Gym Etiquette 101

Ask any 'veteran' of the gym, and they'll tell you that there are unspoken laws of conduct that should be followed when working out. To some new gym-goers and health club enthusiasts, such covert expectations may seem a little daunting or even unnecessary. However, with the continual growth of the health & fitness industry, and the ever-increasing expansion of gym and health club memberships with novice gym 'virgins', gym etiquette has become a lost code of practice.

However, part of the problem in defining gym-floor etiquette is that most gyms and health clubs expect, and leave it up to, their members to know which behaviours are acceptable, and which ones aren't.

And let's face it - Violating gym etiquette is something that everyone has done at some point in their work-out. It can be an honest mistake, or a blatant act of defiance (I'm just as guilty as anyone else from occasionally making an infraction of good etiquette). But I am an honest gym-goer, and so I decided that I should create the '10 Commandments' of gym-floor etiquette to serve as a guide and reminder to us all during our work-outs. Spread the word, email this blog to your friends, co-workers and associates.

Together, we can make the gym a better place, just remember this simple equation:

Good Gym Etiquette = Common Sense + Good Manners + Observation

Gym Etiquette 101

1. "Thou Shalt Not Horde" This is certainly one of my biggest personal pet peeves. You see it all the time - people grabbing 2,3 or more sets of dumbells, sitting down at a bench, and denying other people the chance to use them. The worst part is that they may not even need to use a certain set for an appreciable amount of time, but instead of sharing the weights, they'll protectively horde them. When the gym floor is very quiet, such as off-peak times or when there are very few other members around, this is acceptable. Otherwise, just use what you immediately need.
2. "Be Kind To Thy Neighbour" As a follow-on to rule #1, be gracious and allow other gym-goers the opportunity to share equipment that you may currently be using. Often known as "working-in", during a rest period, let the other person jump on for a set. Remember how it feels when you need to use a piece of equipment that someone else is using. Inevitably, allowing someone to jump on for a set in between your own will have no damaging effect to your work-out, and may even encourage you to rest for less time, thereby increasing your workout intensity.
3. "Return Them from Whence They Came" Everyone should at least know to return any weights to their appropriate weight-tree or cradle after finishing with them, often because this is likely to be the only sign that a gym or health club will post as to gym-floor etiquette. Remember how irritating it can be when you have to strip the weight off a piece of equipment before you can use it?
4. "Thou Shalt Not Block Thy View" The official purpose of having mirrors in a gym is to allow the person to check their form and to see the effect that a particular exercise is having on their body. It always angers me when someone quite unnecessarily obstructs my view of myself in the mirror or simply decides to work-out directly in front of me. It distracts from my focus when I have to stare into the back of someone (or worse). Wherever it is possible, allow a free line of sight to the person(s) behind you.
5. "Thy Cell-Phone Should Stay Silent" Personally, when I work out, I cut out all possible distractions that could impede my progress. Unless you're expecting an urgent phone call, refrain from bringing them on the gym-floor, and if you must keep one with you, step outside or away from other gym goers. Most certainly, do not continue to talk and monopolise any equipment whilst having your discussion
6. "Thou Shalt Not Sew In A Circle" When you workout, you should be focused and concentrating on the task at hand. It's great when you workout with your friends and colleagues, but if you want a social, go and get a coffee somewhere. Few things frustrate me more than a group of people, standing around the equipment, talking and not using it.
7. "Thou Shalt Wipe Down The Equipment" Sweating is a natural, healthy physiological response to exercise - just make sure you don't leave yours behind on the equipment when you're finished using it. Get in the habit of bringing a towel, or even just a wipe down with paper towels is preferable to doing nothing.
8. "Allow Other's To Drink From The Well" I can't stand this one - in between sets, I'll often grab a sip of water, takes a few seconds. If you have a bottle to fill, that's fine, but take a look behind you when you do. If no one's waiting, go ahead. But if there's someone else waiting without a bottle, chances are they'll take a few sips and be on their way. Allow these people to jump ahead of you before you take the time to fill your bottle.
9. "Thou Must Check Before Thou Uses" O.k, so how are you to know if someone is using a piece of equipment if they aren't standing by it? Simple: Stop. Look around. If there are other gym users near by, ask them if they've seen anyone using the equipment recently. If someone is using it, ask them if you can 'work-in with them'. If they are gym savvy, they should say "yes". Otherwise, wait until they finish.
10. "Keep Thy Music Down" Some people like listening to Hip-Hop. Others, R n' B. Heavy Rock is another popular choice. Personally I like listening to 80's power ballads. Whatever you're taste in music, make sure you keep it to yourself. It's very irritating when I'm trying to focus on an upcoming set of heavy lifting when Lady GaGa is meowing out of someone else's head phones.

Remember: "Not Everyone Can Be The Best, But Everyone Can Be The Best That They Can Be"