GYM ETTIQUETTE

Gym etiquette is possibly the most annoying aspect of using a gym.  With the new year’s arrival many new folks will be entering the gym, it can be for the first time or they could be a seasoned gym goer, or anything in between. I honestly think it’s a bit disappointing that I feel compelled to write this all out, as it shouldn’t be necessary.

I think it’s important for everyone in the gym to have proper etiquette. Why am I so big on gym etiquette?? Because there are people who lose all sense of human decency the minute they walk through the door and if this can get one person to stop then I’ve accomplished something in this world.

It’s hard enough getting yourself to the gym, now you have to deal with this fuckery? We really don’t need our experience at the gym to be more difficult because of poorly behaved people. We need that positive association to help us return to what some consider hell on earth. I don’t understand why some folks abandon normal behavior once they enter a gym.

I have been to many gyms over many years. I can’t say I’ve seen it all, but I have seen enough to get completely annoyed and have officially lost my faith in humankind. 

Common sense is your lead. If you think what you’re doing is disruptive, it is! For some reason the gym is this grey zone and when people walk through those gym doors they abandon normalcy, or think there are no rules? Maybe they think you can do whatever you like?  Folks leave weights on racks that I can hardly lift. They spew equipment all over and just leave it. Who do they think should pick up after them??? I’ve seen someone bench press their new personal record of 400 pounds to then leave said 400 pounds on the rack. I however did not want a record of moving 400 pounds.  

I’m sorry I have to call out men, yes men, I am obviously not saying ALL men, I am basically saying most men feel entitled to everything in the gym. We women are apologetic for taking up an ounce of space and worry if we are in the way while apologising for our very existence along the way.  BOTTOM LINE: Everyone is equal at the gym, that is the beauty of it. We are all here in the same space for similar reasons and can relate around wanting to do something good for our health. It should feel uniting, not this machine is mine and you can’t use it. Yes, that was said to me as I was approaching a seemingly vacant leg press machine at a public gym. The gym was not in this person’s home, but they assured me it was in fact their machine and I cannot use it. Ever. Honestly for me it was kind of funny and I just moved along thinking they must have bigger problems than I do so I can let it go. I can go on and on with stories like that and sometimes those moments were discouraging and frankly pissed me off. We have to let things go and carry on. 

Facts: 

No one’s workout is more important than someone else’s. I feel like we perceive the more fit looking people as the more important folks in the gym. I say hell to the no, to the no, no, no, on  that, and they can get off their high horse I don’t care. 

If you see glares in the gym from specifically body builder types let it go, it’s not personal. They are staring because they know you’re new. They know everyone at the gym because they live there. They stare because they’re wondering if you’re going to be a normal person or are they going to have to deal with your lack of gym awareness.  You have to consider and respect the fact that bodybuilders spend a lot of time at the gym, you’re essentially walking into their self proclaimed home and they're worried you’re going to mess it up. 

Try not to take seemingly dirty looks personally. Try not to make anything about you when at the gym, because it isn’t.  Just use common sense. Certainly do not get in the way of a body builder as they are at work in a sense. That should be easy because few of us need the 90 lbs

dumbbells. 

Fact two:

If something looks like it’s being used, it is. I would tread lightly on asking a person if they are using it. I think it’s best to use body language as you shouldn’t speak to people at the gym, ever. You can gesture to a person you might think is using it and wait for their response. Pleas note this person may just look at you funny and you may feel stupid. However it does mean you can use said equipment. Please actually have a look to assess if indeed it’s being used, practice patience in actually assessing the room. If someone has it in a superset they may be on their way to using the machine and don’t need your ass breaking up their workout. This also goes for cables, racks, benches, cardio equipment, machines, etc... .When it comes to dumbbells, if they are on the rack you can use them. If someone wants another set they will store them on the floor. If someone is using the dumbbells you want, get over it and use another weight. 

Fact three:

Many people have long rest periods, especially bodybuilders, and to you it may look like they aren’t doing anything. Don’t assume someone is done with something just because they are sitting, it’s sitting to you and a timed rest period to them. Also you can’t really know how many sets they may want to complete. Honestly if you have any doubt, do not touch it. Move along. This may save your life. 

Here’s what you do when you arrive:

When you get to the gym, put your things in the provided storage space. DO NOT use a bench or any piece of equipment to store your water bottle and keys. This is pet peeve number 345 for me. The bench isn’t a table or a cubby. It is a piece of equipment and its intended use isn’t to hold your personal items. . 

Next you want to get a cleaning wipe or spray a paper towel with the provided cleaner if that’s what they have for sanitizing. I carry one with me if I’m bouncing around machines. I typically wipe a machine down prior to using it, and after. I don’t trust people. As I've mentioned, humanness doesn’t always exist in the gym. I won’t go into the many bacterias and viruses we leave on equipment. The gym is a cesspool of germs and you do need to be mindful. Make sure you wipe the handles, and anything you may have sweat on when you’re finished. Obviously this has stemmed from pet peeve number 233, people who leave their sweat on equipment without wiping it off. 

I like to establish a place either to lift if I’m using free weights, or just a little home base, so I will find a bench or space to use for my workout. I clean the bench and will set my paper towel next to it. I think it’s good to have something near the bench to show everyone it’s in use. If you have a device, set it on top of a paper towel or on its own. Yes I am nuts here a little. I just think it’s good to not have your phone touching the floor. The point is you need a place holder.

Social situations you may find yourself in: 

When I get asked if I’m using something I find it so weird because I clearly am using it. It’s almost like they are asking  passively aggressively if I can be done now so they can use it. If I’m in a mood, I say, “Yes I am using it. I have about 15 minutes left.” Other times if I’m not in a mood I say, “Yes I am using this, but you may jump in if you like.” 

This can backfire, and it’s a risk. Now you are relying on this passive aggressive person to act right. I’ve had mixed experiences, just recently while using a gym in London I was asked this exact question while actually still in motion and using the cable machine. The person asked and I said option two, to which she brought over a giant box used for step ups and such. To say I regretted my answer is an understatement. I had two sets left while miss thang was trying to figure her shit out. Usually I would just let someone have it, but this time I found her so rude I kept on the cables to finish. I found the whole experience confusing and thought about it for days. 

Another question people will ask is “How many sets do you have left?” and then they hover until you’re done. I always overshoot my answer just in case I need more time. I like to rest sometimes, and I don’t want to feel rushed, as I have to battle my internal pleasing mode. I don’t think anyone should ask anyone how many sets they have, I may be in the minority here, but I find it annoying and unnecessary. If your workout is hinging on this one machine and you can’t make do with something else, that’s not my  problem. 

This moves us to yet another pet peeve, pet peeve 137. Don’t hover and stare while someone is using something you would like to use. This behavior is invasive and creepy.  If you’re waiting for me to finish using a piece of equipment, I will absolutely do an extra set. I have been stared down whilst using a machine and I found it childish and a little like a challenge that I will unnaturally accept? Like get a grip sir, yes it was a man. Is anyone shocked? I don’t get why lack of patience and entitlement go hand in hand for men when they are at the gym. When women do this hovering they seem to accept the fact they need to wait and are more claiming the machine for when you are done not rushing you. It’s like making sure they don’t lose their spot in line. 

Some other simple rules that all stem from my gym pet peeves:

Don’t use dumbbells right in front of the dumbbell storage rack. I absolutely don’t get this! Folks pick up a weight and start swinging their arms around doing their chosen movement. No one can safely access the dumbbells now. Pick your dumbbells and go to the spot you’ve designated for yourself. 

If you see machines looking like they are all in a particular order, don’t jump in front of someone who is doing the circuit as it may be a timed circuit. You can ask if they are, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that. 

Do not use a rack or squat rack for bicep curls. That is not what an entire rack is for, please do not do this. 

Proximity - please do not stand or set up right next to someone, personal space is really important. This is the most important thing to remember, people may feel vulnerable at the gym in a manner that could be new for them. So back up!!!!!

Don’t put your stuff, or a mat, or bench next to equipment that is permanent.  Meaning the machine can’t be moved and you can. I hate when people set up a mat for floor work right next to a machine, as I cannot move the machine, you however can set up ANYWHERE in the gym, this is pet peeve 256.

Pet peeve 17 is don’t set yourself up in front of areas people need to access. If there is a rack of kettlebells, don’t put yourself right in front of it. This is so weird to me. You are blocking something, this is common sense and I don’t get why people do this. If you get a mat to do floor work just go away from equipment or into the designated mat/floor area. This may seem obvious but alas it is not. 

Helpful mindset tips:

Don’t assume you can use the same space you always use when you go to the gym. I see this happen a lot. People use the same little area each time they go to the gym. Then one day they get there and “their”space is taken. They try to squeeze themselves in, or they won’t begin their workout until the person has left. It’s very strange behavior. We have to be flexible and remember it’s a public space. This mindset can be helpful: I will see what’s available at the gym when I get there and go from there. Don’t set yourself up for failure thinking if my machine isn’t available I'm leaving.

You shouldn’t feel entitled to any space in the gym just because you used it for your previous two gym sessions. Certainly don’t freak out if when you get to the gym the things you typically use are taken, you can make do with what’s available. 

I once saw a man set up his back squats (squats with a giant barbell that sits on your upper back) right behind someone using the rack he always used. It was completely weird and sort of unsafe. He could have done the exact same thing at another available rack, but felt this was the only rack he could use. Don’t be this person at the gym ever, resort to harnessing your common sense and let that guide you. 

I think it can be very helpful if people don’t call it “my gym” it ain’t yours boo. Stop this. Hopefully by calling it “the gym” will subconsciously help people to not feel so possessive. 

As you navigate the gym use common sense, if you don’t have any ask the gym staff how you should go about your time while at the gym. Find out the rules and ask questions. The gym functions in a manner that might be over your head and that’s okay. You can be a smart person outside the gym and be a complete dumbass inside. Be a smart person and simply ask.