Help to make the gym a nice place for all by observing these 10 simple rules of etiquette:
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 the dumbbells in the case. Put all kit back where it should be when you’ve finished with it. I’ve seen people finish exercising and leave 400lb on the leg press machine then some tiny young lady has to come along and struggle to remove all the weight plates when she wants to use it.
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.
Don’t Use Your Phone
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 little peace!
Don’t Hog The Wrong Kit
Don’t, for example, hog the squat rack to do barbell curls when people are waiting to use it. Sure, if nobody wants the rack then go ahead and use it but it’s a squat rack so give precedence to anyone who wants to use it for its intended purpose. The same applies to all equipment.
Don’t Hog The Right Kit
If another person is waiting to use the equipment you’re using, don’t waste time. You were there first, so take the time you need to workout properly but don’t waste time chatting and hold people up for no good reason. 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 Treadmill
Gyms sometimes have limits on treadmill and other aerobic machine use during crowded times – please respect them and give everyone a fair chance to use it.
Pick Your Moment To Ask Questions
Most experienced gym users are only to glad to help out beginners but don’t disturb them mid-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.
Treat Beginners With Respect
If you’re an experienced gym user, go easy on beginners – remember you were a beginner once. Don’t laugh at them, mock them or make unpleasant comments – offer to help them do things properly instead.
Rock And Roll!
Use headphones if you listen to music while you workout and make sure it’s not so loud that others can hear the the drone from the headphones. Better still, forget the music – you’ll be able to hear if someone has a safety issue then.
Think About Safety
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.
