The new year is in full swing and so are many of those exercise and fitness related resolutions! It’s a fun and exciting time to be a part of the gym community, especially if you’re starting a new adventure with your very first gym membership. But gyms can sometimes feel a little intimidating to navigate when you’re the new kid on the block.
Gyms are like mini communities. They often have their own subcultures and various unspoken rules when it comes to the do’s and don’ts of common courtesy and community behavior. So today, we’re going to look at four big rules of gym etiquette to ensure you’re crushing goals with confidence and making friends along the way.
1. Don’t Hog Free Weights
Stay mindful of your fellow gym-goers when it comes to weights and equipment. In a crowded gym, it’s tempting to snatch up three or four sets of dumbbells to gradually cycle through in the course your workout (how else can you be sure they’ll be available later, right?). But remember other people are also trying to exercise in the allotted time they have to be at the gym that day.
Stick to the equipment you need per that set of exercises and then move onto the items that you need next. And don’t be afraid to incorporate weight plates in place of dumbbells for certain movements. If certain dumbbells aren’t available or you don’t want to take up too many of them at once in a superset or drop set, try incorporating some 5lb or 10lbs plates from a weight rack.
2. Share Machines
During heavy gym traffic, there may be a limited number of squat racks, cable machines or weight machines. In times like this, it’s common for one member to ask another if they can “jump in” on a machine. Don’t panic, they aren’t actually going to hop onto the leg press beside you. This just means you will alternate doing sets on the same machine (one of you does a set of exercises on it while the other one rests and then you switch back and forth).
Also be willing to speak up offering to let someone jump in on a machine if you can see they are waiting to use it but maybe a little shy asking to share. Everyone wins and you might even have an opportunity to strike up a conversation and make a new gym buddy.
3. Wipe Down What You Sweat On
Sweat. It happens. There’s no shame in it, especially at the gym and after a great workout. But I think we can all agree there’s nothing more unsettling than walking up to an empty a bench, mat or machine and discovering a stranger left their sweaty butt imprint behind for the next user. That’s. Just. Gross.
Please. Don’t be that person. Grap the gym’s provided wipe or paper towel and spray bottle and (for the sake of all that you consider sacred and holy) wipe down that equipment when you are finished using it.
4. Pick up after yourself
Whether it’s for a group fitness class or the free weight section, always be sure to put equipment back neatly where it belongs. Keeping the gym an orderly place helps everyone find what they need when they need it. Because who wants to be running around if they’re short on time hunting for cable machine handles, plate weights or a mat for yoga class?
It’s also considerate of people’s time. No one wants to remove a zillion abandoned plates from a barbell or leg press before they can use it for their own workout. Or have a personal training session or group fitness class started late because a trainer or instructor needed to tidy a mess of equipment left behind. It’s quick and easy to pick up after yourself to help keep your gym an enjoyable place for everyone to workout.
Stick with these four big rules of gym etiquette and you will be crushing your goals with confidence and positively contributing to your fit community. The gym trainers, instructors and staff will love you and you might just make a few new gym buddies along the way!
All writing copyright © 2019 Rachel Elise Weems Woods
Originally published 1-9-18. Updated 2.1.19
Nate says
All solid tips and the biggest one for me it wiping off sweat. So many people leave theirs behind!
Reese says
So true. And so gross!
Nina Bashaw Photography says
YES to number three a million! I don’t want anyones sweaty germs, please wipe down that mess! haha
Reese says
Haha, amen girl! I don’t need to be seeing any sweat angels or butt prints when I’m getting my jam on at the gym!
Deb Ellen says
Sharing machines is a massive one to me! I’ve been getting so annoyed with people also just sitting on machines not using them, but instead being on their phone! rage!
It’s important to let people have their turns
Debs @ https://tiger-mint.com
Reese says
Haha, that is the worst! I honestly think that a lot of people aren’t aware that you should step off the machine to rest, or that it’s pretty common for people to “jump in” on equipment!
Megan Kerry says
“wipe down what you sweat on” That’s the one that gets me every time! Definitely a MUST do!
Reese says
Amen, sister. No one wants to see your sweaty mess left behind! Haha.
Abu Zaid says
Actually I am not like gym, but i love outdoor sport such as running, walking or biking. But, Anyway thank you for share about this.
Reese says
Outdoor sports and activity are also a wonderful way to take care of our bodies!
alwaysusebutter says
Good tips! I feel like people are pretty good about this at my gym, except maybe wiping off the sweat.. Like, if you sweat a lot that’s not MY problem??
Reese says
EXACTLY, haha! Have some common courtesy, people!
Chelle Dizon says
Yes this is really important. It’s called Respect and that is for others and for your self. Golden rule is Don’t do unto others what you don’t want others to do unto you
Reese says
Amen to that!
Geraline Batarra says
So true, some of us really forget to be nice or doing such etiquettes because of focusing to our workouts.
Reese says
It happens! But once you are aware of some basic gym etiquette, it’s easier to try and be mindful of it!
Czjai Reyes-Ocampo says
Wiping off your sweat on gym equipment is a very respectful thing to do. Having to use a sweat-dripped machine, just the thought of it makes me cringe.
Reese says
Yep! If I see a sweaty piece of equipment, I’m not going to use it without wiping it down first, I can tell you that!
Rebecca Sanchez says
wipe down you own mess, nice tips its should always be followed and maintain hygiene
Reese says
Absolutely!
Natalie L. says
I definitely agree with all of these and wish everyone would follow them!
Reese says
I think that some people really are just unaware of some of this typical gym etiquette. But knowledge is power!
Megan says
This is the best! There were so many etiquette breakers when I used to go to the gym more frequently. So good to know for newbies!
Reese says
Absolutely! Sometimes people just aren’t aware of the proper way to do things in a new environment!
Rachael Eberhardt says
That was a bit awkward, having too much sweats on things that you use. If you’re aware, you should definitely do this etiquette. ?
Reese says
Absolutely!
Amy-Lynn is EXCITED about life (@amylynnwriting) says
OMG YES PLEASE WIPE DOWN MACHINES PEOPLE!!! lol that was all caps with intent!
Reese says
Ahahaha, if anything deserves all caps, it’s that rule!
Kristen says
I hate it when people do not wipe down the machines after they use them. It is so gross! People forget to wipe down the cardio machines too! It takes two seconds and really helps people not be skived out.
Reese says
Aaaaamen. It’s really quick and easy and just take a few seconds!
clairebeary94 says
There are so many people who do not place the weights on the right rack after they use it!! Also wiping down the sweat is a must. I wish everyone read this post LOL
Reese says
As someone who works in gyms, are two of the most common issues I see. It really doesn’t take long to be courteous!
Mickal Lewis says
YES! Thank you for this. I hate needing a machine and watching a sweaty person not wipe of said machine before walking away.
Reese says
It is so gross! Just wipe it down, people!
Shannan P says
Add me to the voices cheering for #3. Other people’s sweat is SO GROSS!! Clean up after yourself!
Reese says
I feel like we need to hire an airplane to write this one in the sky above every gym. ???
Christa Anne says
THANK YOU! I hate approaching sweaty machines or tripping over free weights that were left out. Gym etiquette is so important.
Erica Ardali (@EricaEverAfter) says
This is good to know. I just joined a gym and hope to get my health together, but never knew the rules of gym etiquette.
Reese says
Well, now you are ready to rock and roll!
Preet says
I am not a fitness enthusiast and this makes me more interested on trying to go to gym. Thanks foe sharing.
Reese says
You should definitely consider making a gym and regular exercise a part of your routine!
Joseph Abimbola says
Nice! never heard of gym etiquette. I am glad I have learnt a couple of things. Thanks for sharing.
Reese says
You are very welcome, Joseph!
Shweta koul says
Great tips, though I don’t go to the gym, seems helpful for all those who are gym freaks. Thanks for the post.
Elizabeth O says
This is a nice article. I also go to gym and do same as you mentioned here.
Reese says
Awesome, girl!
thepeacheepear says
Biggest pet peeve at the gym are people who don’t clean their machines after using them. I always wipe them before and after just in case lol
Reese says
Amen, sister! It’s the only way to go!
cleverlychanging says
The one that tip that I find to the most important is for people to remember to wipe down the equipment they used. Thanks for sharing, I think any person could find these tips handy.
Reese says
You are very welcome, girl!
kishastewartharris says
What about, “Don’t get on the machine right next to me when there are a bazillion machines open!” That always just seemed rude to me. Great tips though.
Reese says
Haha, I suppose it matters what kind of machine it is and what kind of workout they are doing that day!