When it comes to going to the gym, the rules are easy to follow. For newcomers, they might think there is a secret gym etiquette, but it is about keeping everyone safe from heavy equipment and not acting like every piece of equipment in the gym belongs to you. If you’re thinking of joining a gym here are 10 gym etiquette rules you should never break.
1. Rerack Your Weights
This might seem like a no brainer, but the number of people who don’t rerack their weights is shocking. Not only is re-racking your weights the polite thing to do for fellow gym-goers and staff, but it also helps prevent people from tripping over weights that are left on the floor. The same goes if you’re using a machine, don’t leave it loaded with all your weights. Just think, you’re not going to want to stop your workout to off-load someone else’s weight, so give everyone else that same respect.
2. Clean Up After Yourself
Yes, it is the gym, and people get sweaty, but that doesn’t mean you need to leave your sweat everywhere you go. Make sure to wipe down all equipment you use after using it, and gyms typically have numerous cleaning supplies throughout their gym to help you do this. At the same time if you know you sweat a little more than others, bring a towel along to wipe down weights or squat racks that you’ve left your mark on. Not only will this help the prevention of germs and illnesses from being spread, but it is also the right thing to do.
3. Don’t Hog the Equipment – 10 Gym Etiquette Rules You Should Never Break
Everyone comes to the gym for the same goal, to use the equipment and get in shape. While some hours are more popular than others you should be aware of your surroundings and realize when people are waiting to use the same rack as you. Be courtesy and make sure to do your workout in a timely fashion instead of hogging it for over thirty minutes because you decided to check Instagram a few times.
4. Back-Up from the Dumbbells
There is nothing wrong with heading to the dumbbells but make sure when you grab them, step away from the rack and do your workout in a different area. Nothing is worse than trying to grab dumbbells and being afraid someone is going to hit you right in the chin when they’re doing a fly.
5. Try Not to Drop the Weights
Some gyms have rules against this but dropping weights can be intimidating to newcomers to the gym or people who are just there to workout. People understand that it happens, you’re deadlifting 450 pounds and that thing is massive, but there is no reason to throw dumbbells around, that’s just annoying.
6. Don’t Block the Mirror -10 Gym Etiquette Rules You Should Never Break
The mirror is there for a reason and some gym-goers like looking at themselves while they’re lifting. This isn’t because they are vain, it’s mainly to ensure they’re lifting with proper form. The last thing they want to see is your sweaty back in their line of vision, so be aware of your surrounds and don’t block anyone who is watching themselves.
7. Never Make Fun of Someone Else
This shouldn’t have to be said but never make fun of someone else who is working out. Don’t send secret Snapchats to your friends, don’t post on your Instagram story, that is invading someone else’s privacy and honestly just plain rude. People go to the gym to try and better themselves and you are not one to judge, so if you have nothing nice to say or do, leave the gym.
8. Avoid Excessive Grunting
Nothing is more annoying than being able to hear someone’s grunt through your headphones. Yes, lifting heavy weights is hard and sometimes a grunt or two may escape, but do you need to be screaming in the back of the gym? Beware of the sound levels you are producing and try to keep the grunting to a minimum.
9. Keep Your Songs in Your Head
Your music is pumping, and you’re feeling great about your workout, but that doesn’t mean you’re auditioning to join American Idol. When you’re doing your exercise, make sure to keep your tunes in your head and don’t belt them out for the entire gym to hear.
10. Minimize Your Phone Conversations – 10 Gym Etiquette Rules You Should Never Break
If your phone happens to ring while at the gym, that’s cool, try to keep your conversation short and sweet, so you don’t interrupt the people around you. If you need to answer your phone, do it away from the workout area and take it in the lobby or locker room.
There you have it, a few simple rules to follow while you’re getting your workout on in the gym. Hopefully, these rules help you the next time you visit the gym.
This article originally appeared on Flyost.com.