The Unspoken Rules Of Going To The Gym

1. WIPE. DOWN. THE. GYM. EQUIPMENT.

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This is a shared space, people! Everyone else has the right to be there just as much as you do. And there's nothing worse than going to use a piece of equipment and find it's covered in someone else's sweat. It takes less than 30 seconds to wipe down what you've used and leave it in a nice state for the next person!

2. Please don't record other people at the gym

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Look, we get that gym selfies and workout videos are a hot thing right now. Do we love it, not really, but we understand. If you are going to video yourself, please don't be rude about it. If someone walks in front of your video, don't yell at them. It's their gym space too. And definitely don't record other people for your amusement to post online.

3. Don't move people's stuff without asking

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If you see someone's gym bag or towel or water bottle, and you think it should be somewhere else. Ask around first for the owner, because no one wants your sweaty palms all over their stuff. Of course, if the stuff is in an inconvenient or even dangerous spot, then alert a gym staff member! Just be respectful of people's property!

4. You shouldn't swing kettlebells in a high traffic area

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This is kind of common sense! Kettlebell swings are a fantastic workout, but a lot could go wrong if you're doing them in an area where people are constantly walking. You could seriously injure someone during your swing, or if you were to happen to drop the kettlebell, you could injure yourself or another person.

5. Keep your eyes to yourself

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Even if it's not sexual, it's sometimes easy to find yourself staring at people in the gym. Maybe you're just checking out their form, or you're super impressed by what they're doing. But it's best to try to keep your eyes to yourself. If you're that interested in what someone else is doing, you can politely approach to ask for pointers, but do this with discretion if they don't seem like they want to talk to you!

6. Respect the headphones

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Speaking of talking, be observant if someone has their headphones in. This is a pretty telltale sign that they're focused on their workout and not looking to chat it up. If you need to ask a question, wait until the right moment, because interrupting someone's set can be dangerous if you catch them off guard.

7. If you're listening to music, use your headphones

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We all know, your taste in music is impeccable, but sometimes we don't feel like listening to the Titanic soundtrack while we're pumping iron. If that's what gets you psyched, more power to ya, but maybe throw your headphones on. Be respectful of others at the gym who are maybe listening to their favorite podcast or an album that really gets them hyped.

8. Be a good spotter

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If someone asks you to spot for them, then please make sure you know what you're doing. The safety of both parties, but especially the lifter, depends on it. You can be hands off until they ask you to help them. It's really distracting and unnecessary to be touching the bar the entire time or trying to lift it for them.

9. Do a hygiene check before you enter the gym

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Deodorant exists for a reason. Before you go to the gym, just check that you aren't already stinky. The same goes for your clothes. If they're the same ones you've been working out in all week, it's likely time to throw on some fresh clothes before you head to a shared space. Your fellow gym-goers will be appreciative!

10. Make sure you do a good warm-up

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They say that warming up and stretching is just as important as the actual workout. Making sure you take the time to stretch beforehand helps to prevent injuries. Most gyms have a designated area with mats for this so that you're not in the way. It's also great to stretch or foam roll after your workout.

11. Asking someone if you can work in with them

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So you see someone using the equipment you want to use. If they don't have headphones in, and they're not in the middle of a set, maybe you're thinking of asking them if you can "work in." Before you do so, make sure it makes sense for both of you, and ask yourself if you can get the same workout using other equipment already available. If it's green flags all around, then go ahead and ask!

12. Try to keep the noise making in check

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Yes, lifting weights is hard work, and sometimes when you're focused on what you're doing and trying to breathe, the noises just come out. But try to keep the breathing in check and keep the grunting and moaning to a minimum. The same goes for excessive swearing and dropping the weights when you're done.

13. Speaking of weights, know your weight limit

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If you have to throw your weights, drop your weights or otherwise make a scene when you're finishing a set, you're likely lifting too heavy. This can damage the weights, the gym floor, and cause injury to yourself. It's actually not beneficial from a gains perspective to lift in this manner anyways!

14. If you're trying to do a circuit, follow this rule

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If you want to do a circuit set, then try to pick a few things that are close together. If the gym is super busy, it's probably not a good time to try to set up a circuit. When your circuit is too spread out, you run the likelihood that someone will think the equipment is free, and that will frustrate both you and the other person.

15. Make sure equipment is free before taking it

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If you're looking to use the barbell, just do a quick scan to make sure it's actually free. Is there a towel laid out or personal belongings nearby? Before you unload the barbell, just make sure it's available. It's also okay to check with someone if they're not in the middle of a set to see what the situation is.

16. Don't be afraid to ask for help

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The gym staff workers are there for a reason. If you have a question about how something works or a particular gym etiquette, the staff can definitely help you out. Most of them are trained in physical health and fitness to some degree. If they can't help you, most regular gym-goers are also happy to answer a couple questions, but just look for someone who doesn't have headphones in!

17. Use a towel

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If you know that you're prone to sweat like your own personal sauna, then it might be a good idea to bring your own towel to the gym or pick one up at the front desk on your way in. Of course, we're all good gym members who wipe down the equipment, but the towel provides an extra barrier and helps to keep you from dripping all over the treadmill or the person you're spotting.

18. Please don't fart in the open gym

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We get it. You're working out and your body is responding. Stuff is moving around in there. But please, if you have to fart, we beg you to go to the bathroom/locker room to do so. There are enough smells already permeating the gym area without adding those into the mix, so it's for the greater good!

19. Unload the bar and squat rack safely

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It may feel annoying to have to walk back and forth, but you need to unload the rack taking a single plate at a time off each side. If you unload one side in its entirety while the other side is full, you're going to create a dangerous situation! It can easily flip sideways and injure you and anyone else in the way.

20. Try not to hog the mirror

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Everyone is trying to check themselves out when they're working out. It's human nature. But even if you wanna keep an eye on your form, just try to be courteous about it. Don't take up an entire space to the point where no one else can also see what they're doing, and definitely don't walk in front of someone who's already checking the mirror!

21. Don't occupy equipment if you're on your phone

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Phones are useful at the gym, whether you're writing down your workouts or using the timer. But if you're resting in-between sets, don't hog equipment while you're scrolling social media. If you need to have a conversation on the phone, please step to the side somewhere so that not everyone has to listen to you argue with your boss!

22. Don't talk to someone who's getting ready to lift

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Deadlifts and squats take a bit of mental and physical preparation. If you see someone preparing to do these types of exercises, it's probably not a good idea to use that moment to strike up a conversation. If they're facing the bar looking serious, it's best to save the chat for later.

23. It's okay to save equipment under certain circumstances

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Okay, you finally got the dumbbells you've been waiting to use. If you need to step away for a second, it's okay to place your towel over them, so people know that you're going to use them as soon as you get back from grabbing a drink of water. But please don't do this if you're going to be gone for 10 minutes or more when someone else could be getting a set in!

24. Eating and drinking etiquette

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Of course, you need to stay hydrated. Maybe you like to drink your protein shake. Beyond this, it's probably best if you save your food and drinks for after your workout. I've been running on the treadmill next to someone who's eating an entire meal while on the elliptical. Honestly, just save it for later!

25. Be mindful of personal space

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The gym can get crowded sometimes, and sometimes there's no other choice than to take the treadmill right next to someone. But if the space allows, try to spread out and give people the space they need to get a good workout in. This especially goes in the free weights area. If someone's doing squats or utilizing a bench, try to not work out right on top of them.

26. Don't drown yourself in cologne

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While it's important to not smell BAD at the gym, there's also an issue when people pour cologne, body spray or perfume all over themselves before heading into this shared space. Even if your gym crush is there, it's not a good idea to make other people have headaches or feel nauseous because of your choices!

27. You don't have to work out right in front of the weights rack

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Sometimes it feels convenient to grab the weights you need and then pick a spot nearby to start doing your bicep curls. But just remember that other people need to access the weight rack too, so there might be a better spot for your to stand. If you do choose to stand there, then don't be annoyed if you get interrupted!

28. Don't start conversations in the locker room NAKED

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You just really need to tell someone about your day or ask someone about their workout. That's totally fine, but it's super awkward to approach anyone at the gym in the locker room when you're not clothed. I'm speaking from experience. It's just really uncomfy, and the conversation can wait until you've put some pants on!

29. Don't give people unsolicited advice

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The only exception to this is if someone is in immediate danger. You might see someone doing something wrong, and it takes everything in you to not correct their form. But in reality, you don't know someone's goals or previous injuries where they might have to modify an exercise, so it's best to just keep that stuff to yourself!

30. Re-rack your damn weights!

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The amount of times I've had to go hunting for a set of 15s. Please, please re-rack your weights in the proper spot when you're finished. Once again, the gym is a communal space, and it functions best when we all help each other out. We're all adults here, so please clean up after yourself!