5 Tips to Improve or Maintain Good Gym Etiquette
Everyone was a beginner to the gym or other shared workout spaces at one point in time. Whether you’re a gym regular looking to brush up on your gym etiquette or a newbie looking to fit in and be respectful, you’ll find some gems in this piece that will help you do just that.
Don't hog the machines or weights
Many gyms are faced with the problem of not having enough space to fit all the equipment that gym-goers might want, so there’s a good chance your gym may be working with limited resources to some extent. It’s important to get into your workout, stay focused, and move on to the next.
Today’s fast-paced world also comes with time challenges as well. Good gym etiquette involves being aware of others in the gym. Just imagine only having 30-45 minutes to work out and all of the equipment that you planned on using has been monopolized by other gym-goers. Don’t be a gym equipment monopolizer.
Also, staying on track and moving through your workout will allow you to get more done and have time to double back and hit those same muscles a second time after some recovery.
Wipe down your equipment before and after use
Your exercise equipment is an important tool for helping you reach your fitness goals. But just like other tools, it needs regular maintenance in order to stay operational.
An often-overlooked part of this routine maintenance is wiping down your equipment when you're done with your workout. Before and after each session, take a few seconds to give the handles and other surfaces a quick clean with a sanitizing wipe or paper towel.
Many workout facilities are now equipped with disinfecting supplies, but for added protection against germs, you can even carry a bottle of disinfectant spray and spray everything down after each use.
It’s also a good idea to make sure also to take a look at the other parts of the machine – cables, pulleys, and belts – giving them a light dusting if needed.
This will help keep your exercise equipment in good condition and extend its lifespan. Taking care of your equipment will repay you time and time again with more effective workouts, so be sure to make this quick ritual part of your pre- and post-workout routine!
Handle free weights with care
As you grow through your active and athletic life, you may start to use heavier free weights while working out. This is great when building strength and muscle, but can also be dangerous if the weight is too much for you to handle.
Banging the force of your weights on the ground after a set is completely fine in most gym environments when done responsibly. This means you must be aware of anyone around you so as to not bang them with the weight!
The best ways to be sure you’re handling heavy weights with care are that you either know beforehand how much you can handle responsibly or bring a friend or ask someone around for some help.
This leads us to our final gym etiquette tip…
Don't be afraid of a little small talk
Contrary to popular belief, small talk isn't a trivial or meaningless conversation - it's actually an important way to build and make meaningful connections. Plus, when done right, building rapport through casual conversations can benefit both parties - it can facilitate stronger relationships and provide new prospects for growth and collaboration.
Everyone in the gym has a goal that they’re trying to achieve, and believe it or not, some gym-goers are there for the sole purpose of meeting new people. We’re all social beings, so acknowledging others and striking up a conversation does fall into good gym etiquette.
The person you say hello to or give a compliment could be the one to help you out as a spotter as you’re testing out a new max rep.
Bonus tip: chatting with people who work at the gym can provide you with some great info and perks as well!
Dress appropriately - wear appropriate clothing and shoes
It's important to dress appropriately, no matter the situation. The clothes you choose to wear can communicate information about your respect for the occasion as well as your personal style. Working out in the gym or any workout area is no different.
There are some people that use the gym as a way to attract others that may be interested in their figure/physique, but the goal of working out should be to improve strength and endurance.
Showing up clean and appearing at the gym with purpose is key.
To look the part, but still keep your performance a top priority, check out these Reflect pieces in our store.
Probably the most important idea to get from this tip is to focus on your goals and not judge what others choose to wear to the gym.
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Well, that’s it for our list of gym etiquette tips. We hope you found them helpful and will put them into practice at your next workout. If you have any additional tips to share, we would love to hear from you in the comments section below. In the meantime, be sure to check out some of our other blog posts for more great health, fitness, and sports fashion advice. Thanks for reading!
