The gym, for many people, is a place of mystery and anxiety. Part of that anxiety comes from lack of knowledge; not knowing how machines work, where things go, what to do, etc. For many people, (myself included), the gym is also a sacred place where we go for "iron therapy." Therefore I have created a list of unwritten gym laws/ rules/ etiquette to follow.
- Do not do your circuit training when the gym is busy. You create 5 stations for yourself and do them back to back, I get it. But if the gym is busy and you're taking up 3 machines, 3 dumbbells and whatever else, that is just plain rude. Hire or search online for alternative workouts. There's LIMITLESS workout routines you can do that involve only 1-2 pieces of equipment. Again, this is where lack of knowledge comes in and people are stuck in a routine because they don't know what else to do. If you must circuit train, go when it's not so busy or let people work in, or hire a trainer to learn more.
- RERACK YOUR WEIGHTS! This is usually a gym rule anyway but still worth mentioning. This includes your dumbbells and plates/ bumpers.
- STOP chillin' on machines. People sitting on piece of equipment surfing social media or chatting with a friend. I understand resting between sets but for some people it gets excessive.
- have good hygiene. Just because it's a gym doesn't give you the green light to go smelly. Wear clothes that don't smell and wear deodorant. YES you will sweat and you may end up smelling, but don't make an effort to try and offend everyone's nostrils from the get-go.
- If busy, allow others to work in. If your gym only has one cable machine, for example, and someone asks to work in, allow them. If you're nearly done you can also offer for them to leave one of their belongings at the spot so that when you're done they can hop right in. This is a community space.
- No rowing or curling in front of the dumbbell rack. You see it all the time. Someone goes for the heavy weight on the dumbbell rack where the benches are, (and usually a mirror wall), and just starts curling or rowing away right in front of the dumbbells. DON"T DO THAT! Scoot back and give people enough space to re-rack their weights and walk by for their next set of dumbbells.
- DO NOT solicit unwanted gym advice. I see this happening a lot with older men to young girls. If you see someone visibly struggling, in danger, looking around for help, or they actually ask, then that's your que. Til then, keep your mouth shut and mind your business.
- DO NOT INTERRUPT PEOPLE IN THE MIDDLE OF THEIR SET! If someone is in the middle of their workout and you need to ask them a question, even if it's just to ask if they are using a piece of equipment, wait until they are done with their set. ESPECIALLY if they are lifting heavy compound lifts like doing a squat, bench, or deadlift. Wait until their rest break between sets, let them catch their breath.
- DO NOT walk too closely behind people when they are squatting. If you have ever done a heavy squat, or squats period, you understand why. Give people space.
Follow these in addition to your written gym rules for a much better experience. And honestly, people like myself who have been working out for a long time and know a thing or two respect the hell out of those coming in and trying, and will gladly help if asked, as long as you respect this place that many call home. After all, you wouldn't just start playing basketball on someone's court or football on someone's field without knowing the rules, right?