Every gym has stereotypical meatheads and the select few who don’t know how to use the machines.
They are almost impossible to escape, no matter what gym you attend.
Abiding by these guidelines will make the gym a great place for all.
Use deodorant
Yeah, everybody sweats at the gym.
However, when you’re sweating, your body odor needs to be in check.
Use deodorant and check that you’re not scaring anyone away because of poor hygiene.
Pro tip: keep a spare stick of deodorant in your workout bag.
Any time you finish with a machine, wipe it down.
Most gyms provide cleaning supplies on the floor specifically for this reason, so there’s no excuse.
You don’t want to start using a machine that someone else hasn’t cleaned, right?
Don’t be that person.
Sure, be excited about hitting a new goal or crushing your last set.
But don’t be so excited that everyone thinks you’re on steroids.
Don’t drop the weights
Never, ever drop your weights on the floor!
Not only is this noisy, but it’s also incredibly dangerous.
Most gyms have somewhat bouncy floors, so when you drop a weight, it will travel somewhere.
It could hit another patron or crash into a mirror both of which we’ve seen.
You don’t want that.
When you’re done with your weights, place them down.
Don’t channel your inner Tarzan and throw stuff.
Re-rack your weights
Speaking of weights, put them back in their rightful place!
But when people don’t re-rack, weights go missing and no one can find anything.
It’s not hard just do it.
Respect everyone’s time
Have you ever had to wait around because all the ellipticals were taken?
Yeah, it’s not fun.
If you’re on a machine, don’t hang out on it all day.
Don’t be a jerk
Feeling judged or intimidated at the gym is horrible.
The point of working out is to feel better, not worse.
We’ve even been anxious to try new classes for fear of someone judging us.
Don’t make fun of people or take pictures of them, like thenow-infamous Dani Mathersdid.
Don’t judge others who are doing what they can to better themselves!
That’s just mean.
Help others out
See someone struggling with their set?
Befriending people in the gym is great, and you may find a new workout partner.
Don’t use your phone
The gym is for working out.
Not phone calls, texting, selfies, or whatever else is happening on your unit.
Definitely don’t be that person who “works out” and takes selfies in everyone’s space.
But there are some things you should not wear to the gym.
It’s safe to say jeans and flip flops are not appropriate exercise attire.
Neither are dresses or skirts.
Wear workout clothes: leggings, shorts, sports bras, T-shirts, tanks, and tennis shoes.
