Ahhh...gym etiquette...something that no one seems to blog about or teach you at the gym. Why not? It has seemingly lost importance in the new "techno" bombarded world of IPOD's and MP3 players and TV's. But, alas, it carries far more importance than anyone may think. Whether you are new to fitness or a seasoned veteran, this is one of the most important attributes to possess.
There is no book on each rule to follow as each gym typically has a set culture; however, there are certainly some unwritten rules that have to be followed to keep you coming back. This is only a partial list, but some of the most important.
We'll start in the resistance training area:
1. When you are finished using a dumbbell, kettle bell, tension band, or anything that wasn't yours when you entered the gym PUT IT BACK (fitness lingo..."Re rack your weights")! If you found it on the ground, ask a gym employee where it belongs.
2. If you are using a bench or anything that you lay down on or sit down on, WIPE IT DOWN AFTER YOU ARE DONE! There is nothing nastier than finding out the hard way that someone didn't clean up after themselves...trust me!
3. DO NOT WALK IN FRONT OF SOMEONE IF THEY ARE LIFTING! This drives me insane. Mirrors are not around the gym as a vanity supporter, rather a check and balance. It provides an opportunity for someone to make sure that the exercise is being performed correctly.
4. DO NOT SCREAM & YELL WHEN YOU ARE LIFTING! Granted, the gym is not a library, but there is no need to make yourself a spectacle. A grunt here and there is perfectly acceptable, but unless you are going for a one rep max with all-out effort, don't make a scene.
5. DO NOT SIT AND SOCIALIZE ON A PIECE OF EQUIPMENT! Some of the exercise selections that I will provide videos of require machines. Always be aware of people who are waiting to use it when you finish.
Once again, this is simply a partial list and there a many others. But if you follow these 5 rules, you will have a much better experience.
I look forward to being part of your fitness education and challenge you to reach farther, dream bigger, and believe in yourself.
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Dear Brent,
ReplyDeleteYou have put in black and white what has been driving me NUTS over the past few years.
Especially #5. Lately I seen so little exercise being done on equipment that is designed for it!
Bravo. These simple rules make gym life better for everyone.
Oh and I'll add on more:
6. EXERCISE AND GO HOME. The gym (health club, exercise place, whatever) is a place for people to perform vigorous exercise and actually workout. Do yourself (and others) a favor and do what you need to do quickly and then GO HOME AND HAVE A LIFE.
Thanks, I vented.