Lets talk about Gym Etiquette!

You might notice others breaking these “laws of the iron” but it’s helpful to everyone to educate yourself about basic gym etiquette as quickly as possible. If we can all do our best to follow these often unwritten rules it helps make the gym a more enjoyable and safer place for everyone. Here are five important “rules ” to consider throughout your workout…

RESPECT THE NO-LIFT ZONE

Please don’t ever lift weights within 5 feet of the dumbbell rack. It doesn’t matter if you’re doing shoulder press, or goblet squats or anything else. Pick up your weights and take 3-5 giant steps back. This allows others to access the rack and continue their workout without getting in the way of your moving weights. (I have to admit, this is my biggest personal gym pet peeve, if you’ve ever workout with me you’ve probably heard me complain about people violating this “rule”)

WIPE YOUR BENCH!

There is nothing worse than going to use a piece of equipment and it is all wet and sweaty from some other member’s body. Please wipe your sweat off of equipment when your finished. Most gyms provide towels and disinfectant spray specifically for this purpose.

RACK YOUR WEIGHTS!

When your finished using your weights, dumbbells, barbell plates etc. please put them back in the proper place so people can find them without searching. Don’t leave them scattered all over the gym floor where people can easily trip over them. As the old saying goes “If you can lift it you can re-rack it!”

AVOID THE “ABS ZONE”

Most gyms have a designated area for mats, balls, bosu balls etc. Please don’t bring heavy weights into that area. These areas are typically designated for stretching and abs work. By taking up their space you force them to take up your space (see the next point).

KEEP YOUR MATS OUT OF THE WAY!

Don’t set up a mat in between two benches in the free weight zone and do crunches unless you want a weight dropped on your head (trust me you don’t want that). Even if the gym is empty, set up your mat out of the way. Either stick to the “abs zone” or place your mat in a corner out of the way. Think proactively….where might somebody want to work out over the course of your set? Don’t set up there.

RESPECT THE NO-LIFT ZONE

Oh wait…did I already mention this one 🙂

WHAT ARE YOUR GYM ETIQUETTE SUGGESTIONS?

If we all do our best to follow these simple steps it will help make everyone’s experience at the gym as fun and safe as possible! There are many more gym etiquette tips and tricks to be shared. What are you favorites? Send me a message with your suggestions for the next Gym Etiquette post!