Going to the gym is a great way to stay fit and healthy, but it’s important to remember that it’s a shared space. Whether you’re a gym newbie or a seasoned pro, there are some unwritten rules that everyone should follow. To help you out, here are 19 things you should never do at the gym.
Hog the Equipment
Nobody likes a machine hog. CNET explains that “limited equipment, such as squat racks and bench press racks” needs to be shared. If you’re using a piece of equipment, be mindful of others who might be waiting, and don’t sit on a machine while scrolling through your phone or take overly long breaks between sets.
Ignore the Cleanliness
Gyms can be breeding grounds for germs, so always wipe down machines and benches after you use them. Many gyms provide disinfectant sprays and wipes for this purpose. It’s not just about hygiene; it’s about courtesy. No one wants to use equipment covered in someone else’s sweat.
Take Over the Mirror
Mirrors are for everyone to check their form and ensure they’re doing exercises correctly; therefore, don’t stand directly in front of the mirror for extended periods, blocking others’ views. If you need to check your form, do so quickly and then step aside to make room for others.
Use Your Phone Loudly
Taking calls or playing videos out loud at the gym is disruptive and annoying; you shouldn’t be required to take any calls while you’re working out. Most people go to the gym to focus on their workouts and escape distractions; if you need to take a call, step outside or find a quiet corner.
Neglect Proper Gym Clothes
Wearing appropriate gym clothes is important for both comfort and safety, and it also helps for a better workout. This is why you won’t want to wear things like jeans, flip-flops, or anything that restricts movement. Proper workout attire, including supportive shoes, can help prevent injuries and ensure you’re able to exercise effectively—plus, it shows respect for the gym environment.
Overcrowd a Small Space
In a crowded gym, space can be limited; be mindful of your surroundings and avoid taking up more space than necessary. Don’t spread your belongings everywhere or set up your workout in a way that blocks others. Being considerate of space ensures that everyone can enjoy their workout without feeling cramped.
Leave Weights Everywhere
Not re-racking weights is a common gym faux pas, and gym-goers should always put weights back in their designated spots after using them. Leaving weights scattered around can be dangerous and makes it harder for others to find what they need. Putting them back is a simple act of courtesy that goes a long way.
Ignore Personal Hygiene
Needless to say, good personal hygiene is crucial at the gym, and you should always be sure you’re clean even before you arrive, using deodorant to keep body odor in check and taking a towel to deal with sweating. While it’s natural, excessive odor can be off-putting for others.
Give Unsolicited Advice
You also shouldn’t be offering advice to strangers in the gym, especially if they didn’t ask for it, and even if you mean well. Everyone has their own workout routines and goals. Unless someone specifically asks for help or advice, it’s best to keep your tips to yourself and focus on your own workout.
Slam Weights Loudly
Dropping or slamming weights in the gym can be very disruptive and even dangerous if you’re not careful; it can damage the equipment and floors, and it creates a jarring noise that can startle others. Always lower weights with control and avoid making unnecessary noise—it shows respect.
Be Inconsiderate with Towels
You need to use towels at the gym, but using multiple towels and leaving them lying around is inconsiderate; remember to bring your own towel and use it to wipe down equipment, but pick up after yourself when you’re done. Leaving towels on machines or benches creates extra work for staff and can be unsanitary.
Engage in Prolonged Conversations
The gym is a place to work out, not socialize extensively, and definitely not to have loud, long conversations. If you run into friends, keep conversations brief and out of the way of others; this is due to long chats distracting people and taking up valuable space. Focus on your workout and save the catching up for after your session.
Disrespect Personal Space
Everyone needs a bit of personal space, especially when working out. You shouldn’t stand too close to someone or use equipment right next to someone if there are other options available. Respecting personal space helps everyone feel more focused on their workouts, as well as comfortable.
Leave Trash Behind
Throwing away your trash is a basic courtesy, so don’t leave bottles, wrappers, or other garbage around the gym; it’s disrespectful and makes more work for the staff. Always dispose of your trash in the proper bins and keep the gym clean for everyone to enjoy.
Overdo the Perfume or Cologne
You might think you’re deterring from a bad workout smell by spraying something nice, but wearing strong scents to the gym can be overwhelming and unpleasant for others. Heavy perfumes or colognes can cause headaches or allergic reactions, too; stick to minimal or no scent while working out.
Bring Your Entire Gym Bag Around
Carrying your entire gym bag from station to station can clutter up the space and be a tripping hazard; there’s really no need for you to be lugging it around with you. Alternatively, use a locker or designated area to store your bag and only bring essentials into the gym room with you.
Fail to Share
Some people use multiple pieces of equipment during their workout—and should be willing to share. Allow others to work out with you if they ask, and this is especially important during peak hours when the gym is crowded. Being willing to share equipment ensures that everyone can complete their workouts efficiently.
Be Loud and Obnoxious
Yelling, grunting excessively, or being generally loud and obnoxious can be very disruptive, even if sometimes lifting weights necessitates a noise or two. While exertion noises are natural, keeping them to a reasonable level is courteous. Respect the shared space and try to keep noise to a minimum.
Ignore Gym Rules
Finally, the one thing you should never do is ignore any of the rules from the gym itself. Every workout studio has its own set of rules and guidelines designed to keep the environment safe and enjoyable, and you’ll need to familiarize yourself with these rules and follow them.
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