Etiquette Today: The Gym
We take a look at how to be your best when working out at the gym.
The Gym
The gym is a place of transformation, hope, determination, effort, and skill. It’s a place where goals are made and met. Some of us find real community, new friendships, and, yes, even romantic relationships (although most people prefer not to be hit on at the gym). Let’s look at the ways that we can use this transformative space well so that the gym is a place where everyone who attends can feel comfortable and confident.
ATTITUDE
We don’t always want to work out, but if we’ve committed to a gym membership, we are at least interested in the idea. Everyone who goes to a gym has a fitness goal, whether it’s to gain weight, increase flexibility, increase strength, lose weight, build muscle, train for an event, or cross-train for a favorite sport, whatever your reason for signing up, you have goals and bringing a positive, friendly and group-minded attitude to a space like a gym is a great way to show up ready to participate - even if you’re not looking forward to those single leg squats. Goals are hard to meet, and sometimes, just getting to the gym is a win; doing so with a good attitude can make a huge difference to your gym etiquette. On days when you’re feeling grumpy, put your headphones in and try to block out the rest of the world; you’re likely also blocking out some awareness of the people around you. Don’t get us wrong, a good hard-core song and some serious focus can get you through that set, but if your focus narrows so much that you miss the fact that someone else is waiting, or was waiting and you just cut in front of them, or you forget to wipe down your equipment, you’re letting a me-centric attitude take over. Getting “into it” is great, but not at the expense of your awareness of those around you. Keep your attitude up and your awareness present, and you’ll not only smash your workout, you’ll be contributing positively to the shared environment - and that makes everyone’s work out better!
WAIT YOUR TURN
Awareness is so key at the gym. Many people are there with a limited time frame or are trying to achieve certain goals related to time, like a 20-minute run or a 1-minute plank, seeing how long they can go on the ropes. In a gym, you must be aware of the gym rules, the actual sign-up lists if there are any, other people, whether they are on a list or just waiting around, and your own use of machines, areas, and equipment. It’s a lot to be aware of, but for a gym to function well, you’ve got to be willing to be that aware. Whether your gym has sign-ups, is a first come, first served, free for all, or has time limits, you want to be aware of your use and politely engage others regarding their use of equipment if you need to. “Times up, I gotta start my run.” Is not the way to move someone off the treadmill when your alloted time arrives. Instead, “Excuse me, I’ve got the 6 pm slot on this treadmill, and it’s six now.” is usually enough to move someone along. If it isn’t, and there are no available machines, you can always ask a staff member to assist you.
CLEAN UP AFTER YOURSELF
Wiping down machines and equipment that you’ve used isn’t the only important clean-up task at the gym - but it is VERY important! We also want to be mindful of our things, phones, headphones, books, tablets, and anything we use to distract ourselves or time ourselves during our workouts. They must come and stay with us as we move throughout the gym. And we have to wipe down and put away any equipment we’ve taken out. Mats, weights, bands, ropes, boxes, balls, whatever the equipment is, it needs to go back clean and ready for the next person. Wiping things down also helps to prevent odors from building up in the gym. Remember always to tell a staff member if a piece of equipment is starting to show signs of wear or if it is broken. The potential danger posed to other patrons is too great not to alert a staffer to the issue.
It’s important to take care of our belongings and our mess in the locker rooms as well. Sprawling out all over the benches and sink or mirror area isn’t fair to others who are also trying to refresh themselves after a workout or get ready for one. Keep your belongings close by, and try not to take up more than a sink’s or body width’s worth of space in the locker room.
AVOID SCENT
On the days when you will be headed to the gym for a workout, it’s best to forego cologne, perfumes, and body sprays. While they can be nice and might even be a signature scent for you when we work out, our bodies heat up, and these scents are amplified. They can really make others feel sick even if, in everyday wear, they are pleasant. The added heat really makes the difference, and the aromas can cause nausea and headaches for others. Can’t go a day without your favorite scent? We understand, but grab some wet wipes and run them over the areas where you apply your fragrance; it’ll help remove some of it before you work out.
HITTING THE SHOWERS
In addition to being clean in the locker rooms you want to be considered with your timing. Sure, if no one’s at the gym, you can take a long, soothing shower. But if it’s peak busy time and everyone is trying to shower and get ready for work or something like that, you want to be quick and efficient with your shower routine. A note about nudity: it’s a locker room meant for getting changed in. While no one has to change in front of others, be prepared for some people to choose to. We all have different comfort levels, and no one should feel pressured or embarrassed, whatever comfort level they have.
We’d love to hear about your gym experiences in regard to etiquette. If you can’t post here, please head over to Monday’s Podcast Post, where the comment thread is open to all, or consider signing up for a Community Membership to post on any Emily Post article.
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Until then,
Lizzie and Dan
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