n00b question about gym etiquette

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wndrwmn86
wndrwmn86 Posts: 507 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I don't want to be THAT person at the gym and haven't really been a member of a gym before. I have been doing stuff on workout videos or just running at home. I am joining a gym tomorrow and want to make sure I don't do anything that would be offensive to the more experienced patrons.

Thank you in advance for any advice. :flowerforyou:
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Replies

  • Strokingdiction
    Strokingdiction Posts: 1,164 Member
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    Wipe off equipment you use, restack weights and don't monopolize equipment between sets by sitting on it like you own it.

    I'd say those are the biggies.
  • wonderbeard101
    wonderbeard101 Posts: 75 Member
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    Put your weights away
    Use the equipment as intended
    Don't hog multiple pieces of equipment
    Don't curl in the squat rack
    Squat in the squat rack (I guess this one is optional)
  • Strokingdiction
    Strokingdiction Posts: 1,164 Member
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    Put your weights away
    Use the equipment as intended
    Don't hog multiple pieces of equipment
    Don't curl in the squat rack
    Squat in the squat rack (I guess this one is optional)

    I can't believe I forgot 'only squat in the squat rack! This, 1000x this.
  • MomTo3Lovez
    MomTo3Lovez Posts: 800 Member
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    What the other posters said pretty much.
  • n_unocero
    n_unocero Posts: 445 Member
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    if there are multiple cardio machines open, try not to pick the one right next to someone.

    not really etiquette, but some people (like myself) are excessively sweaty and we feel bad if we fling sweat on the people next to us. :laugh:
  • CipherZero
    CipherZero Posts: 1,418 Member
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    [1] Rack your &)*^@! weights
    [2] Keep your rest periods short as needed
    [3] Don't do supersets or circuit training at peak gym times
    [4] Don't stare at the hot chicks in yoga pants
    [5] Never EVER interrupt someone who is in the middle of a set - wait until the set is complete.
    [6] Curl in the power cage at your own peril
    [7] Wipe up your sweat

    Things to keep in mind:
    [1] No one is judging how little you lift
    [2] When people are looking at you, they're merely seeing who the new guy is
    [3] Most advice is crap
    [4] Leave your ego at the door
  • n_unocero
    n_unocero Posts: 445 Member
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    [1] Rack your &)*^@! weights
    [2] Keep your rest periods short as needed
    [3] Don't do supersets or circuit training at peak gym times
    [4] Don't stare at the hot chicks in yoga pants
    [5] Never EVER interrupt someone who is in the middle of a set - wait until the set is complete.
    [6] Curl in the power cage at your own peril
    [7] Wipe up your sweat

    Things to keep in mind:
    [1] No one is judging how little you lift
    [2] When people are looking at you, they're merely seeing who the new guy is
    [3] Most advice is crap
    [4] Leave your ego at the door

    #4. there are mirrors, and us gals are always watching. we know when you check us out. but honestly, we're not mad (unless you're super creepy about it)
  • madhatter2013
    madhatter2013 Posts: 1,547 Member
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    If you don't know how to use it...ask!

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  • jason_adams
    jason_adams Posts: 187 Member
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    Sign up for a tour that will give you an introduction to the equipment.
    If you think someone was using a piece of equipment, ask if they've finished with it or if you can work in rather than just moving in.

    The gym is a public space. Be considerate, be polite, use common sense. When in doubt, smile and ask nicely. There will be a few jerks. Don't paint the whole gym with their brush.
  • Edmond_Dantes
    Edmond_Dantes Posts: 185 Member
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    if there are multiple cardio machines open, try not to pick the one right next to someone.

    not really etiquette, but some people (like myself) are excessively sweaty and we feel bad if we fling sweat on the people next to us. :laugh:

    Yes! Same etiquette as for selecting urinals. (May not apply to OP)
  • TR0berts
    TR0berts Posts: 7,739 Member
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    Never try to take a plate off of a loaded barbell as someone is preparing to squat.

    Yes, I've had that happen to me. I was like, DAFUQ?
  • Pucks_and_Balls
    Pucks_and_Balls Posts: 95 Member
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    If you don't shower before you come to the gym, make sure your clothes and deodorant are fresh before you leave your house/workplace. There is a lady in one of my exercise classes who I swear never does this...and then she tries to get close to me. No thanks...
  • MostlyWater
    MostlyWater Posts: 4,294 Member
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    Don't be on your phone in the locker room
  • obrientp
    obrientp Posts: 546 Member
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    If people ask to work in between your sets, let them.
    Put your weights down, don't drop them.
    Don't talk on the phone.
  • RGv2
    RGv2 Posts: 5,789 Member
    Options
    [1] Rack your &)*^@! weights
    [2] Keep your rest periods short as needed
    [3] Don't do supersets or circuit training at peak gym times
    [4] Don't stare at the hot chicks in yoga pants
    [5] Never EVER interrupt someone who is in the middle of a set - wait until the set is complete.
    [6] Curl in the power cage at your own peril
    [7] Wipe up your sweat

    Things to keep in mind:
    [1] No one is judging how little you lift
    [2] When people are looking at you, they're merely seeing who the new guy is
    [3] Most advice is crap
    [4] Leave your ego at the door

    And to add. Don't exercise right on top of a rack. Pick your dumbbells off the rack, back up/move 6-8 paces backward or diagonal, commence workout. This way you don't make others with gym etiquette wait until after your set is done to pick other dumbbells off the rack.
  • SezxyStef
    SezxyStef Posts: 15,268 Member
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    when I was a member of the gym the following was not liked...

    Hogging machines of any sort...there are sometimes time limits on cardio machines if they are in short supply

    Ask for a spotter if you need one...nothing worse then being in the middle of a set and seeing someone almost dead because they didn't ask for a spotter...

    Ask advice of the staff and other gym members about things but only when they aren't in the middle of something...

    Be polite...even if you are given advice without asking for it...and learn who knows what they are talking about and who doesn't...

    Be aware of any dress code...or alarms...or other rules the gym has...you never know...
  • Hellbent_Heidi
    Hellbent_Heidi Posts: 3,669 Member
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    NO heavy perfume!! :sick:
  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
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    [1] Rack your &)*^@! weights
    [2] Keep your rest periods short as needed
    [3] Don't do supersets or circuit training at peak gym times
    [4] Don't stare at the hot chicks in yoga pants (directly)
    [5] Never EVER interrupt someone who is in the middle of a set - wait until the set is complete. SERIOUSLY DON"T DO IT
    [6] Curl in the power cage at your own peril
    [7] Wipe up your sweat

    Things to keep in mind:
    [1] No one is judging how little you lift
    [2] When people are looking at you, they're merely seeing who the new guy is
    [3] Most advice is crap
    [4] Leave your ego at the door

    squats- rows- OHP- and bench are totally okay in the power cage.

    And to add. Don't exercise right on top of a rack. Pick your dumbbells off the rack, back up/move 6-8 paces backward or diagonal, commence workout. This way you don't make others with gym etiquette wait until after your set is done to pick other dumbbells off the rack.

    nope- if you are there- I won't wait- I'll move right in on out- there is no reason- you're being rude- you shouldn't have set up- unless you're curling 100's I'm going to walk over and be rude and put mine away.

    seriously- no reason to stand that close.

    also "how many sets left" is code for- are you almost done- or can I work in- or how much time do you think you have left?

    don't be afraid to ask- it's okay.
  • SezxyStef
    SezxyStef Posts: 15,268 Member
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    Never try to take a plate off of a loaded barbell as someone is preparing to squat.

    Yes, I've had that happen to me. I was like, DAFUQ?

    amg really????? who that hell does that?
  • CipherZero
    CipherZero Posts: 1,418 Member
    Options
    Never try to take a plate off of a loaded barbell as someone is preparing to squat.

    Yes, I've had that happen to me. I was like, DAFUQ?

    amg really????? who that hell does that?

    People who want to be smacked with a 20kg plate in the face do that.

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