subject: Gyms Etiquette - Putting Your Polite Foot Forward When Working Out [print this page] There is certain behavior that must be followed at gyms. Just as you need to be polite and respectful in other situations, the same can be said when you are working your abs and toning your muscles at your local exercise facility.
Most gyms have a list of rules that must be adhered to. These rules pertain to your time spent using the exercise equipment, as well as your time spent doing other non-workout things, such as when you are in the locker room, shower, or the sauna. It never hurts to remind yourself of what the protocol is when you go to a fitness center to work up a sweat. Most of the rules are common sense, but it is easy to forget when you are in a hurry.
Do be polite to other gym patrons. If you see two people talking who are standing near the Stairmaster or the treadmill, do not just brush by them and start using the machine. Politely inquire if they are using or planning to use the equipment. The person may be finished or may have stopped to chat before they got started. Do not assume anything or you will appear rude and pushy.
If you want someone to spot you while you are using the weights, ask someone nearby while they are in between sets, not while they are busy pumping iron themselves. On the other hand, you may have someone who asks you if you can spot them while they lift dumbbells. If you get asked to do this and you say yes, spot the person at the wrists, and not the elbows. This is a safety measure that will prevent the dumbbell from falling inward and possibly falling onto their face.
Cleanliness is important at all gyms you go to. Do your part by wiping off all of the equipment and machines after you use them. Most fitness centers have spray bottles and cloths sitting nearby the equipment that you can conveniently and quickly use before you move onto another bench, bike, or machine.
When you are in the locker room, always wear flip-flops on your feet. The same can be said when you take a shower. It is not a good idea to walk from your locker to the shower in your bare feet and vice versa. Locker rooms are a breeding ground for health issues such as athlete's foot. To prevent contracting it, keep something on your feet at all times.
When you are finished using the weights, put them back where they belong. You should not expect others to pick up after you. The employees at the gym have plenty of other tasks to perform. Make their jobs easier for them by being helpful.
