Your first time in a gym or attending a new one can be intimidating. Do I look silly? Am I doing this right? Am I abiding by the rules? We all ask ourselves these questions.

Out with correct form, If you follow these handy gym etiquette rules then you can enjoy your time at the gym with confidence.

If you need help preparing yourself to start a gym-based workout program or prefer working out in the comfort of your own home and avoiding all of this, then contact Burberry Fitness for my home-based personal training. I will provide all the equipment required and provide structured training plans for you to use on your own in a gym or at home.

For the sake of this article, you’re hitting the gym! Good for you! But before you start lifting, running, or flexing, let’s talk about something just as important as your workout routine: gym etiquette. No matter what your experience level is in the gym, adhering to proper gym etiquette ensures that everyone has a positive and productive gym experience.

Let’s discuss some essential aspects of gym etiquette in this post, offering practical tips and highlighting common pitfalls. Let’s get started! Grab your gym bag and let’s go!

1. Wipe down equipment

Nobody wants to use sweaty, germ-ridden gym equipment. So, after you’ve finished with your weights, or that machine or those floor mats, give them all a proper wipe down so the next person can use them. Even if you don’t sweat that much, it’s still good gym etiquette to give the equipment a courteous wipe-down. Most gyms provide wipes or spray and paper towels, so make good use of them.

2. Tidy up after yourself

This is another pretty obvious one, but do make sure you put each bit of equipment back where you found it; looking for that set of dumbbells that are missing can be frustrating. Putting things back helps other gym goers with their workouts and helps the gym staff out as well.

3. Respect Personal Space

Personal space is one of the most fundamental rules of gym etiquette. The gym should be a place where people can focus on their fitness journey and not feel crowded or uncomfortable. Here are some handy tips on how you can be mindful of personal space:

Keep your distance: When using equipment, make sure to leave enough space between you and others. And if you are waiting for a piece of equipment, don’t hover or stand too close while waiting for your turn.
Mind the mirrors: Mirrors are for checking your form, not for admiring yourself – although a vain gym selfie is fine now and then! So, be mindful of others working out around you and don’t block their view of the mirrors.
Don’t interrupt: Most people go to the gym to workout and focus on themselves. Unless there is something important to say, just let people get on with their workout. No one wants a fellow gym-goer interrupting their flow for a chat if it’s not wanted.

4. Share the equipment

It’s important to share gym equipment, especially during busy gym times. Here are some easy things to consider:

Be mindful: If you are using more than one piece of equipment or extra weights for your workout, be mindful of how long you are using them and if you can, offer them to others during your rests between sets.
Don’t hog a piece of equipment: The squat rack is a handy piece of equipment with multiple uses, but if there is only one in the gym, try not to use it for your whole workout.

5. Keep noise levels in check

If you’re really pushing yourself with a tough workout, grunting and groaning is to be expected. However, being excessively loud can be disruptive to others. Here are some tips to help you strike the right balance:

Keep the music down: Working out to your favourite music is one of the best ways to help with motivation for the gym. Just make sure you are using headphones or earbuds and are listening at a reasonable level. Your fellow gym goers don’t really want to hear your music.
Be mindful of volume: When using machines or weights, try to be mindful of when you put them back. Dropping weights down or letting your machine weight drop suddenly can give people quite a start!
Take the call outside: If you have to take a call, try to answer it outside or away from the busy gym area. Listening to a loud conversation can be a distraction.

6. Respect the gym equipment

The gym has lots of different equipment you can use, from cardio machines to free weights. It’s important to look after the equipment when you are using it. Here are some easy things to remember to show a bit of respect to the gym equipment:

Wipe down after use: This has already been mentioned from a courteous and hygienic point of view, but cleaning gym equipment can help ensure the equipment is functioning properly.
Don’t drop weights: If you’re in the weight room or the gym floor, try to place the weights carefully down or back on the rack. Although they are tough, over time they can deteriorate from excessive drops!
Put weights back: Putting weights back on the rack shows respect for the equipment, everyone else and the gym staff.

7. Dress appropriately

Wearing the right gym clothes is not just about looking good; it’s also about safety and hygiene. Here are some things to consider when choosing your gym gear:

Wear suitable gym attire: Choose comfortable, moisture-wicking clothing that allows for a full range of motion like polyester or other synthetic clothing. Cotton t-shirts soak up a lot of sweat so bacteria can quickly build up.
Proper footwear: Invest in good quality shoes that offer support for your workouts. Flip-flops, work shoes or Crocs aren’t the best footwear for the gym!
Bring a towel: Always bring a towel so you can wipe off any sweat. This not only keeps you fresh but also shows respect for others sharing the space.

8. Be Mindful of your personal belongings

Your personal belongings can take up valuable space in the gym, so be mindful of where you place them:

Use lockers: Most gyms have lockers and a locker room. If you keep your belongings in them, you help to keep the workout area tidy and clutter-free.
Don’t block walkways: Try not to put bags, water bottles or other personal items in the middle of walkways as these can be a trip hazard.
Secure valuables: If you have valuable items, make sure you store them away in lockers. This means you can concentrate fully on your workout and not worry about your stuff.

In conclusion

A gym is a place of sanctuary and enjoyment for many people, so following these easy gym etiquette rules means you are helping your fellow gym enthusiasts enjoy their time at the gym. So keep in mind these gym etiquette suggestions and go to the gym with confidence!

Malcolm Burberry

Burberry Fitness

If you are looking for some guidance for your workout routines, contact Malcolm today. Burberry Fitness can set you on the right track to achieving your fitness goals. The mobile service covers Edinburgh and the surrounding area.

www.burberryfitness.co.uk