Gym Etiquette
Here are some pointers pulled from the website and my own personal experience - just do your best to be respectful and considerate, and you're good to go!
Health & Hygiene
Sanitize all equipment after use.
Look for metal sanitizing-wipe dispensers located throughout the Fitness Center.
In Section IV, use the spray bottle to lightly mist mats.
If a dispenser or bottle is empty, please let the front desk know!
Please don't be known as the person who doesn't wipe their equipment down.
If you are bleeding from an injury, see the front desk to clean and cover it.
If you have symptoms of a contagious illness, don't come in until you're symptom-free for 24 hours.
What to Wear
Clean full-length t-shirt or tank top
Closed-toed athletic shoes
Crocs don't count as athletic footwear!
Shoe-less lifting is NOT allowed for safety and hygienic reasons .
Even though I like to squat heavy without shoes for better bodily awareness, I endorse this guideline.
No inappropriate/offensive graphics or language
Equipment & Etiquette
If a part is loose or something's broken/doesn't seem right, tell the front desk staff.
Things can't be fixed if they don't know it's broken!
Don't rest bars/weights/dumbbells on benches.
The weight stretches and tears up the upholstery over time.
A fall might result in damage to the equipment or to yourself/another gymgoer.
Don't drop dumbbells or bars without bumper plates.
Check Section II and III's squat racks for bumper plates.
Return your equipment to its proper place.
Leave the set-up cleaner than you found it. Please don't let someone else clean up your mess.
On a plate rack, put heavier plates on the inside and lighter plates on the outside.
Be courteous and respectful, refrain from inappopriate language, actions, and conversations.
Don't monopolize equipment.
If you're going to take a long time, let other people work in (trading off between sets).
Other Courtesy Tips
If someone's near a piece of equipment you want, ask if they're using it first.
Nonverbally, a finger pointed at the equipment in question and an eyebrow raise together usually do the trick.
Try not to disrupt people's concentration.
This varies case-by-case (I love saying hello to friends at the gym), but try to keep any unplanned conversations short so y'all can get on with your workout.
You can usually tell if someone doesn't want to socialize. For example, if both earbuds are in, they're probably trying to focus on their workout.
Don't talk to someone mid-set.
This can ruin their concentration and potentially cause an injury.
If you need to ask how many sets they have left or if they're still using something, wait until they're done the set first.
Try not to make excessive amounts of noise.
Keep it below a scream and you're probably good.
Ease weights down instead of slamming them, especially on machines.
Be aware/mindful of your position relative to equipment or others.
Give people their personal space, especially if they're doing anything with free weights.
Try not to walk between someone and a mirror.
If you're using dumbbells, take them and back away from the rack to avoid blocking people.
Wear deodorant (no perfume or cologne) and clean clothes.
Try not to spend excessive amounts of time on your phone (especially during peak times).
You can mark equipment with a water bottle/phone/etc.
Unless the gym is really empty, try not to occupy too much equipment at the same time.
This could mean super-setting multiple machines, taking 3+ pairs of dumbbells, etc.
Don't film anybody without their consent.
Ask for help if you need it!
If you don't know how to do an exercise or if you need a spot, asking for help is way better than getting injured.
If asking another gym-goer is intimidating, feel free to head to the front desk. I'd bet that anyone sitting there is going to be approachable and knowledgeable.
Be kind and respectful.
Everyone's there for self-improvement, and we all start from different places. Keep the vibes good and the gym becomes a better place for everybody!