What is Gym Etiquette? Don't Be That Guy

18 Sep 2024

Let’s be honest, you go to the gym to work on yourself, to transform your body into a glorious temple of sweat and achievement. But there’s a dark side to this pursuit of physical perfection, a lurking menace that haunts every weight rack and treadmill – bad gym etiquette.

We’ve all seen them, the creatures of comfort in their crusty old t-shirts, the ones who treat the water fountain like their personal spittoon, the weight hogs who guard their dumbbells with a territorial snarl. Yes, these are the villains of our story, the ones who turn a simple workout into a test of patience and a masterclass in passive-aggressive sighing.

But fear not, dear reader, for there is a better way. Just like there’s an unspoken language of the weights, a secret handshake between those who bench press their own body weight, there’s an unspoken code of conduct, a social contract that separates the gym newbies from the seasoned veterans. This, my friends, is the gospel of gym etiquette.

It’s not written in some ancient scroll, or etched on the side of a protein shake bottle. It’s passed down through generations of iron pumpers, whispered between sets and demonstrated in the respectful nod of a fellow gym-goer. And trust us, you want to be on the right side of this unspoken agreement. Because bad gym etiquette isn't just about looking clueless, it’s about respect, hygiene, and basic human decency.

So, whether you’re a newbie stepping into the iron jungle for the first time, or a seasoned lifter who needs a refresher course in common courtesy, consider this your guide to navigating the treacherous terrain of gym etiquette. It’s time to ditch the cluelessness and embrace the art of being a gym citizen everyone can tolerate, maybe even… respect.

First things first, let’s talk about the holy grail of gym etiquette: wiping down your equipment. You’ve just conquered the elliptical, your face is a beautiful tapestry of sweat and determination. Now, for the love of all that is good and holy, wipe down the machine! No one wants to inherit your sweat symphony, it’s just gross.

Next up, the weight room, where egos are inflated and dumbbells are dropped like it’s nobody’s business. This is a sacred space, people! Treat it with respect. That means re-racking your weights. Leaving a trail of dumbbells scattered around like confetti after a weightlifting party is a one-way ticket to Gym Offender Island.

And for those who think the gym is their personal phone booth, put. the. phone. down! We’re not here to judge your TikTok dance moves or listen to your latest drama with Brenda from accounting. This is a place of focus, of pushing boundaries and achieving greatness, not broadcasting your life to the world.

Now, let's talk about the unspoken hierarchy of the gym. Just like you wouldn’t ask a stranger on the street for relationship advice (unless you’re feeling particularly bold), there’s a time and a place for unsolicited advice at the gym. Unless someone is about to seriously injure themselves or others, keep your well-intentioned tips to yourself.

And lastly, the golden rule of gym etiquette: respect the space. That means not hogging equipment, not blasting your music through your headphones like you’re headlining Coachella, and for the love of all that is fit, don't do your bicep curls in the squat rack.

So there you have it, a crash course in the do’s and don'ts of gym etiquette. It’s not rocket science, people. It’s about being considerate, hygienic, and respectful of the shared space. Now go forth and be the best gym citizen you can be! Your fellow gym-goers (and the poor souls who have to clean up after you) will thank you for it.