I’ve been going to the gym for more than ten years and I’ve been noticing some very strange behavior throughout this time. Certainly, I know I’m not the only person witnessing this since many people have shared their stories with me. In some ways I suppose this is to be expected with every new generation of individuals that enter the fitness world, but then again, rude behavior and a lack of social skills cannot be considered a “new normal”.
So, what is normal?
Traditionally, the main reason why people go to the gym is to stay healthy and achieve personal goals such as building muscle and losing fat in a like-minded, community environment. The gym was meant to be a place where everyone can put their guard down, be themselves, and enjoy the opportunity for physical exercise as a way to de-stress from school, work, and other social responsibilities. The gym should be a place of peace, like a Zen Garden but with dumbbells. To me, this is what normal is.
What started this issue?
Well, let me begin by sharing some important details. Perhaps “not” normal behavior depends on the country you reside in, cultural norms, or expectations relating to the aftermath of the Covid-19 Pandemic, and so on. I am aware that many people are very lonely and feel empty inside. Also, some people have undeveloped social skills, which can be more noticeable at the gym.
Certainly, the desire for human interaction is innate and deeply needed by everyone. But, that is why respect, and harmony should remain a priority. For this reason, gym etiquette must be talked about.
Who is responsible for this?
As human beings, we are perfectly “imperfect”, and we’re all on our own journey through life. Some of us were brought up with manners and others were not. Nevertheless, we can all take some responsibility for a lack of etiquette in the gym, especially when we’re really distracted or having a bad day.
Luckily, when enough people behave properly, a standard is set and the mature members of a gym set the tone for what is acceptable. However, for those people who don’t know better this list should be a great place to start.
What is acceptable behavior at the gym?
We have compiled a list that was given to us by many gym members over the last few years. This list is not designed to be a comprehensive rule book but rather a guideline for everyone to consider. Our goal is to communicate these truths and unify the gym community.
Note: this list is frequently updated with the latest concerns and encouragements.
• Wipe off sweaty gym equipment with the provided wipes (if they have them). As a courtesy to other members, consider wiping off equipment where you sat or laid down even if you’re not sweaty.
• Do not stand directly in front of the dumbbell rack and begin to workout. Allow plenty of room for other members to remove or replace dumbbells without you being in the way.
• Do not drop the weights or be careless with the equipment. Gym equipment is often damaged by abuse and recklessness. Show respect for the gym and it’s members by taking care of things. And keep in mind, if something becomes damaged, it may be months before it’s replaced.
• Do not grab more weights than you can actually use until you finish your set. Don’t be that person who is surrounded by a bunch of dumbbells and curl bars, then claim it’s for a “Superset” when in reality it’s just “Super Selfish”.
• Do not take up more than one machine until you finish your workout. Don’t be that person who bounces back and forth using machines for the sake of a superset, while other people are standing around waiting for you to finish. That is disrespectful to other members. Save those workouts for your private gym.
• Do not wear cologne or perfume. There is no need to impress anyone at the gym with your delightful scent. If you are concerned about body odor, take a shower before working out and use deodorant.
• Do not setup a mini speaker and blast your music. Be respectful of other members and use earphones.
• Do not sit on a weight bench or other equipment and play with your phone. Other members are waiting for you to finish up and move on (whether they say it or not). Be respectful.
• Do make a point to be friendly with people while also respecting their time and space. Be sure to greet anyone within your immediate vicinity to express consideration for them. The gym is an excellent place to meet like-minded people.
• Do not leave personal items or gym equipment scattered all over the floor. They can become a tripping hazard, and you may be legally responsible for any damages. Be aware of your surroundings and the safety of other members.
• Replace all weights, dumbbells, curl bars, etc. in their proper location. Show respect for your gym even if others don’t. This is a leadership trait, and it conveys respect for the gym and its members.
• Notify the staff if you observe broken or missing equipment. The staff normally does not check for this, so the sooner you tell them, the sooner it will be resolved.
• Do not be socially awkward by doing stretches or other peculiar movements while in the workout area. Instead, find a less occupied location to warm up.
• Do not lay on the workout floor to do sit-ups or push ups. The gym floor is full of all kinds of bacteria from sweat and other bodily fluids. Instead, use a workout mat for those types of exercises and be sure to wiper it off before and after use.
Conclusion
When you read the list, did you immediately think of someone or something you’ve seen recently? Or did you read something that you haven’t considered before? Well, there are a lot of things we all need to work on when it comes to working out with people you don’t know. That is why gym etiquette is vital to maintain good relationships with fellow gym members. You want to make an impression by your good behavior, not your looks.
The next time you’re at the gym, and you observe someone doing something on this list that comes off as disrespectful. Try not to get upset. Many people do not have knowledge of gym etiquette and as a result they can easily be misunderstood for being rude and selfish. Try to be graceful and stay focused on your purpose for being at the gym, harmony is important, but respect is the ultimate goal no matter where we are.
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