The Forgotten Art of Gym Etiquette

Like any place in which different people converge, fitness centers require some form of etiquette on top of the rules imposed by the gym management. Following the rules would score us points from the gym management, but showing good manners would gain us respect from other patrons. Unless, of course, if you want to purposely gain notoriety.

It is basic protocol to return all equipment to their proper places after use. Some gyms even include this in the rules but many people still don’t get it. There’s nothing more annoying than finding the weights mixed up or not finding some of it at all. Gym users usually have limited time to spend for the workout and they surely would not appreciate using a good part of their precious time re-arranging or looking for items.

It is also important to practice good hygiene, not only in our bodies but also in the equipment we use. As there will be lots of sweat, don’t skimp on the deodorant: use it if you have to and as often as you have to. Don’t wait for people to start covering their noses or leaving the room en masse. And please, clean up the gadgets you used after completing your workout; there’s nothing more disgusting than hopping on a machine or a rack dripping with sweat.

Another thing to remember is to respect other people’s workout space, including making grunts and other sounds during workouts. It’s not proper to make noises that will break the concentration of other enthusiasts. And don’t walk between the mirror and someone who is in the middle of a set either, as he surely will be distracted.  The same is true when you start doing your sets too close to someone doing his own workout, as you will surely break his rhythm.

And it would not hurt to show some modesty by covering yourself. You might not be bothered at all parading around bare-assed but some people do mind, especially if the body you’re flaunting is not at all a pretty sight or worse, it’s old and wrinkled. People’s dislike promptly turns to disgust if you do that.

There are so many seemingly minor things that when considered, are not small matters for other people. The bottom line is if you want to gain respect, you have to show respect too.

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