Proper Gym Etiquettes

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Grunting

Not necessary and not cool. If you are lifting heavy weights, focus on proper breathing; you should be exhaling as you contract the muscles and if you do so loudly, that’s fine, but no grunting or screaming.

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Weights

Are you done with them? Then put them away! Sometimes the racks are full and disorganized so you can’t place your weights in their proper spot, but you can at least place them somewhere on the rack or on the floor in front of where they should go. Leaving them in the middle of the room is a tripping hazard and leaves others uncertain if they are being used.

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Dropping weights

As with screaming and grunting, just don’t. Weights make a loud noise when dropped, which can throw others off their workouts. And let’s be honest, if you can’t bend down and place them on the ground, maybe they are too heavy for you.

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Hogging the equipment

Let others work in with you between sets—you should be taking a quick rest anyway. And do not leave your towel on the machine and walk away to take an extended water break. You do not own the equipment and remember, everyone is on a schedule, not just you.

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Spotting

There is nothing wrong with asking someone to spot you once or twice, but don’t expect them to help you for every exercise. On the flip side, if you see someone who is clearly lifting too much weight (this may become apparent when the barbell lands on his chest or when his face turns blue) please, give him a hand.

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Cardio times

Most gyms usually set a 30-minute time limit to the cardio machines. If your gym is not busy, go nuts and stay on that machine as long as you like. But if people are waiting, respect the rules. If you really want to have a long, solid workout, avoid the gym during the busiest hours, like the 5:00 pm after-work rush.

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Music

There’s absolutely no problem with music, but don’t have it blasting so loudly through your headphones that those around you can hear the noise. And please, no karaoke.

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What to wear

No jeans, no ripped clothes and tank tops only if you use your towel. Don’t wear short shorts and remember, shoes are a must.

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Water fountains

Water fountains are to drink from—not to spit in and not to throw your gum in. If you are filling up your massive water bottle, let the people behind you go first for a quick sip.

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Cell phones

There is nothing more annoying than someone yapping on the phone and simply wasting space in the gym. If you are expecting a baby or some other kind of emergency, keep your phone on or put it on vibration mode. Others are trying to focus, so be considerate and remember why you are at the gym…to work out.