Mika Doyle says your local gym is not a secret society, but as in life, there are rules that should govern your conduct.
People don’t always have the best manners at the gym.
For gym newbies, it might seem like there’s some secret code of conduct, but gym etiquette rules are really just common sense.
According to Nerd Fitness, it really amounts to being aware of how your behaviour affects other people.
It’s about keeping everyone safe in buildings that are full of heavy equipment.
The rules are a lot like what we all learned in kindergarten.
Clean up after yourself when you’re done using stuff.
Share with others. Don’t do anything that’s mean or obnoxious.
Give other people the personal space they need and deserve.
Don’t spread germs, and wear appropriate clothes.
The following gym rules are just a few we should all start following right away.
Never Make Fun Of Other Gym-Goers: This rule should go completely without saying.
No secret Snapchats of the person on the next machine.
No Instagram stories of the person on the treadmill in front of you.
Wipe Down Equipment After Using It:
Even if you didn’t leave any visible sweat, it’s just plain healthy to wipe down any equipment.
Bacteria can live for several hours on gym equipment, and viruses can survive for several days.
Wiping equipment down with disinfectant can stop the spread of those germs.
Share Equipment:
You’ve got fitness goals, but other people have goals, too.
They might need to use the same equipment you’re using.
So just be aware if other people might need to use the equipment you’re on, and be willing to change your plans.
Keep Phone Conversations To A Minimum:
Like any public space, you should really keep any phone conversations short and quiet.
You came to get your fitness on, not call your bestie to talk about your day.
Avoid Excessive Grunting Or Vocalising:
We all know the one with the heavy weights who’s practically screaming in the back of the gym.
We’re not saying you have to be quiet as a mouse when you work out.
However, there’s a point at which we all know that the noise level becomes too much.
Just Let Your Friends Exercise:
You might think your friend is having fun talking to you, but chances are, they really just want to focus on their workout.
Ask Permission Before Changing The TV Channel:
Most gyms have a few public TVs.
During various sports seasons, you’ll see groups gathered around them while key games are on.
You definitely don’t want to be the person who just randomly changes the channel without asking permission.
Only Sing Your Tunes In Your Head: Don’t belt out the tunes while stretching out your hammies.
It’d be funny at first, but pretty obnoxious in the long run.
The Locker Room Isn’t Your Living Room:
Some people get super comfortable in the locker room.
Changing out in the open is fine — it’s a locker room, after all — but be mindful that not everyone is comfortable being around naked strangers.
Follow Bathroom Stall Rules On The Machines:
It’s all about giving people personal space.
If someone is using a urinal stall, you skip the stall next to them and use the stall over.
The same applies to fitness equipment. Spread out and give people their personal space.
Don’t Sit On Equipment When You’re Not Using It:
Sitting on equipment is basically calling dibs.
Even if it’s a bench, try not to sit on it if you’re just chatting with a friend.
Someone might need that bench, and they might not feel comfortable asking you to move.
Keep The Selfies To A Minimum:
It’s totally OK to be proud of the work you’re doing to improve your health.
Just don’t hold up someone else’s workout because you’re trying to get the perfect selfie with equipment they need to use.
Only Give Advice To People Who Ask You:
We know you’re probably just trying to be helpful, but walking up to complete strangers and giving them advice is a real turn off.
It can make people feel unwelcome.
Unless you see someone who’s in immediate danger, keep your advice to yourself.
Put Equipment Away When You’re Done:
Gyms are public spaces you’re sharing with lots of other people.
Yes, there are employees who are paid to clean the space, but that doesn’t give anyone licence to trash the space.
Put your weights away when you’re done.
Keep Your Dating Game On Tinder:
Can you meet a date at the gym? Sure, but don’t hit up the gym for dates.
The gym should be a safe space for people to go to exercise.
They shouldn’t have to worry about getting hit on or catcalled.
The rules of the gym are basically the rules of life.
Be kind to other people, and clean up after yourself.
Just like the gym, we share this world together, so let’s act like it.
*Mika Doyle is a writer and poet who writes for Bitch Media and the Dime Show Review.
This article first appeared at www.bustle.com
