- Don’t be that person
The gym can be a great place to get in shape and improve your health. However, it can also be a place where people make social faux pas and annoy others. In order to make sure you are not that person, there are a few unspoken rules of the gym that you need to know.
By following these simple guidelines, you can make sure you are respecting the space and the people around you. After all, the gym is for everyone and we should all be able to enjoy our time there. So, without further ado, here are the 10 unspoken rules of the gym every lifter needs to know!
- Clean up your mess
No matter how strong or fit you are, no one wants to lift in a gym that is not clean or tidy. This is why it is important to always clean up your area after you are done working out. Make sure to use a towel to clean off any sweat from the weights or benches. Wipe down any equipment you use, and put away any weights or accessories. If you use any chalk, make sure to sweep it up after you are done.
It is also important to clean up your own personal items. This includes any water bottles, clothing, gym bags, and workout accessories. Place all of these items in a designated place and avoid leaving them lying around the gym. This helps maintain an organized and clean gym atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.
- Don’t hog the weights
No matter how strong and athletic you are, it can be incredibly irritating when somebody hogs the weights for an extended period of time. After all, time is precious when it comes to working out, and it’s not fair to other gym-goers if you hog the weights.
That means it’s important to be considerate to others and not camp out on one piece of equipment, whether it be a machine or a free weight. If you want to do multiple sets, be sure to mix it up and not spend the entire hour occupying just one area. Keep in mind that most people want to get their workouts done in an efficient manner, so if you take too long, you will likely be excluded from the gym.
When you are done with the weights, put them back where they belong. Even if the bench or machine is empty, it is still polite to put the weights back properly. This prevents confusion for the next person who wants to use the weights, ensuring that everyone can get their workout done more easily.
- Don’t be a distraction
It goes without saying that when you enter the gym, you should leave your phone behind. In today’s social media-centric world, it can be hard to be without your phone even for an hour, but it’s important to do so while lifting.
Distractions like phone calls or checking Instagram notifications can be dangerous and might lead to decreased focus and attention to form, posture, and proper lifting technique. In addition, notifications can be a huge distraction to other gym-goers, and no one wants to listen to your chatter.
If you need entertainment, listen to some music with the least intrusive headphones possible. Even if you’re in a great mood and planning on having an upbeat workout, remember that it’s important to be courteous and mindful of others. Too loud of music will more than likely disturb everyone around, so be conscious of the volume.
- Don’t skip leg day – ever!
No matter your fitness goals, leg day should never be skipped. Squats and leg press are functional exercises that strengthen the lower body muscles and improve balance. If you’re an aspiring bodybuilder, leg workouts will help you achieve an overall balanced visual aesthetic in your physique.
Strong leg muscles help you to use and control your hips and core to properly perform challenging compound exercises like the squat and deadlift. When we skip leg day, these large muscle groups are unable to contract and lift at their full potential, leading to inefficient training.
Proper form is essential when doing leg day exercises like squats, calf raises, and lunges. Many beginners will unintentionally use their back and not the hips, resulting in back pain; even if you can’t avoid back pain altogether, proper form will help minimize the risk while working on leg development.
- Don’t be a know-it-all
It’s easy to be a ‘know-it-all’ in the gym. You’ve logged in many hours of gym time and you must know what you’re doing right?
Wrong.
Even the most experienced lifters can learn something new from a novice. Adopting a ‘know-it-all’ attitude can alienate your fellow gym-goers and make them feel less comfortable in the gym. Respect the fact that people are at different stages of the fitness journey and learn from them.
If someone is struggling with an exercise technique, don’t go on about how you nailed that same move with perfect form. Instead, be helpful and respectful. Offer advice without being condescending and help them reach their own fitness goals. No one likes someone who brags and makes others feel small – so try to avoid this in the gym.
- Know your limits
As a gym-goer, it’s important to know your limits. Sure, it may seem cool to lift the heaviest weights or do the most difficult workouts, but always keep in mind what’s safe and achievable for your body type and fitness levels. Don’t push the limits and strain your body too much – instead, take things slowly and challenge yourself gradually.
You should also be mindful of the space in the gym. Don’t occupy machines, benches or other pieces of equipment that are being used, and don’t use excessive weights if it will impede the movement of other gym-goers. Be courteous and move on to the next exercise if someone else is waiting for a machine. Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help from an experienced gym-goer, who may be able to show you the correct form for an exercise or offer advice for improving your weights.
- Dress appropriately
It’s important to dress appropriately when you’re at the gym. Make sure you’re wearing clothing that’s comfortable and allows you to move freely while working out. Avoid wearing anything too tight or baggy as this can affect your performance and also make it difficult for you to do the right moves.
Also, ensure you’re wearing the right type of shoes that are suitable for the workout. Wearing the wrong shoes can cause a lot of injuries while lifting weights.
Also, it’s important to wear clean clothing and keep yourself hygienic at the gym. It’s more pleasant to work out in a clean environment, and this hygiene rule will be appreciated by other gym-goers as well.
- Be considerate of others
It is important to be aware of other people when you are in the gym. Make sure that you are not using other people’s equipment, as this can be frustrating for them. If someone is waiting for the equipment that you are using, be courteous and let them go ahead of you.
Also, when lifting weights, keep in mind that if someone is using an area near you, you should make sure that the weights you are using don’t hit them by accident.
Lastly, be considerate of the noise level in the gym. When machines and other equipment are being used, there can be a lot of noise. By being aware of the noise level you can avoid offending other gym members.
- Respect the gym
One of the most important unspoken rules of the gym is to always respect the gym and those who use the gym.
Always respect the gym’s rules and regulations. Doing so will not only make you a better gym member, but it will also keep the gym atmosphere pleasant for everyone.
Knowing your boundaries is another key factor for proper gym etiquette, as well as staying mindful of the different areas within the gym, such as the free weight area, cardio area, and group fitness classes.
Always be aware of the noise level in the gym, as some members may prefer to use the gym in a more peaceful environment. In addition, always clean up after yourself by putting weights and equipment back in their designated places after you’ve finished using them.
If something doesn’t belong to you, never take it without asking permission first. Doing so can be both rude and disrespectful.
Most importantly, be respectful of your fellow gym members, regardless of their fitness level, purpose of being in the gym, or anything else. Treat them the same way you would want to be treated if you were in their spot.
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