Gym etiquette...what you (probably) won't learn in a gym induction!

Published: Tue, 07/21/15

Hi

When we go for a show round of a new gym you will be told all the benefits of being a member.

When you come in for your induction, it is often the case that you will get good instruction on the basics.

However you will rarely get a talk through of gym etiquette.

Having a 'disagreement' with someone in the street or in a pub happens, and its unlikely you will see the person again. However, remember in a gym people come every day and you will see the same people often as they will have a similar schedule to you.

See yourself as joining a new 'team' of work out buddies..


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As a 'newbie' it is easy to make mistakes and not even realise you are doing it, so below is some pointers to make sure you don't end up making the mistakes I have/ see often:

  • respect the iron: the barbells, dumbells, plates, foam roller etc should be tidied away when you are finished. Also, in some gyms even stepping over a bar is seen as disrespectful
  • never walk between a person and a mirror: they will be watching their form not checking their hair. This is really off putting, especially if balancing one leg as well. If you have to pass, wait until they have finished their set or if you spot what you have done after throw a 'sorry' their way.
  • personal space: if someone is there before you give them space (6ft radius), often a leg or arm can fly out unexpected and often containing a piece of iron. I once had a chap lie down to do crunches in front of me when I had a heavy barbell over my head. I could have killed him if I slipped!
  • don't hog equipment: if someone asks to 'jump in' while you are resting let them. If need to text in between sets don't sit on a bench someone might use. Likewise if striking up a conversation move away from kit if others may want it.
  • NO phone calls: go out into the corridor or away form the gym. I've seen a proper fight caused by a loud conversation to someone in the middle of a busy gym..that was fun as it was on my shift!
  • compliment: at our gym we encourage members to support each other. Just a 'you are looking lean and mean' or ' wow, how did you do that..awesome' is dynamite to someone's motivation. Once you have been on the receiving end these kind words can stick with you for years..be generous.
  • be flexible: if someone is on the piece of kit you want that is listed in your program then do something else. Hovering and asking how long someone has to go can be annoying to some.
  • try not to 'grunt': we are all guilty of this on a max effort lift, in fact it shows good breath control, but on every rep with a smaller weight then this will annoy everyone!
  • keep your belongings minimal and tidy: bags, phones, sunglasses and car keys left on a dumbbell rack or step bench get in peoples way.
  • keep away from the dumbbell rack: doing 'curls' right in front of the stack of dumbells that someone else needs is sometimes unavoidable but really annoying if not! Same applies for bar stacks or suchlike. Keep 6 feet away from anything someone might need...or if no choice step out the way if someone needs to get past.
  • NEVER curl a barbell in the squat rack: squat racks are for...errr....squats!
  • don't critique someone's form: they may have a reason why they are doing things a certain way such as an injury or they have learnt wrong..it is down to them to work that out. I only step in when I see something dangerous and am very clear that I am a PT so have their interests at heart.
  • loud earphones...just no: music is just as motivating when a bit quieter. You may love Celine Dion but I guarantee not all do!
  • use a towel: sweat is natural, however having to sit on someone else's that they didn't wipe of is not.
  • language: you will hear a lot of colourful words. It is actually common and motivating when pushing hard at a lift. be prepared to hear it and only comment if it is not in this context and really does offend.
  • personal hygiene: this is thankfully rare but there is nothing worse that the smell of post alcohol breath or unwashed kit next to you whilst doing intervals on a bike. 
  • funny faces: you will see some classics when people work hard....and pull some of your own I guarantee it...so fight the urge to giggle please! (in fact, PT's are trained to use the faces people pull to gauge intensity and watch for injury so embrace your grimace)
I'm sure I've forgotten something so hit reply if can think of anything I need to add!

Have a peaceful work out!

J


James Chandler
Personal Trainer
07870 262741
www.eatwellandworkout.com
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