Gym etiquette for newbies

dirtnap63
dirtnap63 Posts: 1,387 Member
in Chit-Chat
Lately I've seen alot of threads about Gyms being overrun by New Years resolutionists, What do I / you hate at the gym, etc. Nothing wrong with those, but I thought we could create a thread to introduce new gym goers to some proper gym etiquette, as often people don't even know they are violating any "code of conduct" if you will. Might help everyone have a better gym experience.
I'll start, and feel free to add.

Wipe down all the equipment you use
Don't curl in the squat rack.
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Replies

  • gmallan
    gmallan Posts: 2,099 Member
    Re-rack your weights
  • jayche
    jayche Posts: 1,128 Member
    Don't squat in the curl rack.
  • cmriverside
    cmriverside Posts: 34,421 Member
    Just use common sense.

    It ain't rocket surgery.
  • trojanbb
    trojanbb Posts: 1,297 Member
    Stay out of my way
    Dont make eye contact with me unless you are female
    Don't look at me in the mirror.
    Stay out of my way.

    That should cover it.
  • Webbygail
    Webbygail Posts: 116
    Don't chit-chat on your cellphone and dilly-dally on any of the machines :E

    Oh, and I don't care who you are, how little time you'll be spending there, DON'T LET YOUR KIDS RUN AROUND

    download4.gif
  • alicat084
    alicat084 Posts: 26
    Don't wear strong perfume. Yuck!!!!
  • tpittsley77
    tpittsley77 Posts: 607 Member
    When there are 10 open weight machines, don't follow me around waiting for me to finish on my machine. Go to an empty machine!
  • LeightonSays
    LeightonSays Posts: 63 Member
    No staring!
  • Mummyadams
    Mummyadams Posts: 1,125 Member
    wipe down your machine after using it!
  • rgohm
    rgohm Posts: 294 Member
    I was at the gym the other day and the chick on the elliptical machine in front of my treadmill kept rubbing her butt!!! I am a female (straight) for one and two she was rubbing it like she was on a stage dancing for paying customers. I just found it very disturbing. I get it, if you have it flaunt it but maybe, just maybe don't rub it. :huh:
  • whitesox56
    whitesox56 Posts: 85
    Oh where to begin.............

    ~ Strong perfume or cologne. It's a gym, not a nightclub.

    ~ While on the jogging track, proper etiquette would dictate you do NOT stop in the middle of the track to have a conversation. I used to go to the Bally's in Glendale Heights and these three old dudes would constantly do this. TOTALLY pissed me off. They'd just stop in the middle of the track and have a conversation. On more than one occasion, I nearly plowed into them because I couldn't stop running in time. if you guys want to socalize, there is a Starbucks right next door. :mad:

    ~ Don't scream while running, talk to yourself or do anything weird. Those members of the Ballys on Cumberland in Chicago know what I'm talking about.

    ~ While on the subject of Ballys Cumberland, if you see someone trying to get to a locker, move your gym bag away from the said locker and don't threaten me in Russian or whatever Eastern European language you were speaking when I move it after I ask you to and you refuse so I can get to my locker.

    ~ Again while on the subject of Ballys Cumberland, don't sit on the weight benches talking about the girls you've nailed while other people are waiting. Common courtesy. Do we have a clue here?

    ~ Wipe down your machines, people. I don't want your sweat all over it.
  • mfoy94
    mfoy94 Posts: 228 Member
    Stay out of my way
    Dont make eye contact with me unless you are female
    Don't look at me in the mirror.
    Stay out of my way.

    That should cover it.

    wow ego much
  • tennisbabe94
    tennisbabe94 Posts: 444 Member
    Wipe down your equipment
    Re-rack them weights
    Don't stare at me in attempts to impress me- nothing impresses me
    Don't hog the equipment
    Get out of my way
    Don't leave equipment on the floor! (I work at a gym and it's so irritating when people leave a huge mess behind!)
  • bdamaster60
    bdamaster60 Posts: 595 Member
    Don't squat in the curl rack.

    Don't squat on the incline bench.
  • RodSuarez
    RodSuarez Posts: 6,309 Member
    if it is 8am DON'T ****ING TOUCH MY ELLIPTICAL!
  • DreamofGenie2012
    DreamofGenie2012 Posts: 31 Member
    No staring!


    What she said! I try to dress a bit more conservative to prevent this, but huge baggy clothes hinder the workout.
  • oneworkoutatatime
    oneworkoutatatime Posts: 312
    wipe down your machine after using it!
  • oneworkoutatatime
    oneworkoutatatime Posts: 312
    what's more impressive that how much you can lift ?.... tthe fact that you can re-rack them..
  • daphnemoon
    daphnemoon Posts: 216 Member
    If you are going to an exercise class please do NOT stand right next to me - the class will inevitably involve moving at some point and if I hit you or you hit me I will not be impressed :)

    Also for the first few times, probably best to go at the back (but where you can still see the teacher) - don't go right at the front if you don't have a clue what you are doing. You can make your way further forward over the weeks as you get more confident with the steps, that's what I did, and if you can't do the exact move don't worry - as long as you move in the general direction that everyone else is going and don't stand still like a statue you'll be fine.

    Oh and yes if the instructor is demonstrating a move, please do not chat to your friend, we want to learn how to do it right so we don't injure ourselves, we don't want to hear chatting...
  • Deedsie
    Deedsie Posts: 348 Member
    Don't steal someone else's stuff they put out for class while they are getting more weights. Go get your own step, mat and tension bands.

    Don't leave your cell on during class, put it on vibrate or leave it in your locker.

    Wear flip flops in the locker room.

    If someone takes time to say hi to you because you are getting on the machine beside them, say hi back. You can then insert your ear buds and ignore them but at least say hi back instead of looking at them like they are nuts. Likewise, if someone asks you a question do them the courtesy of answering even if it is, "sorry, I don't know."

    Don't mock others in the gym who are working out. They are there working out so that should count.

    Don't smoke directly in front of the entrance of the health club.
  • HMVOL7409
    HMVOL7409 Posts: 1,588 Member
    Not reracking and not wiping down equipment have been covered plenty but they are a huge pet peeve of mine. I'm OCD and will rerack again so weights are in order, I can't help it. :/

    If you don't know what you are doing just dont, ask first.

    Please don't try to intimidate me, snicker and tell me when I'm the only girl in the weight room that I do not belong there bc you'll be sorry when I out lift your *kitten*. Especially as you stand there and shadow box in the mirror with 5lb weights.

    And it may come off rude but don't talk to me in the middle of a set. Can't it wait until I'm done?

    Edit: Forgot bc I was trying to burn the image from my mind. Gentlemen especially those over 60; compression shorts are suppose to be worn under pants, shorts etc. Please do not feel its appropriate to wear them alone.
  • Jacwhite22
    Jacwhite22 Posts: 7,010 Member
    No staring!

    Just got to say.....can you really blame them.....
  • Jacwhite22
    Jacwhite22 Posts: 7,010 Member
    Don't squat in the curl rack.

    Don't squat on the incline bench.

    That's my only option.....so I do what I want.
  • nkpham
    nkpham Posts: 6
    don't talk on your cell in the steam and sauna room
  • Crankstr
    Crankstr Posts: 3,958 Member
    No staring!

    Just got to say.....can you really blame them.....

    I knew it!
    come to bed...right NOW!
  • sunsnstatheart
    sunsnstatheart Posts: 2,544 Member
    No one is looking at you. Stop worrying about it and focus on your own work. Unless you're hot, in which case, yes people are starting at you but it has nothing to do with the fact that you're new. Get over it.
  • Lift_hard_eat_big
    Lift_hard_eat_big Posts: 2,278 Member
    Don't let loose a protein fart unless you give me ample warning to clear the kill zone.
  • oneworkoutatatime
    oneworkoutatatime Posts: 312
    Don't let loose a protein fart unless you give me ample warning to clear the kill zone.


    :laugh:
  • thatjulesgirl
    thatjulesgirl Posts: 200 Member
    When there are five ellipticals free please don't choose the one RIGHT next to me. Like... weird?

    When I've just changed the handles and height on the cable machine and turn around to grab my water bottle, don't assume I'm done playing interior designer and it's now free for you to use. You know I was using it, so I'm not buying your douchey "oh I'm sorrrrrryy" smirk.

    Don't drag your bench right up to the weight rack so no one can get past. I know you like to be all close up in the mirror, but other people are using that equipment too.

    And lastly - be friendly. I know, you're a big tough tank who could snap my neck with his elbow.. but really. Did a "oh sorry" or a "no, I'm not using that" or even a smile ever kill anyone? Sheeeesh!
  • Amatambi
    Amatambi Posts: 72
    I don't mind people talking to me or using machines next to me. But don't try to make a competition of who can do a higher level or faster or anything..

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