8 Things NOT to do in the gym
Gym etiquette is actually quite a thing believe it or not. Much like polite and courteous proceedings whilst frequenting a restaurant is expected, attending a gym carries with it a variety of not just good practice, but considerate habits. Let me share 8, straight off the top of my head gym ‘no-nos’.
ONE: Don’t head down to the gym to sweat out your head cold. No one else needs to share your germs, snot and phlegm. Stay at home. Rest. The gym won’t miss you. You wont lose your gainz.
TWO: Talking of sweating it out, refrain from leaving your perspiration on every piece of equipment you visit. I know I know, sweat happens, so bring a towel to the gym.
THREE: A gym, no matter how old, new, grungy or shiny is a shared space to develop yourself, for whatever goals and needs you have. However, do not make it the job for other patrons to replace the equipment you just used. If you’re strong enough to use it, put it back on the assigned rack etc.
FOUR: Let’s talk about cameras and smart phones, and whilst at it, tripods, selfie lighting and the rest of the production equipment that seems to be infiltrating the gym space. It’s a gym. It’s for exercising. It’s not your studio. I get it, you may have a live online trainer and you may even be a trainer, but respecting everyone else’s time and space in the gym should be paramount and your prioritised gym etiquette. No one else really wants to be a sub character in your movie or live broadcast, so politely excuse yourself and head off to the quiet corner to conduct your production.
FIVE: I once knew a guy during my time in Australia who suffered from Trimethylaminuria, the somewhat rare condition where his sweat smells rather unpleasant, reminiscent of rotting fish. He tried his best to mask his condition but it was a struggle. Now for the rest of you who don’t suffer from fish Oder syndrome, take care of your personal hygiene prior to visiting the gym. Maybe don’t wear the same T- shirt as last time, use deodorant or perhaps have a wee wash before coming on down.
SIX: Exercising is fantastic in helping reduce stress and managing mental health. Using the gym as your own rage room however is not welcomed conduct. Leave the rage at home and as much as you don’t have to socially interact with other gym users, be courteous enough to not bang the equipment around unnecessarily and curse at everything and everyone in your vicinity.
SEVEN: Here’s a sensitive one… stop staring at people. Long gone are the days of heading down to gym in your baggy shorts and T-shirt. Now there are a myriad of attire options. Being able to move unrestricted is a thing, being proud of what you’ve achieved is totally cool too. Tight fitting, low cut this and high cut that fine. People wear less by the poolside but, BUT, in the gym this does not mean it’s an invitation to stare and ogle at the eye candy! It’s just not cool. Unless you’re asked to of course. Confusing times I guess!?!
EIGHT: Let’s finish with nutrition. The gym is where you exercise wearing appropriate clothing, mop up your sweat, refrain from rage, put the equipment back and respect others space… it’s not an eatery. Feeling a bit peckish might happen from time to time. I get that at myself. Eating a protein ball or banana whilst jogging the bench press is just ick though. Akin to leaving germs on your departure, leaving crumbs and grease is just as disrespectful. Leave it for the changing rooms or reception area if possible.
I could squeeze a few more gym etiquette thoughts out of my head, but this 53 year old aging trainer must move on now and practice what I preach… or go for a snooze!
Till next time, be courteous people xoxo
Jamie
Find me in Limericks cleanest PT Studio, Urban One if you want real results with no pain