Everyone is pretty chilled in the gym but there are some sure-fire ways to piss people off. Follow these tips to avoid any beginner mistakes.
Wipe down the equipment
This is probably the biggest mistake newbies can make at the gym. Smashing out some bench press only to leave a puddle of back sweat for the next person to clean up is a big no-no.
Even worse is leaving a pile of arse sweat behind after doing leg press. Use a gym towel to soak up your sweat. Lay it across the bench or the seat of the machine. This is a good start, but all gyms have cleaning stations dotted around the machines. Take some paper towel, spray on the disinfectant and wipe down the machine where your body has contacted it. This is noticed by other people in the gym.
Return equipment
If you take free weights from a rack or a medicine ball from the shelf, put it back when finished.
Mirror mirror on the wall
Gym rats like to watch themselves in the mirror to ensure they keep the correct form. That and they enjoy watching themselves in the mirror…Never stand in front of a mirror gazer, they won’t be happy.
Right spot
There is a right spot for each exercise in the gym so don’t take up the squat rack doing sit-ups. Don’t set up your bicep curls in a common walkway.
Share
Gyms can get crowded, so play nice if someone asks if they can ‘work in’ with your sets. This means they use the machine while you are resting. And then you use it when they are resting. If you are the one asking, make sure you put the weight back to what the person you are working into was lifting.
The grunter
No one wants to hear your excessive grunts and groans. Keep them for the bedroom.
Headphones
If someone is wearing headphones, it means they are not in the mood for a chat. Respect it.
Giving advice
Unless someone asks you for help don’t give unwanted advice or talk about their form (how they are lifting). That’s what the personal trainers are for. If someone is clearly new to the gym and looks unsure, you can offer some help. If they say ‘no’ then walk away.
Personal space
It’s tempting to take the cardio bike behind the hot chick running on the treadmill but if there are other machines free then give her some space. Don’t be pervy.
Phone
Use it for music, not for chatting to friends mid-workout.
Multiple machines
Don’t claim multiple machines at the same time. Pick a machine, do your sets and move on.
Taking too long
Don’t sit on the same machine for 30 minutes scrolling on your phone. Get your 3 sets in with 1-2 minute rest intervals and move on.
Filming
Never film in the changerooms even if they have the best mirrors. This is a huge invasion of privacy.
Getting filmed
Be aware of people filming and avoid the space. It should be banned in gyms, but it happens. You don’t want to end up on Tik Tok.
Don’t stare
With all the beutiful bodies and revealing gym wear, it’s hard not to stare. Make a conscious effort not to make anyone uncomfortable by looking too much in their direction.
Towel
Don’t leave your towel or water bottle behind on a machine. This indicates someone is using it.
Gym rules
Each gym has a different set of rules. Make sure you know them. There might be time limits on the cardio machines.
Shoes
Wear enclosed shoes to protect your feet (and others from your sock smell).
Hygiene
Wear clean athletic clothes each visit. Don’t keep wearing the same manky t-shirt all week. Use deoderant and be aware of your own manstank. Two showers a day to keep fresh (see the manscaping articles).