Gym Etiquette
Your manners go everywhere with you. Don’t leave them out when entering the gym
I’ve been going to the gym for about three months. Besides, working out. I like to watch the behaviors and actions of people. Thus, I have noticed many things that left me baffled. Things that I thought everyone knew. I thought that maybe there was something wrong with their common sense.
That inspired me to write this story. I want to inform not only gym goers but people that might want to go to the gym about the following points. And about any behaviors that can be annoying to others. Let’s get started.
Clean after yourself
Believe me. You don’t want somebody’s bugger on you, and they don’t want yours. So, every time you are about to use a set of weights, a machine, or other equipment. Try to wipe them down with a rag or paper towels. Some gyms like the one I go, provide you with paper towels and spray bottles to allow their members to clean the equipment.
And after your workout, give the equipment a good cleaning. I have seen many people using a set of weights and when they finish. They just put them back, not minding that their sweat is still visible on them.
That is why I want to give you a piece of bonus advice. Although you cleaned the weights or equipment you are using, try not to touch your face. More so with the virus that continues to make big news.
Remember to wear your mask
With our current global state, it is encouraged and in some places enforced to wear a mask to reduce the chances of transmission of the virus we all know. Gyms are no exception.
Even if you are vaccinated, wearing your mask can make others feel safer. Plus, it is not 100% necessary to constantly wear it. For example, what I do is that I will wear my mask when moving around in the gym. But, if no one is nearby or I am doing a demanding workout. I would uncover my nose and mouth. And immediately after covering my face again.
Put back the weight/s
This is very self-explanatory. You take back the weight/s you just used to their original location. Yet, I’ve seen people just leaving their weights behind, not minding what others think. They would go to do something else.
I still wonder, if they just forgot about the existence of the weights. Or simply, they just don’t feel like taking the time to put them back. I hope it is the first option. Otherwise, my hope in humanity is a little lower now.
I think a good way to encourage others to do the right thing, is by doing it yourself. Your actions can have an impact on the people that watch you.
Don’t overuse your smartphone
One of my biggest pet peeves is when someone is not using equipment that I want to use. They are just sitting there, focusing on their phone, texting. Instead of working out.
I just hate that. It defeats part of the purpose of going to the gym. You go to the gym to work out, not to text. You can do that anywhere else. I am not saying that you can’t use it at all. You can use it to play music on your earphones or to check and send a message.
Be a good Samaritan
Maybe you have been going to the gym for years and have gathered a lot of experience doing different exercises. If you see a new member struggling with their workout. Offer him or her some advice and show them how to properly do the exercise.
My brother showed me what exercises to start with and what to try next. Thanks to him, I wasn’t lost for my first week. I didn’t wonder about what to do next or how to do an exercise. Believe me. Your kindness can go a long way.
I hope that you will keep this in mind when going to the gym. And congratulations on trying to improve your physical health and strength. Keep it going, and don’t give up. Progress takes some time.
