Gym etiquette is built on common courtesy and a little tolerance. Here are a few general rules that should help you and your fellow exercisers stay happier at the gym.
Health Club Do's
- Do learn the rules of your health club, and practice them.
- Do put equipment away when you are done using it.
- Do wipe down equipment after use. No one wants to clean up your sweat.
- Do ask for assistance from a trainer if you aren't sure how to do something.
- Do allow others to work with you between your sets if they are waiting for your equipment.
- Do ask to work in between the sets of others.
- Do ask if people are finished with equipment if they seem to be leaving.
- Do train in the right areas when the gym is busy.
- Do maintain good hygiene.
- Do carry a sweat towel with you.
- Do carry a plastic, covered water bottle.
- Do use any sign up sheets for cardio equipment if it's busy.
- Do adhere to equipment time limits during peak hours.
- Do remove heavy weight plates from machine after you are finished. Others can't always lift what you can.
- Do say please and thank you. Be courteous.
- Do Share.
Health Club Don'ts
- Don't drop weights. It's annoying and unnecessary.
- Don't hog the equipment
- Don't leave equipment covered in your sweat.
- Don't sit on equipment if you aren't using it (when it's crowed).
- Don't block others access to equipment or walkways, etc (especially when crowed busy)
- Don't give out unsolicited advice.
- Don't take up the whole bench in the locker room with all your 'stuff.'
- Don't forget this is a gym and not a singles club. While it may be a great place to find a date, don't assume that everyone feels the same.
Minding your manners never goes out of style.
