The gym is one of the few places where all sorts of people come together for a common purpose. Everyone here just wants to get their workout on, whether they are following a strict fitness regimen or just looking to let loose after a stressful day. Here are a few tips to make sure you are being mindful of your fellow gym goers.
DO clean up after yourself
The number one thing to remember when going to the gym is that it is a shared space. When you are finished, it is both polite and a good safety measure to put away your equipment. This also goes for wiping down equipment when you are done your workout. No one wants to be working out in a pool of your sweat!
DO respect personal space
Sometimes the gym can get crowded, so it is important to be mindful of how much space you are taking up. When setting down your mat, make sure there is room around you for other people to work out, but also make sure you aren’t directly on top of the person next to you. Ideally, everyone should have enough space to move comfortable and be able to see themselves work out in the mirror.
DO keep socializing to a minimum
When people go to the gym, they are usually there to focus on their workout. Maybe they are training for an event, or just want to have an hour or two to themselves. Timing is usually important in a workout too, so if you see someone you know, say hi but keep it brief.
DON’T be on your phone the whole time
The occasional text is fine, and with all of today’s fitness apps, referencing your phone every once in awhile is understandable. It only becomes a problem when you are laying on your mat or sitting on a machine for extended periods of time, texting or checking social media. Other gym goers are probably waiting to use your equipment or have a turn on the machine. Be courteous and be efficient in your work out!
DON’T stare or offer unsolicited tips
Worry about your own workout and try to avoid staring at other people. Working out in front of a bunch of strangers can be hard enough for those who are more self conscious. Also, unless you are a personal trainer, you are probably not qualified to be giving out fitness tips to your fellow gym goers. If you see someone who might hurt themselves, let a trainer at the gym know.
DON’T hog the equipment
Only take what you need when you need it for your work out. You cannot possibly use four free weights, an exercise ball and a jump rope all at the same time! Other people might want to use those things too, and nothing is more irritating than watching them sit unused on someone else’s mat while they do something else.