Gym Etiquette

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I'm into my fourth week of the gym and I'm doing pretty well. It's been five years since I was last at a gym for any length of time.

I have noticed that almost everybody is glued to their phone in between exercise. Even while lifting weights or on the treadmill, they can be on the phone. You go to the changing rooms and you'll find someone taking up the limited space staring down at a screen. This need to be with your phone the whole time has become a pet peeve of mine. You won't catch me around the gym with my mobile in hand. 

The gym can often be busy, making it even more important to be considerate to others. Unfortunately, there are those who only think about themselves. If I want to use a particular piece of equipment but somebody is using it, I'll say hello and ask if they have many sets left. Some do offer to share (me included), but the majority don't. So I either use some other machine or ask if they mind sharing. Most are quite happy to but some only do so begrudgingly. The latter are the ones who'll go extra slowly when it's their turn.

Here's a list of some good manners to observe while at the gym:

Following proper gym etiquette helps create a respectful, clean, and safe environment for everyone. Here’s a detailed list of do’s and don’ts for both the gym floor and changing room area.

🏋️‍♂️ Gym Floor Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts

✅ Do’s:

  1. Wipe Down Equipment – Always clean machines, benches, and weights after using them.
  2. Re-Rack Your Weights – Put dumbbells, barbells, and plates back where they belong.
  3. Share Equipment – If the gym is busy, allow others to work in between your sets.
  4. Use a Towel – Bring a towel to avoid leaving sweat on benches and machines.
  5. Respect Personal Space – Give people enough room to lift safely without interference.
  6. Limit Machine Time – During peak hours, keep your sets efficient and don’t sit on machines between sets.
  7. Use Headphones – If you want to listen to music or watch videos, keep the volume to yourself.
  8. Ask Before Using Equipment – If someone is near equipment, confirm if they’re using it before taking over.
  9. Be Mindful of Mirrors – Don’t block mirrors for people checking their form.
  10. Encourage, Don’t Criticise – Offer support if someone asks, but don’t give unsolicited advice.

❌ Don’ts:

  1. Don’t Drop Weights – Unless necessary, avoid slamming dumbbells or barbells.
  2. Don’t Hog Equipment – Don’t sit on a machine while texting or taking long breaks.
  3. Don’t Make Excessive Noise – Grunting is natural, but keep it controlled. No unnecessary shouting.
  4. Don’t Film Others Without Permission – Respect privacy—recording others without consent is rude.
  5. Don’t Stare – Everyone is here to work out. Avoid making others uncomfortable.
  6. Don’t Take Calls on the Gym Floor – Step outside for phone conversations.
  7. Don’t Give Unsolicited Advice – Unless asked, don’t critique someone’s workout or form.
  8. Don’t Leave Equipment Sweaty – Always wipe down machines and benches after use.
  9. Don’t Use More Than One Machine at Once – Avoid "reserving" multiple pieces of equipment.
  10. Don’t Interrupt Someone Mid-Set – Wait until they’re finished before talking to them.

🚿 Changing Room Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts

✅ Do’s:

  1. Respect Privacy – People are changing, so avoid staring or standing too close.
  2. Use a Towel or Wrap – If walking around, cover yourself appropriately.
  3. Limit Your Time in the Shower – Others may be waiting, so don’t take long showers.
  4. Keep Your Belongings Organised – Use lockers or designated areas to avoid clutter.
  5. Dispose of Trash Properly – Throw away paper towels, wrappers, or anything else you use.
  6. Dry Off Before Leaving the Shower Area – Avoid dripping water everywhere.
  7. Use Deodorant (but not too much) – A little is appreciated, but avoid overpowering scents.
  8. Give People Space – Try not to crowd people at lockers or sinks.
  9. Wear Flip-Flops in the Shower – For hygiene reasons, protect yourself from fungi and bacteria.
  10. Close Locker Doors Gently – Avoid slamming them, especially if people are nearby.

❌ Don’ts:

  1. Don’t Take Photos or Videos – The changing room is a private space—no cameras allowed.
  2. Don’t Leave a Mess – Clean up after yourself, whether it's towels, toiletries, or hair.
  3. Don’t Play Loud Music – The changing room isn’t your personal concert space.
  4. Don’t Spread Your Stuff Everywhere – Keep your belongings contained to your locker or bag.
  5. Don’t Hog the Mirror or Sink – Be efficient when fixing your hair, makeup, or grooming.
  6. Don’t Engage in Loud Conversations – Keep your voice at a normal level.
  7. Don’t Stand Naked for Too Long – Changing rooms are for getting dressed, not for long chats.
  8. Don’t Use the Hair Dryer on Your Body – It’s meant for your hair, not for drying other areas.
  9. Don’t Borrow Others’ Belongings Without Asking – Even if it’s just soap or deodorant, always ask.
  10. Don’t Leave Wet Towels on the Floor – Hang them up or place them in a designated laundry bin.

Final Thoughts:

By following these do’s and don’ts, you’ll contribute to a positive gym atmosphere, ensuring that everyone can train comfortably and efficiently. 😃💪

Created by Chat GPT

Another thing that bugs me is when people don't put all the plates (discos) of the same weight in the same place. Sometimes you have to take off heavier weights (25, 20, 15 kilos) to reach the lighter plate. They often leave the weights on the bar they were lifting without putting them back to the holder (porta disco).

The changing rooms are usually a mess. The floors are littered with tissues that they can't be bothered to pick up. Containers of gel and shampoo are left in the showers when finished. Do your shaving at home guys; not in the showers. And I'm sick and tired of guys leaving all their stuff spread out while they take a shower. You can do what you like in your own place but why can't people tidy up after themselves in shared places?! One final moan - Use a roll-on deodorant. If you must use a spray, it's for under your arms - I don't want to breath in lungfuls of it.

What about you? What are your observations about the gym? What gets on your nerves?


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