I know many of you have made it your New Year’s resolution to get fit. And that’s awesome. For advice on designing and starting a workout, look up my previous columns at TheAQ.net or talk to a personal trainer.
But before you enter a gym or fitness centre you should know about the rules – both spoken and unspoken.
Gym etiquette is a very important part of exercise. You want yourself and others to be in a friendly atmosphere, and think of it this way: Do you really want to piss off someone who is grunting while they bench press double your body weight? I don’t.
The obvious rules are usually written in the gym or are just common sense: Don’t bring your outdoor shoes inside, and don’t talk on your cellphone in the workout area. It can be very distracting, which is dangerous for people lifting large weights. Also, a lot of people feel self-conscious at the gym, and they could be wondering if you’re snapping photos of them.
The “No scents is good sense” rule is vital. And this doesn’t just mean avoid Axe and perfumes for people with allergies (myself being one).It goes to the opposite end of the spectrum.
No one wants to smell a bad case of B.O., and that can be hard to avoid when you’re doing strenuous exercise. My advice is to invest in an anti-perspirant to put on in the mornings. The scent-free kinds are best.
Speaking of sweat, do you feel comfortable sitting on something or grabbing something drenched in someone else’s perspiration? No? Well, then show everyone some courtesy by spraying down and wiping off machines, seats, and grips after you use them.
Not only do you want to stay clean and keep everyone else clean and healthy, but it’s hard to grip something that’s slippery, and you don’t want to drop a heavy weight on yourself.
Now that we’re in the weights territory, I should mention that putting weight plates, dumbbells, and equipment back on their racks should be part of your workout. If you leave them lying around, people can trip and hurt themselves, and other people might have to remove weight plates that they aren’t strong enough to move.
You’ve managed to follow all those rules without interacting with anyone directly, but the final rule I’ll leave you with boils down to politeness. If someone is using a machine or weights that you want and they step away for a moment, ask them if they’re still using it and if it’s alright for you both to switch between sets.
And if you’re resting between a group of exercises, don’t sit on a machine. Other people need to use it, and you don’t want to be a bother. Active resting (skipping or jumping jacks) is way better for you anyway.
Stick to these guidelines and you’ll have a very positive gym experience. I’m rooting for all you newcomers.
Alex Vietinghoff is a certified ski instructor, works at the J.B. O’Keefe Fitness Centre and is currently studying to be a personal trainer through Fitness NB. He is also vice-president student life of the St. Thomas University students’ union. Questions or comments about his column? Contact him at [email protected].
