Gym etiquette in the weight room

​Feeling comfortable in your routine can help you have a more relaxed attitude and get a better workout in the weight room, so consider hiring a personal trainer if you want more confidence in your exercise choices. Below are some of the musts of being a good citizen in the weight room.

Don’t be a hoarder – During busy gym times, claiming more equipment than you’re currently using is a big faux pas. In doing so, you’re not only taking up too much of the shared space but also preventing others from using more than one piece of equipment. Try to arrange your workout to respect the space and equipment needs of others around you.

Let people “work in” – Recovery is an important part of training. If you’re taking a 2-minute rest between sets and, you may notice someone standing at a respectful but close distance, eyeing you and the equipment upon which you’re resting. Ask that person if they want to work in. Trading off sets is the kind thing to do and makes good use of everyone’s time.

Don’t offer unsolicited advice – Nobody wants someone they don’t know wandering over to tell them what they’re doing wrong. Even with the best intentions of improving someone’s form, odds are if you’re approaching people to correct or improve their workouts, they’ll be embarrassed to be singled out.

Be aware of your gym’s policy on dropping weights – Most gyms do not want people dropping weights on the floors. Those that don’t mind or encourage dropping weights will have special flooring and equipment, as well as areas where this is acceptable. Know before you start, and if in doubt, just put them down gently.

Wipe down your stuff when you’re done – Even if you don’t leave a puddle of sweat, you still sweat and leave germs behind on equipment. Everyone does. You can stop the spread of germs and be a good citizen by wiping all touched surfaces before leaving a piece of equipment or putting things away.
 

Sources: Healthline.com