I thought I’d start the day off and write about some common courtesies and proper gym etiquette. Being a trainer and a fitness studio owner, I believe I have some knowledge on the subject. Last night, while I was working out at one of the Urban Active fitness clubs here in the Cincy/Nky area I came really close to blowing out my knee. Here I am doing step ups on a bench with a fair amount of weight. Behold, as I begin to step down I feel was what clearly not the ground but a big stability ball below me. Fortunately, I have enough core strength and balance to overcome this situation and safely step to side without injury. So, Mr Moron who left the ball to roll over my way, I thought I’d give some tips and standard procedures to use at the club. For others, take note and use these to better your gym experience for yourself and other co-members as well. Not only will your workout be more effective but the chances of injury will be limited.
1) Please return your weights and/or equipment to the proper location when finished. This will allow others to find them appropriately and reduce the clutter on the floor and limit the chance for injury.
2) Don’t hog the machines, benches, and/or equipment. First of all, the majority of you shouldn’t be using machines. Unless you’re elderly, in a knee brace, or recently out of surgery you shouldn’t be using machines. The body was designed to be functional with muscles working in a movement pattern. If you’re trying to lose weight, get stronger, and better your fitness level, get away from the machines and starting using dumbbells, bodyweight exercises, and other functional types of equipment.
3) Wipe down equipment after usage. With the cold season approaching there are many germs looking for a place to hang out and invade. Sanitizing your equipment will reduce the risk for spreading and will keep everyone healthy allowing them to continue their consistency going to the gym. Can you imagine walking to a machine and finding it covered with the previous guy’s sweat? You want to avoid being that guy. If you happen to drip all over a piece of equipment, wipe it down using the disinfectant provided by the gym. Also, use a towel to separate yourself from the machine while you make use of it.
4) Talk sparingly. Leave your cell phone in the car. Not only are you taking up space and time for others, how hard of a workout can you perform if your texting every 2-3 minutes. If you want to socialize, go to a bar or join a coffee group. A gym isn’t a social club; you’re not there to shoot the breeze with its members. Conversations should be kept brief and limited to resting periods in between sets. These short discussions must be held out of the way so people can train without interruption. In addition, don’t initiate conversations with people wearing headphones; they obviously don’t feel chatty. Finally, while you’re taking a break, don’t sit on a machine — others may want to use it.
5) Smell good. No body odor. Exercising makes you sweat and perspiration causes body odor. Can you see in your mind’s eye how badly it would stink if no one at the gym did something about it? Arm yourself with an effective deodorant and use it adequately. However, don’t douse yourself with cologne or perfume; overcompensation can be just as unpleasant for fellow members.
6) Dress appropriately. Don’t wear torn clothing, but don’t wear a tuxedo either. Go for a T-shirt instead of a tank top as to circumvent sweat overtly running onto the machine. Stay away from jeans; shorts or sweat pants are a much better choice. And please cover yourself. If you have a big tire around your waistline, do not wear a cutoff shirt with your belly protruding out for everyone to see.
7) Be considerate at the water fountain. Bring in a big water bottle filled beforehand. If you run out, be courteous at the fountain and let others have a drink before refilling.
8) Limit yourself on the cardio machines. People are expected to use about 20-30 minutes. If the gym isn’t very crowded and you want to go longer, make sure no one is waiting. Honestly, unless you are training for a marathon, you shouldn’t be doing more than 30 minutes of cardio anyway. Excessive cardio and why I can’t lose my belly fat is a whole other topic we can discuss in a later post.
So, hopefully these tips were helpful. Use them to better everyone’s experience and be courteous to all those around you.
