Working out can be so much fun—well, it is until your neighbor on the treadmill next to you violates gym etiquette by listening to their music loudly or hogging the machine. That’s why it helps for everyone to be on the same page about a few fair practices for gym-goers that helps make the experience comfortable for all.
January is especially a good time to go over gym etiquette. After all, it’s that time of year: new year, new resolutions, new gym membership. We all begin the year full of energy and feeling highly motivated. For proof, just go to any gym—literally any gym—at the beginning of January and see how packed it is. In no other month are the machines so hotly contested or locker rooms so full.
So, it’s high time we all get a refresher on how to behave considerately towards others in the gym so that everyone has a good and productive time. The crowds don’t have to be a momentum killer! Instead, we just need to follow these gym etiquette tips so nobody becomes that person.
1.Wear fresh clothes
This one may feel obvious—and, hey, we’ve all been between laundry days and worn some questionable sweatpants before. But sportswear is often made of synthetic materials and can start to smell after being worn during exercise, even after one use. So, try to wear fresh clothes when you go to the gym if you can and always give them a sniff test. If you find your clothes sometimes smell even after washing, there are special detergents and laundry sanitizers that can help remove bacteria.
Lysol Antibacterial Laundry Refresher Spray
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Biokleen Natural Sport Laundry Detergent
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2. Save the elaborate beauty routines for home
Personal hygiene is an absolute must, especially after exercise, of course. However, anything that goes beyond the classic shower and care routine has no place in the locker room. For example, if it’s been a while since you’ve shaved, consider doing that from the comfort of your own bathroom so you don’t clog the drain. The same applies to exfoliating, removing calluses, etc.
3. Tidy up after yourself
Can’t find the five pound weights? Oh, someone left it in the wrong corner…again. Sounds familiar and gets you upset every time, right? And rightly so! It’s good studio etiquette to put any equipment you use back where it belongs. And yes, this applies to all equipment. If you place something heavy like dumbbells on the wrong shelf, it could fall and injure people.
Cleanliness applies here, too—put your dirty towels in the used bin, wipe down your mat after use, throw trash in the garbage, etc.
4. Have a clean towel on hand
At most studios and gyms, yoga mats and other equipment are there for everyone to use—but frequent contact also means germs can spread easily. Laying a fresh towel down can guarantee you get less sweat on the area and protect you in case a previous user was careless, especially in a place like the sauna or steam room.
Desired Body Microfiber Cooling Towels
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Fittest Pro Non-Slip Hot Yoga Towel
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5. Don’t judge, but also know how to read the room
For some, just the act of getting to the gym was a big win. It takes a lot of effort and motivation to start a new fitness routine, and nothing can deflate a beginner’s enthusiasm like the feeling that others are judging their performance. If the person next to you is breathing hard, taking frequent breaks, or not as skilled as you—and you find that frustrating—keep any judgmental comments or faces to yourself.
That said, if you’re someone who trains hard and tends to make loud noises while doing so, be sure to read the room. You might need to lower the volume if you’re making a scene. But if no one seems to mind, keep on!
6. Avoid using glass bottles
Lots of gyms prohibit glass bottles because they can easily break and cause injury to yourself or others. Instead, you can use reusable plastic or aluminum water bottles. Another alternative: a glass bottle with a silicone sleeve that’ll protect it from breaking.
Owala Star Wars FreeSip Water Bottle
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Stanley IceFlow Flip Straw 2.0 Water Bottle
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7. Be on time for class
We’ve all had situations where we’ve gotten stuck in traffic, lost our pass, mistakenly went to the wrong room, or other pesky things that cause us to be late. However, those are exceptions. You should always try to be mindful and arrive on time absent an emergency. In fact, many studios request you show up 10 to 15 minutes early so you have enough space to check in and get set up. After all, you don’t want to be disturbed by a squeaky door and other annoying sounds when you’re doing your breathing exercises, do you? Don’t be the person who does that to someone else.
8. Check your shoes
For many classes, especially yoga or Pilates, shoes are required to be left at the door. On the gym floor, however, a lot of people wear the same sneakers they arrived in…even if those shoes are muddy or dirty. This grime can end up getting all over the equipment, mats, towels, locker room, you name it. Consider keeping a clean pair of workout shoes in your gym bag, or at least checking for mud and dirt before entering the premises.
9. Please don’t block the equipment
You can reserve a table at a restaurant; but at the gym, most machines are typically first come, first serve. And yet, some people think it’s ok to place their things on a machine in order to “reserve” it while they use other equipment. The rules here are very clear: If you’re not actively training on the equipment, you have to leave it free for others to use. However, this does not apply to short breaks between sets if you’re still training on the same machine.
10. Avoid distractions
You’re phone is allowed at most gyms—after all, you probably need that favorite podcast or motivating playlist to keep you moving. Just don’t forget your headphones or earbuds when you listen. Also, it’s good manners to take phone calls outside so you don’t disturb others; similarly, avoid loud ringtones. Taking a class? You probably should leave the phone on silent and stowed away in your locker. You’ll get more out of it if you switch off and focus anyway!
A version of this article was previously published in Glamour Germany.
The post 10 Gym Etiquette Tips to Make Sure Everyone Has a Good Time Working Out appeared first on Glamour.
