Have you recently begun your fitness journey and need a quick lesson in gym etiquette? To keep everyone’s morale (and weights) lifted, here are some of the things that you should make sure that you never do while working out in a gym environment!
Skipping Warm-Up Exercises
Even when you’re raring to go, there’s nothing worse than missing those all-important warm-up stretches. According to the NHS, warm-up exercises are key to decreasing injury, and a well-prepared muscle is less likely to strain, which is essential for hitting those personal bests!
Not Wiping Down Equipment
Let’s face it: no one wants to sit in their own sweat, let alone anyone else’s! To help prevent the spread of bacteria, make sure you are using the disinfectant wipes or spray that the gym provides to keep the gym a happy and safe environment for all.
Dropping Weights
Earthquakes are never desirable, so avoid scaring yourself and your fellow gym-goers by making sure your form is correct and that you’re careful when moving those weights around. It’s important, as Henry Ford Health claims that ‘the most common injury among weightlifters is accidentally dropping a weight on your foot.’ Ouch.
Not Sharing Equipment
Whatever gym equipment you’re using, remember that everyone has their own time restraints and often strict routines. To incorporate yourself into the gym community, keep a friendly tone and allow others to work in between your sets if it isn’t too inconvenient.
Excessive Grunting or Noise
It’s totally natural for strange sounds to come out when you’re pushing yourself at the gym, but don’t go overboard. Nobody wants to be constantly distracted by someone else making loud noises while they are trying to concentrate on their own workout. It’s the same energy as excessively revving your car.
Not Hydrating Properly
Not only is staying hydrated a great way to stay energized throughout your day-to-day life, but it’s especially important while you’re doing any form of exercise. Better Health explains that to perform at the gym, you must drink to replace the fluids that you lose when sweating.
Staring at Others
No one likes being stared at, especially when they’re all red and sweaty. Sometimes, you may end up daydreaming, and it isn’t intentional, but be mindful of ogling at others or making them feel uncomfortable while they are simply minding their own business at the gym.
Being Disrespectful to Staff
As you would with any other worker, treat the gym staff with the same respect and courtesy by following any guidance or instruction that they give you. They are simply there to do their job, to ensure that everyone is working out safely and that the environment is clean.
Taking Selfies or Videos in the Mirrors
While there’s nothing wrong with snapping a quick picture to keep track of your progress, be aware of the others around you. Some people may feel uncomfortable around cameras in the gym, so make sure to be respectful of their privacy and try to avoid including them in your photos.
Leave Your Bag Unattended
The gym is a shared space, so to avoid theft, try not to leave your bags unattended. It’s unfortunate, but some crooks specifically target gyms, as equipment can be valuable. To prevent this, there are usually lockers that you can use to keep your things safe and out of the way.
Ignoring Personal Hygiene
Show respect to the people around you and ensure good personal hygiene by regularly showering and applying deodorant before heading to the gym. It’s totally normal to get a sweat on while working out, but the presence of a strong body odor can be unpleasant.
Overdoing It
Overexerting yourself can very easily lead to an unwanted injury, so it is best to increase the weight and intensity at a pace that feels sensible. Don’t overdo it, and always remember that rest days are just as important as your workout days.
Excessive Perfume or Cologne
While the issue of fragrance sensitivity may not directly affect you, people can suffer from symptoms such as headaches and difficulty breathing when exposed to heavy scents. Try not to be the cause of that by applying excessive fragrance before the gym!
Not Asking for Help When Needed
When at the gym, remember that it’s always okay to ask for help. The gym staff is there to assist you with any questions you may have during your workout. Proper form and technique are essential to having a safe and effective workout, and who wouldn’t want that?
Talking Loudly on the Phone
The gym is a space for self-improvement, and most people are there to focus on getting through their exercises, so don’t talk loudly on the phone! If you must make a call, keep it as brief and quiet as you can, using headphones to lessen the disruption to the people around you.
Not Racking Weights
There’s nothing more annoying than having to take ten minutes to search the gym for the equipment you want to use. Returning weights to their designated place after use not only saves time for the next person but also helps maintain an organized gym space. It’s the considerate thing to do!
Not Wearing Proper Attire
While it’s important to wear something that makes you feel comfortable, appropriate gym wear can also ensure your safety. Wear items that do not restrict your range of motion or cause any type of discomfort, and choose footwear that will support you through any exercise to avoid unnecessary injuries.
Interrupting Others’ Workouts
Last but not least, if the equipment that you need is occupied, avoid interrupting someone in the middle of their set. Instead, wait for them to finish and politely ask how many sets they have left or whether you can share the equipment with them. Say it with a smile, and it’ll be a definite yes.