A crowded gym is an intimidating place, and January is one of the busiest times of year for fitness centers. It might be a cliché to sign a new contract as a New Year’s resolution, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a smart thing to do. Once you’ve stepped foot on the floor, though, there are some rules that everyone should follow (including gym veterans who maybe have forgotten a thing or two). They’re not the rules posted on the wall, although those need to be obeyed, too. Rather, it’s the unwritten (and often unspoken) rules surrounding courtesy, safety, and hygiene while working out.
1
Cell phones are for music (with headphones) only. Stop with the selfies. Stop with the loud phone conversations. Please, stop with the videos (especially when they’re of other people, as they might be illegal). When you’re anywhere on the gym floor, keep the phone tucked away unless you want to switch songs that you’re listening to with headphones.
2
Wipe down equipment when you’re done. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is a thing, and it’s not pretty. Gyms have spray bottles and paper towels everywhere for a reason (if they don’t, consider the overall cleanliness of the facility), so put them to use.
3
Keep noises in check. Lifting is hard work. Sprinting is hard work. However, nobody wants to hear those grunts or, worse, the expletives being dropped during a hard workout session.
4
Don’t block the mirror. Of course, you want mirror space to review your form, but so does everyone else. Whether you’re lifting weights or getting ready for a class, don’t walk directly in front of someone and set up shop in their viewing area.
5
Eyes to yourself. Even if you’re just in awe of how powerful a person is, staring or gawking is distracting at best and creepy at worst.
6
Know your weight limits. If you have to throw the dumbbells on the ground after a set or bang the weight down on the machine, your weights are probably too heavy. There are a few exceptions here, but you’re probably damaging the floors or even the weights themselves.
7
Respect the headphones. Someone using headphones doesn’t want to be bothered. It can also be dangerous if you sneak up on them. If you have a question, wait until they’re in a safe place in the workout to ask; better yet, leave them alone entirely.
8
Give people space. This one is a little loose-goosey, but there’s definitely an unspoken rule that, whenever possible, don’t choose a cardio machine (such as a treadmill) directly next to another person if there are others to run on. It’s not as ridiculous as it sounds—having another person right next to you can be distracting during a workout.
9
Put the weights back where they belong. Having to hunt for a matching dumbbell or plate when they should be right next to each other is simply annoying. As your mother always said, clean up after yourself.
10
Ask for help. A number of the people who work at the gym were hired because of a knowledge and passion for fitness. Can’t find a staff member? Most gym-goers are happy to answer a question or two, as long as they’re not in the middle of a set but look for someone without headphones.
