I just returned from the gym after an absolutely fantastic workout! Like many of you, I am plugged into my iPod with my Workout playlist going, staying in my zone so I don’t have too many distractions. I try to keep to myself and get my workout done. Unfortunately, some people don’t return the favor. I have noticed a trend lately that I want to bring to your attention so that we all can get the maximum benefit from our workouts without being rude to others. People have brought their cell phones into the gym which is creating some issues that I feel we need to discuss along with a refresher on basic gym etiquette.
I was in the dumbbell area doing some chest and back work, when I noticed a woman walk through holding her cell phone, not talking on it. She headed over to the hanging leg raise machine when an apparent friend showed up to chat. She stood on this machine during their chat that lasted at least 15 minutes. When the friend left, she gets on her cell phone to talk, still standing on the machine. I thought how nice for her that stand was put there special for her to lean on while she chats!
Later, as I was pulling out some 80# pull downs, I was suddenly brought out of my zone by some person who walked right in front of me slowly chatting on their cell phone. Seriously?! I use the mirrors to keep my focus and to make sure I stay in proper form, so I sit facing the mirrors on the pull down machine with the leg braces helping to keep my back straight. As I was pulling down, this person just cruises slowly in front of me with no regard to anyone around him, chatting away. Seriously?! He just continued pacing back and forth, talking on his phone, paying no mind to how he was interrupting my workout.
This was not my first incident with cell phone usage in the gym, and because of that encounter I am now hesitant to ask someone to move or work in. As this person talked on his cell phone, he occupied the pull down seat. Since I was doing a circuit, I asked if I could work in with him since he was talking, and I was promptly told no that he was going to finish first. If any of you know me, you know that my head nearly exploded on the spot!
So, what’s irritating me?
- Cell Phones. Leave them in your locker unless you need to keep it for an emergency or work. You are there to work out, not socialize. We lived quite well not too long ago without technology glued to our ears, and we can still live through an hour without it. If you must use one, then be kind enough to allow your fellow gym patrons to either work in with you, or give the equipment up entirely until you can concentrate on your own workout. Don’t monopolize equipment while you talk.
- Allow Work-Ins. This means that if someone asks to “work-in” with you, they are asking to do a set while you take your break. We learned this in kindergarten – share your toys.
- Don’t Monopolize Equipment. I was preparing for a competition once when this man was using the squat cage. I went and did a few other things, but he was still using it later. I went and asked him how much longer and he told me 5 more sets!! Now, he was squatting hundreds of pounds making a work-in impossible. It’s ridiculous to try and load 8 45# plates on and off. He was there during peak hours. If he was doing a workout where he would only be on one piece of equipment, and knowing the huge load he was using, he should have gone to the gym during off-peak hours. There’s nothing more frustrating than having your workout all planned only to have someone else use the equipment to the exclusion of all others. Also, if you must socialize, step away from the equipment.
- Put the Weights Back. It is so very annoying having to find the last 20# dumbbell when you belong to a huge gym like I do. First you check the rack, and if it’s not there your hunt begins wasting all your time. The other weights to put back are the ones on the bar. Don’t leave plates on bars.
- Don’t Walk Between People and the Mirrors. Contrary to what some believe (and I used to be one of them), people use the mirrors to keep their workouts safe. For instance, I had to ask my gym to put up a mirror in front of the deadlift station so I could watch my back and make sure I was keeping it flat. Sometimes you can see things you need to improve when you can’t always feel it. Oh, and yes, it’s always nice to see your muscles working!
- Clean Up. Take a towel and wipe down equipment when you’re done using it. Better yet, use the gyms sanitized wipes if they have some. Aside from the health aspect of not spreading your germs, it is beyond gross to get to a bench with a big sweat spot where your head is going to be. EWWWW!!!
For more articles on gym etiquette, check out Bodybuilding.com for more information. We are all at the gym to make improvements to our bodies, but that doesn’t mean we leave good manners at the door. You want the most out of your time at the gym along with everyone else, so try to be mindful of others.
