Gym Etiquette: The Unsaid Rules & More!

Hello Ziddis! We understand that joining a gym has become essential to get started with your fitness journey. But going to the gym is not just about working out but also about being a part of a space where everyone just like you is working on their goals. It is not a private space hence it comes with its own sets of rules and etiquette to follow. Some of these are good practices and unspoken while others could be laws and end you up in trouble.

What is Gym Etiquette?

Gym etiquette refers to the rules which most times are unspoken and help everyone ensure others have a respectful and productive experience working out. It is about being considerate, hygienic, clean and non-chaotic. This isn’t just towards your fellow gym goers and workout buddies but the people who work at the fitness center.

We will understand these principles and gym etiquette in depth. Overall it is about creating a supportive and non-intrusive workout environment for all.

Fitness Center Etiquette for Group Classes

One of the common practices followed in fitness centers is group classes. Hence it is important to understand fitness center etiquette when you attend group classes. Here are a few fitness center etiquette that can ensure everyone enjoys the session:

• Always be on time
• Choose your spot wisely
• Maintain enough distance from others
• Even if it is a group class, individual space should be respected.
• Do not block the visibility of others
• Respect the instructor and their instructions
• Do not disturb others with chattering
• Make sure you carry your gym equipment whenever necessary
• Carry your own shaker bottle, sippers or drinks in case of a high-intensity workout and towel.
• Do not carry heavy gym bags as space could be a constraint.
• Leave on time instead of frolicking around so that the next session can happen timely.

Gym Etiquette Signs to Keep in Mind When Using the Gym Facilities

When we enrol for a gym, we have access to all the facilities they provide based on our membership. It is important that we respect that space and follow gym etiquette signs. Here are some universal gym etiquette signs everyone is expected to know and follow:

• Do not hog the equipment.
• Do your thing and do not interfere in other’s workout.
• If you want to play your music, play it on your earphones.
• Use a towel to wipe the set instead of your hands.
• Wear clean clothes and gym gear that don’t stink.
• Do not relax on the equipment like the bench meant for bench press or cardio machine if you are not working on it.
• Do not borrow other people’s protein shakes.

10 Gym Etiquette Rules Everyone Should Follow

• Return the weight to their designated spot after using them.
• Clean the equipment after using it.
• Do not stick to just one machine.
• Do not interrupt others between their sets.
• Apply deo if you stink and change socks and shoes when entering the gym.
• Do not ask to borrow personal items like roll-ons, towels or sippers.
• Respect everyone’s personal space.
• Respect the gym trainer and staff.
• Do not spot for someone if you are not sure of handling the weight.
• Respect the gym space and keep it clean.

Bad Gym Etiquette: What Not to Do

It may feel like a given but it is surprising how many people are unaware of bad gym etiquette. So it is always a good idea to brush through the what not to do of the gyms or bad gym etiquette to understand what behavior one should refrain from. In case someone has bad gym etiquette, you have the right to complain about them to the authorities.

• Staying unclean
• Wetting the gym locker floors with dripping water after shower
• Hogging on multiple machines
• Creating nuisance
• Arguing or talking back to gym trainers
• Using your phone loudly
• Leaving your weights where you used them
• Passing judgmental comments.

Takeaway

Starting your workout journey could be daunting. Practicing gym etiquette can make everyone comfortable. Knowing your rights and duties in a fitness center is the beginning of a good culture. You have the advantages of a gym, fitness trainers and the best supplements like creatine to assist you in your fitness journey. So enjoy the process and focus on your progress.

Sources:

• https://www.anytimefitness.co.in/gym-etiquette-101-for-a-respectful-workout-experience/
• https://www.cnet.com/health/fitness/gym-etiquette-for-newbies-dont-break-these-10-important-rules