In this post, we will share 10 things that you shouldn’t do in the gym.
Don’t leave the equipment sweaty
Nothing ruins an excellent workout quite like smelling the aroma of someone else’s sweat. It would be awful to smell someone’s lingering sweat, and chances are other people don’t want to smell your sweat either. Plus, other people are also going to use that same equipment as well, and there’s nothing worse than leaning back on a machine feeling a sweat puddle!
It only takes ten seconds to wipe everything down when you’re finished with your workout, just grab a paper towel and spray some sanitizer on the seating area, and you’re ready to go! Not only is this common courtesy but others will appreciate you doing this too!
Don’t invade other’s space
Remember the concept of personal space. Chances are there will be people coming in and out and using the machines consistently, so it’s important to give everyone their own exercise space.
Exercising, in general, requires a ton of movement, so you can avoid those silly accidents by keeping the proper distance. By giving yourself a nice cushion of a few feet, you can save yourself the trouble of getting banged in the head with a dumbbell. Furthermore,
if you’re waiting in line to use a machine, be patient and don’t groan or moan. In addition, if you spot someone doing a heavy lift like a deadlift, squat or overhead sight, it’s crucial to never walk in front of their line of view. Not only will this throw them off, but it’s rude and distracting.
Don’t drop weights
This is a big part of gym etiquette! You probably heard some people drop the weights on their last and scream all wildly and strut their arms, thinking they’re a big shot. Not only does this attract unnecessary attention, but others will think you’re trying to show off and will just end up making you look like a jerk!
If you drop weights, you can also seriously injure yourself and those around you. Letting the weights down slowly, requires more of a workout too and that’s why you’re at the gym right?
The only exception to dropping the weights is when someone is lifting a lot of weight, and they let it go due to exhaustion or injury. But for pure strength training, eccentric lowering movements should be avoided.
Don’t linger on the equipment
For all you gym newbies, this one is for you and it’s especially important when it comes to machines. There are only so many machines available at the gym, meaning that you need to share. On busy days, there will be a least a few people waiting for their turn and some might even ask you if you guys can alternate between sets.
So have some common courtesy for those around you who are waiting to use the machines. Once you’ve finished your routine, cool down, head to the locker room or grab a protein shake. Don’t linger or even worse, sit in the machines and text on your phone. Even though you might be waiting for your friend to finish up, find another place to sit down where people aren’t waiting for you.
Don’t talk (loudly) on your cell phone
Those who speak loudly on a cell phone probably don’t even realize that they’re doing it and you may even be one of them. It’s okay to pick up a phone call; maybe it’s an urgent phone call from work or an emergency call about a family member.
But what’s not okay is loudly chatting away on your phone throughout your whole workout. Not only is this a huge distraction to others, but it can throw off people’s concentration. If you get a phone call during yoga or Zumba class, excuse yourself out, so you don’t interrupt the session. Remember that you’re not the only one in the gym, so it’s important to be mindful of others.
Don’t show up late to aerobics class
Jumping from solo workouts to group aerobics may take some time to get used to. On your own time, you’re free to come and go anytime you please but when once you enter a class space, the whole dynamic changes. It’s crucial to come to class on time because showing up late disrupts the entire class and your instructor.
Plus, you’re missing out on warm-up exercises, and there might not be any space left for you if you show up late. Not only will everyone’s eyes be on you when you show up late at the door, but it’ll give the impression that you’re not committed especially if it’s your first day.
Remember that since there’s a start time, there’s also end time. So, this means staying until the class ends. You’ll learn beneficial cool down stretches, and it shows respect to the teacher and your fellow teammates.
Don’t exercise in a heavily trafficked area
There will be those days when the gym is jam-packed with people, and there might not be a lot of room for you to workout. But areas like aisles, entrances, exits, and walkways are reserved for walking.
You might have observed some people doing kettlebell swings, jumping rope or conducting walking lunges in these spaces. But it’s in fact extremely dangerous. Not only can you injure yourself but others too, especially if you smack someone in the face with a kettlebell, you might have a lawsuit on your hands. Reserve these areas for foot traffic only and allow others to pass by safely.
Don’t hang out in your workout clothes
Chances are if you had an excellent workout, you’re more than likely to be covered in sweat. So you’ll need to get those gross sweaty clothes off before they dry up and emit an odor.
This is what locker rooms are for! Yes, it might be embarrassing to change in front of dozens of people, and it can even bring back memories of being in high school p.e. But honestly, people don’t care and won’t judge you.
Changing out of your workout clothes is crucial for proper hygiene. You’d be surprised as to how many people don’t change out of their workout clothes at all! According to Men’s Fitness, not changing from your workout clothes can result in acne, skin and yeast infections! So change, shower and allow your skin your breathe!
Don’t hit on girls
Yes, the gym might be a great place to meet new friends and other people to socialize with but save the cheesy pickup lines and annoying catcalls for the bar or a blind date.
Doing so can have you labeled as a creep and people come to the gym to workout not get hit on. Be courteous and don’t harass someone who doesn’t want attention. You could also end up earning a bad reputation at the gym and words spreads quickly!
Don’t make wide-eyed stares either, this leaves most people feeling uncomfortable, and it could lead to a lot of awkwardness. Even if you pretend to give a girl some phone advice in hopes that she’ll give you shot. Chances are she’ll see right through you. So keep your romantic advances for your post-gym hours instead.
Don’t give someone unsolicited advice
Don’t give someone unsolicited advice- Giving unsolicited advice is awkward in any situation and generally not a good idea. Even if you think that person is doing something wrong,
it is best to just keep your thoughts and opinions to yourself. First off, people usually hate being advised because it can feel that they’re being attacked and won’t listen. Also, you might be wrong in the advice you give them as well. We all have different body types and workouts. So what might work for you, might not necessarily work out for them.
Advice should only be given if you’re friends with that person or if they asked for your input. Now unless you’re a trainer, fitness coach or work at the facility, then it might be okay, but otherwise, it’s best to leave it up to the gym instructors.
