I get it. When we’re at the gym we like to tune out the world and focus on doing some work. When we’re working out, we get in the zone and go at our own pace. That being said, we all like to feel good while working out but sometimes we may be making ourselves comfortable at the expense of someone else’s comfort.
That’s why we’re throwing together this list of ways to be considerate of your fellow gym-goer, because at the end of the day we’re all there for the same reason- to feel good about ourselves!
Don’t Hog the Machines
This one might be circumstantial, but 9 times out of 10, the person hogging a machine or bench is the one taking selfies or just admiring themselves in the mirror. If you have an exercise to do, do it! Believe it or not, you’re not the only one who needed to use that piece of equipment that day.
I’m not talking about a small rest between sets, I mean spending ten minutes to check your Instagram feed or to take gym selfies.
Wait Your Turn
Similarly, if you need to use a machine but someone is already using it, just wait your turn. Honestly, all you have to do is ask the person how many more sets they have left for them to get the message. Don’t be that guy/girl who wants to get some sets done in between the other person’s. First off, that’s gross. Second, it won’t kill you to wait five minutes.
It’s not that big of a deal, bro!
Don’t Call Attention to Yourself
Every gym I’ve ever been a member of always has that one group of people who regularly call attention to themselves by blatantly slamming the weights or talking at an absurd volume. They want everyone in the gym to know that they are meat-heads and that they can lift more than you can.
I’ve also noticed that these are the guys (and they’re always guys) who are at the gym 3-5 times a week. This either means they have a lot of free time, don’t have jobs, or that the gym is the only place where they can feel superior to everyone around them. Don’t fall for their trickery.
Wipe Down the Equipment After Using It
This one should be a no-brainer. Most gyms have signage that tells you to wipe down the machines after you’re done using them, but 90% of people don’t! Seriously people. We’re grown adults here. We wouldn’t want to rub our bare skin on a bench covered in someone else’s sweat, so why expose someone else to ours? It’s just common courtesy.
Here’s a tip: As soon as you get in the gym, grab a paper towel and spray it with that stuff that they have in the containers and just carry it with you. Use it to wipe down everything you use after you’re done. It’s that simple.
Re-Rack Your Weights
I’ll admit that I’m guilty of leaving some plates on the ground after I’m done with them but for the most part I try to re-rack them. I know it’s a pain in the butt, but the racks are like two inches from you and it doesn’t really seem cool to let the employees do it. I know it’s their job, but don’t be a jerk.
Be Considerate of Your Surroundings
If you have an exercise or stretch to do that requires a little bit more of a radius, seek out a spot in the gym that won’t keep someone else from doing what they need to do. If I’m being honest, I’m writing this part specifically for the guy who comes to my gym that just has to do his bicycle kicks in the middle of the free-weight floor. Just move to the empty side, dude!
Don’t Make Others Feel Uncomfortable
Lastly, don’t make someone feel like dirt because of what they’re lifting or how they’re doing a particular exercise. Everyone works at their own pace and you were in their shoes at one point too. Don’t stare at the girls doing squats either. That’s just common sense. Let people work on themselves without having to worry about people judging them for wanting to better themselves.
So that’s it. If you follow at least one of these tips then you’re making someone else’s gym session a little more bearable. Also, I apologize if I came off a little harsh. Cleary I had a reason to write this article.
Got some more tips you’d like to give? Tell us in the comments!
