Mind Your Manners in the Health Club!
For some people, going to a gym is a social gathering, and for others it's a serious job. But, just about all members like to have a pleasant experience while they are at the gym.
If each and every member followed good gym etiquette, gyms would be much happier places.
Gym etiquette should be based on common courtesy for all members.
To help you along, here are a few things you can help contribute to good gym etiquette:
- When you're done with your weights, don't leave them lying on the floor. Pack them back on the racks or stands. It's annoying when other members want to use that weight and have to hunt for it, but it can also become dangerous when there are weights all over the floor causing possible injuries.
- Wipe down your equipment each and every time you use it. Nobody wants to find the one available bench in the gym only to have it dripping with sweat. Gyms often provide cleaning materials such as spray bottles and paper towels. Use them!
- Don't train without your towel — for your health benefit and for others in the gym. Nobody wants your germs and you don't want theirs either.
- Don't talk above your head. Talking in the gym is great, but someone who constantly shouts and distracts people from their workout becomes a nuisance. Be courteous of other members and keep your voice down.
- Don't drop your weights. Dropping weights not only causes damage to the weights but can also cause damage to you and other gym members. Dropping weights are also a distraction to the other members.
- Respect any time limits on fitness equipment. If the stair stepper has a 30-minute limit, or if the elliptical trainer has a 45-minute cap, don’t try to see how long you can monopolize the equipment. Those limits usually reflect the popularity and activity level of the various pieces, and are meant to give everyone a chance to use them. If nobody else is waiting to follow behind you, get off the treadmill anyway and see if it remains vacant. Sometimes people want a turn, but aren’t standing right behind you. Give them a chance to step forward.
- Be neat in the locker room. Keep your belongings in your gym bag and in your locker, so that benches are available for sitting. Don’t monopolize showers, vanities or other common areas. And of course, if you make a mess, clean it up!
Published 06/01/07
