How to Not Be Intimidated at the Gym
As you might, ahem, remember, last week I blasted Jackie Warner’s book pretty badly. I wasn’t meaning to blast her per se , or really even the book, but rather have a discussion about the word “fat.” I will admit though that Jackie lost the limelight to my soapbox rant. So, today, we’re giving her some love by featuring a piece she wrote on proper gym etiquette—basically how to be a well-behaved, confident FBG in the gym. Read on my lovelies!
Gym Etiquette
If anybody knows about proper gym etiquette, it’s me. I own a gym and have to constantly stay on top of my staff to follow the rules. A lot of clients tell me that they’re intimidated by gyms because they feel they don’t know how to use the equipment or feel they are out of place, in the way. Part of feeling comfortable in the gym is knowing the rules of a gym. I’ll clear up a few of these for you, so you can go into any gym with confidence.
Learn the proper operation of equipment. If you’re unsure of how something works, ask for assistance.
Pick up after yourself. Put your weights away. The next people in line don’t want to hunt around for the weights they need or, worse yet, try to remove the weights you left out.
Allow people to “work in.” Many people do multiple sets on the weight machines, then sit on the equipment during their recovery time. If someone is waiting to use the same machine, the proper etiquette is to allow her to work in or do her set while you recover. So do your set, get off, and let the other person work in. Don’t be shy about asking someone if you can work in, either. However, don’t work in if there are already two people waiting to use the same equipment.
Don’t drop weights. Not only is dropping weights dangerous for your toes, but it damages the equipment and the floor. The rule of thumb is: If you can lift it, you can put it down gently.
Observe time limits on cardio equipment. Some gyms have time limits (usually thirty minutes) on the cardio equipment (treadmills, elliptical trainers, stationary bikes, and so on), especially during peak hours. If you see people waiting around to use your type of machine, be especially conscious of the time limit.
Wipe your sweat off the equipment. Gyms are notorious places for spreading nasty germs like staph infections, so practice good hygiene. And always lay a towel on the equipment to protect yourself.
Don’t disturb other gym-goers. The gym can be a great place to meet other healthy people. But don’t be too chatty. You are there to work to intensity. Stay focused on your goals.
Awesome tips, Jackie! Any other beginners pointers you readers have for health club newcomers? —Jenn
Comments
A much needed article! Amazing when people leave the weights on the bench press, assuming the next person will be able to take them off. So much bad etiquette at the gym, something like this needs to be posted.
i never know if you’re supposed to talk to or acknowledge other gym goers. i don’t go to a public gym (our workout room is in our apartment building) and on average there’s no more than 5 people in there at any given time so you can’t exactly hide. are you supposed to say hello as you step on the treadmill or just look straight ahead and do-yo-thang?
does anyone know? 🙂
Excellent advice!
I’ll add don’t let a person’s size or intensity intimidate you- I’ve found that the strongest people are actually the most accommodating because they are confident, and they respect your effort. Also if your exercise doesn’t require a certain area or piece of equipment, don’t block access to that spot.
Working out can be sort of like driving or dancing: After a while you learn to flow with the people around you at the same time you’re doing your own thing.
Positive Massage Therapy
Thanks for the information! I just joined a gym that I have been avoiding because I am lost there. Thanks again and I love your blog!
It’s also important to wear something comfortable that makes you feel good about how you look while working out. The website http://www.bodywearboutique.com carries a lot of great lines like Beyond Yoga, Margarita and Bia Brazil and they have the best sports bras.
Don’t spread your stuff around – everyone has a drink bottle, towel etc – keep it. Close to you. Went to use a machine recently, that looked free, was stopped by a guy that said he still had a couple sets to go (fair enough), he then moved his stuff off the seat of the machine next to his so that I could use that one instead.
If you do want to work in with someone ask nicely – and don’t ask them mid set!! Had a guy lean over the top of me mid-set on leg press to ask how long I was going to be. Mid-set! (I did not let hi. Work in – after that, frankly he can wait!). Had another guy recently try and grab the bar I was deadlifting – admittedly was on a 60sec rest, but was standing no more than 5 feet away from it, with towel, water etc sitting on the floor right beside it. The really annoying thing was that there were plenty of other bars around not in use (after I suggested he use one of those instead, he set up another bar – and then didn’t even use it, just left it sitting there!).
Phew – rant over!
I have a plan going to gym to lose some of my weights, maybe next month. Thanks for this article entitled “Gym Etiquette”, I really need this because I’ll be going there alone and I don’t wanna be a burdensome or annoying one. As of now, my one way in losing weight is, intake my health supplement.
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