out, or being annoyed by others who are not hip to the workout room traditions my parents are use to.

My sister came up with the idea to compile a gym etiquette guide based on some happenings she had noticed. While most of us can assume some topics that may make a list like this, I've decided to do a little digging and elaborate more on some of the maybe not so well known tips.

1. Clean up-
Wipe down machines when you're done, even if you don't think you left anything, its polite in a place where everyone shares.

2. Share-
If you're doing sets on a machine, it's nice to let others jump in between your reps. Furthermore, if you're looking to jump in, it's definitely polite to ask if you can jump in or if someone is done with a machine before taking over.

3. Re-stack the weights-
Not everyone who uses the machines will want the same weight as you. Take the weights off or reset the machine after you're through.

4. Don't hog-
Most gyms have restrictions on usage of machines during peak hours. If you're training for a marathon, best not to try to jump on a treadmill during the after work rush.

5. Keep it quiet-
Cell phone usage in the gym is beyond annoying. Unless its an emergency or a quick conversation, leave it on silent.

6. Cover up-
While you may be comfortable with your body, others may not be, dress appropriately while at the gym. This may mean shedding the sweatshirt if you're going to hop on the treadmill or buying a size bigger to cover yourself. Make sure you dress appropriately, down to the sports bra.

7. Don't glare-
This seems simple, as we've all been told it's not polite to stare, but facing others on a stationary machine for 40 minutes makes it difficult. Bring a book, pick up a magazine, find something else to focus and capture your attention. You may not realize it, but especially at the gym, and over done glance can make someone else feel very uncomfortable.

8. Don't compete-
Others at the gym aren't there as part of a group program with you. While sometimes its fun to set goals, don't make someone else your guinea pig (at least with them knowing it). Racing someone next to you, and peering over at the settings on their machine is nosy and rude.

If necessary, ask someone about their program or exercise if you're interesting, they will most likely be much more willing to share with you if you're curious instead of stalking.

9. Mirrors-
No, they aren't there to check yourself out in, but they are there for a more important reason. Injury can easily be prevented if you watch your form while exercising in the mirror. Be conscious of others usage of the mirror and don't walk in front of them if you can help it.

More so, don't be that woman who obviously doesn't understand the purpose of the mirrors and demonstrates this by checking for food in her teeth.

10. Be space conscious-
Especially if you're stretching, be aware of the area you're using. Find a spot where you won't be in anyone's way, or be blocking access to equipment. Most gyms will have seperate stretching areas, but if not be mindful of those who seem to linger near you and ask if you may be in their way.

11. Socialization-
The normal rules about polite interaction are all off in the gym. Most people are on a schedule, trying to get their workout in, and not interested in meeting someone new while they are drenched in sweat. It's ok to talk, but don't make the gym you're social event for the day, and don't plan on finding your soul mate on the machine next to you like some stories you hear.

12. Spotting & group work-
Asking someone to spot you once or twice is ok, and likewise if you see someone struggling, it's nice to offer a hand or watchful eye. However, do not bother someone with helping you consistently (or they would have come to the gym with with a friend), and don't let someone assume you are their new workout partner just because you catch the weights from falling on their chest.

In addition, if you see someone in similar stature to you working the same area, it wouldn't necessarily be rude to ask them if they would like to work with you on a partner exercise that may benefit them. However, do not make someone uncomfortable, preach or critique them.

13. Noise-
If you're listening to music, be conscious of how low it may be to those around you. Even the best headphones can leak a little. Also, don't turn your music up so loud that you can't hear yourself breathing. I've often been next to an unbeknownst wheezy on the treadmill. If your machine has its own television, make sure the sound isn't offensive to others, also make sure the programing isn't inappropriate for others near you.

Often lifting multiple reps or heavy weights will result in some sort of grunt. It's ok to push yourself at the gym, but it's not acceptable to disrupt others around you. Save your intense workouts for when the gym dies down, or lighten up on the weights to control yourself.