Written with love, by Nikki Lian
So you’ve just joined a new gym and you are well on your way to a more healthy lifestyle. Here are a few things you may want to avoid to prevent yourself from becoming that member at the gym with a bad reputation. Or, you can relate to some of the struggles we deal with as gym goers on an every day basis. Here’s what to do and what not to do to make your gym experience a good one.
Wipe Down the Machines
Sometimes I forget my gym towel - I’m only human. But I haven’t been to a gym in the past five years where I haven’t seen towel dispensers and disinfectant spray. So when you’re working your booty off and sweating all over the machine, make sure you clean up after yourself. The gym is a cesspool of germs and bacteria, so I suggest you wipe them down before your workout as well.
Ear Buds In Means “Do Not Disturb"
I’ve done my research. After speaking to many gym-goers the majority feel the same way. They have their ear buds in for a reason, and it’s not just to fire themselves up with their tunes--it’s so nobody with bother them. I’ve actually put my ear buds in before without turning on my iPod, because I just don’t want to talk to anybody while I’m in the zone. Asking how many reps someone has left is one thing, but striking up an entire conversation is another. Some people are talkers, and that takes away from a person’s workout. So although you may have good intentions, leave ‘em alone.
Don’t Hog the Machines
Don’t start your set and then decide to answer a phone call while leaving your towel and water there to “claim” or “reserve” the machine. This drives me nuts. There were occasions where I jumped in, did my three sets and went on my way while the person still had their stuff parked by the machine. This goes for free weights and benches as well. Most of us don’t have all day to wait for you to finish posting your selfie on Facebook to finish our workout. This also leads to another issue…
Don’t Hog the Sink
I walked into a gym locker room to use the restroom. When I was finished, I went over to wash my hands, realizing there were two people waiting to use the sink. There were two sinks, but someone decided to spread all of their toiletries on one like they were at home. So don’t hog the sink, especially if there are only two. You’re sharing the bathroom with all the other members paying the same price as you are every month. Let us wash our hands.
Just remember, actions speak louder than words sometimes. Maybe someone will see you wiping down your elliptical when you’re done and remember to do it themselves, or watch you put the weights back when you’re finished with your circuit and decide they need to re-rack their weights in the correct spot as well. Etiquette can be contagious! So get your sweat on and have a mean workout while being a model member of your gym.
