Don’t be a jerk in the gym – Weight room etiquette

If you don’t have equipment at home and go to a gym instead, you may have noticed that gym goers can be quite rude at times! Try to be a better person and make the gym a friendlier place by following three simple rules of weight room etiquette:

Three rules of etiquette in the weight room

1. Don’t be a cardio addict!

Imagine rushing from work to the gym, and all you want to do is get a 30-minute workout on the treadmill, only to find that the machines are already in use. Okay, you think, I can wait. You sit patiently waiting for your turn and then 30 minutes go by, then 40, and the same people are still using the equipment, despite seeing you sitting there waiting for them! It’s frustrating when this happens, and for that reason, it’s good manners to only use the cardio equipment for 20 to 30 minutes if people are waiting.

2. Don’t be a weight pig!

Same as above, I see this all the time. A weight lifter has his own little circuit going. You will rotate between the cable machine, bench press, and free weights, resting between sets. You go to use the cable machine and he goes, “Hey, I’m using that!” So instead you go to bench press and he’s like, “I still have one more set on that one.” Okay dude, now you’re getting on my nerves!

Look, if you want to use equipment exactly when and how you want, consider buying a bench and cable machine for your home. Using a busy gym and taking all the equipment hostage until you finish your own workout is pretty rude!

3. Cleaning team

It only takes thirty seconds and makes a huge difference in the quality of the gym. No one wants to lie down in someone’s head sweat, or on a mat covered in back sweat. Hey! Keep the gym clean and fresh by using the provided cleaning solution and a towel or paper towel.

Everyone must work together to make the gym a friendly and enjoyable experience. Without the cooperation of all members, the gym and the experience as a whole really suffers.

Be polite!