Some Rules for Gym Noobs.
mosertheninja
Posts: 92 Member
( I know I know, some people see this as negative, but remember, it's really for the best. Three years ago I didn't know what I was doing, but I still didn't break these rules)
So....new years came early in the gym today. Alrighty, I'm super happy that several people are taking the steps to be healthy this year! Go you! That being said, here are some simple guidelines of gym etiquette that you should follow, lest the regular gym goers will want to drop kick you in the face.
#1. The Squat rack is for squats. DO NOT CURL IN THE SQUAT RACK. If you feel the need to use a full Olympic bar for your maximum, super awesome curls, there is a power rack right next to the squat rack. Or, you know, a curl bar...and dumbbells.....
#2. Re-rack your F-ing weights. You were able to pick them up and put them on machine, you're certainly strong enough to put them back.
#3.If you are unsure how to use a machine, GOOD NEWS, there's instructions right on the machine that show you exactly what muscles you're working out, and how to do it!
#4. It's perfectly ok to ask if you can get a set in while someone is using a machine,(if you JUST CAN'T WAIT) we will usually say yes! But don't feel entitled enough to just jump on along side without asking...bro...it's rude.
#5. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Sure, a lot of us look big, scary, and angry. That's just our game face. Most of us (especially gym employees) are more than happy to spot you, and give you advice when asked politely.
#6. Don't stand inches in front of the free weights/mirror and do your set. Please take a few steps back so we can reach what we need.
#7. It's perfectly ok to admire your physique you've worked so hard for, and to see if you're hitting your muscle groups right. But don't blatenly check yourself out, and lift your shirt up to admire your abs. That being said, if you're 130lb male, and you have abs...we really aren't that impressed.
#8. Don't get caught staring at boobs and *kitten*.......
#9. Speaking of boobs, it's awesome that you want to share this experience with your significant other, but don't get too touchy when correcting her "form". Also, if it's obvious she/he REALLY doesn't want to be there, don't ask them to be. They could be texting at home instead of on that bench everyone is eye-ing.
#10. Wipe down your damn bench. Nothing quite like seeing another persons *kitten*, and back print on the seat to get me pumped for a set.
#11. Please, please leave the weights in the weight section. Don't run off them, making us all wonder if the gym has gremlins.
#12. Please don't hoard the dumbbells. Often, you can only lift two dumbbells at a time. If you have made a nest of 8 dumbbells, even if you super set, it is SUPER annoying to the other gym goers.
Hope this helps! Happy New Year. Go kick some *kitten*.
So....new years came early in the gym today. Alrighty, I'm super happy that several people are taking the steps to be healthy this year! Go you! That being said, here are some simple guidelines of gym etiquette that you should follow, lest the regular gym goers will want to drop kick you in the face.
#1. The Squat rack is for squats. DO NOT CURL IN THE SQUAT RACK. If you feel the need to use a full Olympic bar for your maximum, super awesome curls, there is a power rack right next to the squat rack. Or, you know, a curl bar...and dumbbells.....
#2. Re-rack your F-ing weights. You were able to pick them up and put them on machine, you're certainly strong enough to put them back.
#3.If you are unsure how to use a machine, GOOD NEWS, there's instructions right on the machine that show you exactly what muscles you're working out, and how to do it!
#4. It's perfectly ok to ask if you can get a set in while someone is using a machine,(if you JUST CAN'T WAIT) we will usually say yes! But don't feel entitled enough to just jump on along side without asking...bro...it's rude.
#5. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Sure, a lot of us look big, scary, and angry. That's just our game face. Most of us (especially gym employees) are more than happy to spot you, and give you advice when asked politely.
#6. Don't stand inches in front of the free weights/mirror and do your set. Please take a few steps back so we can reach what we need.
#7. It's perfectly ok to admire your physique you've worked so hard for, and to see if you're hitting your muscle groups right. But don't blatenly check yourself out, and lift your shirt up to admire your abs. That being said, if you're 130lb male, and you have abs...we really aren't that impressed.
#8. Don't get caught staring at boobs and *kitten*.......
#9. Speaking of boobs, it's awesome that you want to share this experience with your significant other, but don't get too touchy when correcting her "form". Also, if it's obvious she/he REALLY doesn't want to be there, don't ask them to be. They could be texting at home instead of on that bench everyone is eye-ing.
#10. Wipe down your damn bench. Nothing quite like seeing another persons *kitten*, and back print on the seat to get me pumped for a set.
#11. Please, please leave the weights in the weight section. Don't run off them, making us all wonder if the gym has gremlins.
#12. Please don't hoard the dumbbells. Often, you can only lift two dumbbells at a time. If you have made a nest of 8 dumbbells, even if you super set, it is SUPER annoying to the other gym goers.
Hope this helps! Happy New Year. Go kick some *kitten*.
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Replies
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Agreed.0
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All those are sound advice.0
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Please please listen to this woman. Most importantly #s 1, 2, and 10-12.0
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yes yes yes - All of them -- very sound advice . At my gym, which is the Y, the seniors come to socialize, and will sit at two different machines to shoot the bull with each other. All day you have to ask people to let you use the machines. If you are going to do exercises with dumb bells, don't sit on the darn bike - sit on the darn bench. I'm a senior also but I've never seen this before, they don't even wear workout shoes, they wear Stacy Adams shoes, Kangol hats and street pants!! OK enough complaining.
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Yikes. My gym was a little busier but not near that annoying. Oh please, oh please, let these people stay away.0
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Good list
Also, if the gym has free child care rooms there is no reason to let children just run amuk in other areas the gym. It's dangerous! Lifeguards are not baby sitters, don't think you can send them to the pool area if you are not going there yourself.
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I always snitch on stray kids or kids sitting by a machine lol theres a lobby they can sit in. And I hate when people bring em in the locker room wheres theres a bunch of neked women.0
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No farting. Come on people, I know you feel it coming. Just hold it or go to the bathroom.0
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mosertheninja wrote: »#10. Wipe down your damn bench. Nothing quite like seeing another persons *kitten*, and back print on the seat to get me pumped for a set.
Hmmm. I don't think I've ever seen anyone other than the gym employees wiping down a bench. Think I'll start carrying a towel while lifting, 'tho...maybe I can civilize things a bit. Next step might even be eliminating cannibalism (although then we'd be stuck with using whey for a supplement).
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and ease up on the perfume and cologne ...... thanks in advance !0
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DirtyForWeeks wrote: »No farting. Come on people, I know you feel it coming. Just hold it or go to the bathroom.
Sometimes not until the bottom of the squat though...0 -
I really wish I could break rule #9.0
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in reference to number 8, Boobs, butt, crotch.... It's all a distraction. After all we're there to work out, not torment the old guys (me). Unfortunately I go to a gym where the strippers frequent. Nothing against strippers mind you... I'd rather they left more to the imagination. I am a man after all, and I'm going to look. I might even smile or wink.0
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All on for #1. Amen!0
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This is sound advice, I work out at my local YMCA and to be honest every morning this week ive went down to the weight room its been an effin pig sty. Weights and dumbells all over the place, bars still loaded with plates on them and one lying in the middle of the floor with one 45lb weight on it. I couldnt find the 20lb or 35lb dumbells and someone had even spilled their chalk dust all over the floor and just left it. so #2 is my biggest pet peeve.0
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floridamatty wrote: »This is sound advice, I work out at my local YMCA and to be honest every morning this week ive went down to the weight room its been an effin pig sty. Weights and dumbells all over the place, bars still loaded with plates on them and one lying in the middle of the floor with one 45lb weight on it. I couldnt find the 20lb or 35lb dumbells and someone had even spilled their chalk dust all over the floor and just left it. so #2 is my biggest pet peeve.
Last spring I busted some guy leaving every machine he used loaded....with 45s. There are several women who lift, and we got sick of spending an extra 15 minutes unloading machines, so I paid attention until I saw him. Then I walked over and told him " rerack your weights. I almost dropped one on my foot last week" . His eyes got big as saucers, but he jumped right up and did it. And for about a month after, he openly watched me lift.
For the record, I'm about 5'2" tall and not super muscular....
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DirtyForWeeks wrote: »No farting. Come on people, I know you feel it coming. Just hold it or go to the bathroom.
baw ha ha ha ha ha
yeah no.
that's just not how this works.
that's not how ANY of this works.0 -
Keep grunting/yelling to a minimum.
please wipe down the machines if you use them. I dont want your poop germs all over me.
Avoid making eye contact with people in the locker room. Its creepy no matter how old you are or whether or not "we're all girls here", etc.
DO NOT take selfies in the locker room where people are trying to change.
Do not block the walking paths. Go do your Agility ladder/Jump roping/Walking lunges in a designated area.
Do not take long phone calls/chat with your friends while sitting on equipment. It's meant to be shared.
Wish i didnt even have to type these out...0 -
mosertheninja wrote: »( I know I know, some people see this as negative, but remember, it's really for the best. Three years ago I didn't know what I was doing, but I still didn't break these rules)
So....new years came early in the gym today. Alrighty, I'm super happy that several people are taking the steps to be healthy this year! Go you! That being said, here are some simple guidelines of gym etiquette that you should follow, lest the regular gym goers will want to drop kick you in the face.
#1. The Squat rack is for squats. DO NOT CURL IN THE SQUAT RACK. If you feel the need to use a full Olympic bar for your maximum, super awesome curls, there is a power rack right next to the squat rack. Or, you know, a curl bar...and dumbbells.....
#2. Re-rack your F-ing weights. You were able to pick them up and put them on machine, you're certainly strong enough to put them back.
#3.If you are unsure how to use a machine, GOOD NEWS, there's instructions right on the machine that show you exactly what muscles you're working out, and how to do it!
#4. It's perfectly ok to ask if you can get a set in while someone is using a machine,(if you JUST CAN'T WAIT) we will usually say yes! But don't feel entitled enough to just jump on along side without asking...bro...it's rude.
#5. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Sure, a lot of us look big, scary, and angry. That's just our game face. Most of us (especially gym employees) are more than happy to spot you, and give you advice when asked politely.
#6. Don't stand inches in front of the free weights/mirror and do your set. Please take a few steps back so we can reach what we need.
#7. It's perfectly ok to admire your physique you've worked so hard for, and to see if you're hitting your muscle groups right. But don't blatenly check yourself out, and lift your shirt up to admire your abs. That being said, if you're 130lb male, and you have abs...we really aren't that impressed.
#8. Don't get caught staring at boobs and *kitten*.......
#9. Speaking of boobs, it's awesome that you want to share this experience with your significant other, but don't get too touchy when correcting her "form". Also, if it's obvious she/he REALLY doesn't want to be there, don't ask them to be. They could be texting at home instead of on that bench everyone is eye-ing.
#10. Wipe down your damn bench. Nothing quite like seeing another persons *kitten*, and back print on the seat to get me pumped for a set.
#11. Please, please leave the weights in the weight section. Don't run off them, making us all wonder if the gym has gremlins.
#12. Please don't hoard the dumbbells. Often, you can only lift two dumbbells at a time. If you have made a nest of 8 dumbbells, even if you super set, it is SUPER annoying to the other gym goers.
Hope this helps! Happy New Year. Go kick some *kitten*.
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We see this every January. Unfortunately the worst people aren't the newbie folks. Be understanding of new folks and offer assistance. You were new to the gym at one time too. We get set in how we work out and don't like interrupting our system BUT help others and play nice. Its only fir about six weeks but with your help some stick with it and keep working out.0
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mosertheninja wrote: »#1. The Squat rack is for squats. .
#2. Re-rack your F-ing weights. .
#3.If you are unsure how to use a machine, GOOD NEWS, there's instructions ...
#4. It's perfectly ok to ask if you can get a set in while someone is using a machine...
#5. Don't be afraid to ask for help. .
#6. Don't stand inches in front of the free weights/mirror and do your set. .
#7. It's perfectly ok to admire your physique you've worked so hard for...
#8. Don't get caught staring at boobs and *kitten*.......
#9. Speaking of boobs, it's awesome that you want to share this experience with your significant other....
#10. Wipe down your damn bench.
#11. Please, please leave the weights in the weight section.
#12. Please don't hoard the dumbbells.
Hope this helps! Happy New Year. Go kick some *kitten*.
#13 - Noobs - Don't overdo it. If you do you probably won't be back next week because you will feel awful. Start small and work up a little each week. In 6 weeks you will surprise yourself and the gym will be waaaaay less crowded.0 -
DirtyForWeeks wrote: »No farting. Come on people, I know you feel it coming. Just hold it or go to the bathroom.
But if I go to the bathroom then does the squat rack becomes fair game?
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I agree with OP ..
I would also add…be mindful of your surroundings..if someone is puling a 375 pound deadlift don't freaking stand right behind them and talk to someone else…
OR
if some is doing lateral raises don't walk right next to them when doing said exercise…
yes, both of these have really happened to me….0 -
in reference to number 8, Boobs, butt, crotch.... It's all a distraction. After all we're there to work out, not torment the old guys (me). Unfortunately I go to a gym where the strippers frequent. Nothing against strippers mind you... I'd rather they left more to the imagination. I am a man after all, and I'm going to look. I might even smile or wink.
where is this gym you speak of?0 -
Wait wut?Do not block the walking paths. Go do your Agility ladder/Jump roping/Walking lunges in a designated area.
Most gyms don't have that.
So guess what.. Walking area it is. And no. I won't walk around you.... if you walk into my barbell that's you're own fault.
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Wait wut?Do not block the walking paths. Go do your Agility ladder/Jump roping/Walking lunges in a designated area.
Most gyms don't have that.
So guess what.. Walking area it is. And no. I won't walk around you.... if you walk into my barbell that's you're own fault.
where are these designated walking paths?????0 -
++ to the cell phone one. i don't need to hear about your baby mama drama.0
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I would also add …please don't do a five station circuit at peak gym hours….circuits are fine when on one is in the place..but if you are going to try and hog five stations at peak times, you are going to hear about it...0
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I agree with OP ..
I would also add…be mindful of your surroundings..if someone is puling a 375 pound deadlift don't freaking stand right behind them and talk to someone else…
OR
if some is doing lateral raises don't walk right next to them when doing said exercise…
yes, both of these have really happened to me….
In addition, do not step over the end of someone's barbell when they are set up and ready to pull. Or duck under when they are loaded up and ready to squat.
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