Etiquette Everyday ~ Recreation

Manners Do's and Don'ts at the Gym

During the winter months, the gym is usually busier and more crowded. Exercising at a health club or fitness center calls for considering those around you. Here’s how:

• This is the number one “do” and the most important etiquette rule at the gym:
  Wipe up your sweat, please! This includes mats and machines. Keep a towel with you at all times. No one wants to sit or lie in someone else’s sweat.
• Don’t hog the weight machines.
  When others want to use them, agree to rotate your sets.
• Do reset the weight machines back to a low setting.
  Otherwise, the next person may have to spend resetting them—or worse—could injure themselves by trying to lift a weight that’s too heavy.
• Do limit your time on the treadmill or other cardio machines to 20-30 minutes if others are waiting for a turn.
• Don’t flirt.
  If you’re into flirting, and you find a receptive party, flirt only when you won’t be disturbing others around you. If you try to strike up a conversation with someone you find attractive and he or she gives you the brush off (no matter how politely), drop your overture then and there.
• Don’t stare. Staring makes people very uncomfortable and most people want to work out unnoticed. If another person becomes aware of your “look” then you are looking too hard.
• Do obey the fitness center’s rules.
  These may include wearing correct workout shoes, not using cell phones, and signing in at the front desk.
• Do think about how you smell!
  Arrive clean, remember to apply deodorant, and lay off the perfume and cologne (the aromas get stronger as you work up a sweat).
• Be careful using sprays in the locker room. Out of concern for members with asthma or allergies, limit the use of perfumes, hairsprays and other spray products to a minimum.
• Don’t be late for personal training sessions and group fitness classes.
• Do your part to keep the gym and locker room clean.
  Keep your clothes and other personal items stored in lockers. Clean up after yourself in the showers, sinks, and changing areas. Deposit used towels in their receptacles.

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