10 Rules of Behavior in the Gym

Author: Timko Ilya - master of the whole project and fitness trainer.
2014-10-12

Hello. In this article, I want to talk about behavior in the gym. I will share not only what you should definitely avoid doing but also what you should ideally do. After all, wherever you are, the opinions of those around you will be formed based on your behavior. The gym is no exception.

This article will mostly interest beginners. However, I believe that more experienced visitors will also find something new for themselves. After all, the rules of behavior in the gym are absolutely the same for both beginners and experienced athletes.

What Not to Do

Don’t leave weights behind

Perhaps this is the scourge of all modern gyms. People think that since they paid money, they can disregard order and respect for their gym neighbors. I believe that cleaning up after yourself is necessary everywhere, not just in gyms. It doesn’t matter what level you are or what your sporting title is. Moreover, weights should be returned to their proper place, not just dumped on the floor.

Do not step over the barbell

This has somewhat faded from memory in modern gyms. But in weightlifting halls, this tradition is still revered. And so do I. This is about respect for the equipment. By the way, they haven't even heard of this in the West. So this tradition is an invention of the Soviet weightlifting school. Even if you don’t respect the barbell (that’s your business), stepping over someone else's barbell can really anger that person. I personally urge you not to do this anymore.

Do not place your feet on the barbell or dumbbells

This also pertains to showing respect for the equipment. Additionally, it's not hygienic – stepping on equipment that others hold in their hands.

Do not stand behind or walk in front of someone who is performing an exercise

Many find this annoying and it can disrupt their focus. This guideline also comes from weightlifting. The fact is that most weightlifting exercises are rather dangerous and complex. An athlete needs complete concentration. Of course, in a gym, most exercises are much simpler, but it's still not worth distracting someone.

Do not talk to someone while they are performing an exercise

Yes, yes, sometimes there are such characters. Personally, I just ignore the person trying to talk to me during a set.

What You Should Do

Allow others to train with you

Sometimes someone will sit down to do a pull from the high pulley. They'll take their set and continue to occupy the machine, not letting anyone else in. If you go up to them and say, "Hey, while you're resting, can I jump in?" They might reply, "Finish up, and then you can." I can't stand such people the most. Personally, that doesn't fly in my gym, and I quickly teach "greedy" people otherwise. So share with others and don’t act like a dog in a manger when you're just resting. Furthermore, training with someone in pairs increases the effectiveness of workouts.

Load and unload the barbell together

If you’re working with someone on the same barbell and the weight is different, take turns loading and unloading the barbell for each other. This is basic respect for the person you’re training with. Also, after completing an exercise (even if you finished first), it doesn’t hurt to help them unload the equipment.

Bring a towel if you sweat a lot

Sometimes someone gets up from a bench, leaving puddles of sweat behind. It’s not very pleasant to lie down on such a bench. So keep a towel handy to wipe up after yourself.

Come to the gym only in clean shoes

I’ve often had to send people to the shower to wash their shoe soles.

Don’t be afraid to ask someone to spot you

The overwhelming majority of people will see this as perfectly normal and come to your aid. There’s nothing shameful about it. You can also ask them to check your exercise technique. It’s always easier to see from the outside.

Conclusion

As you can see, it’s important to behave in the gym with respect for other people and for the place where you train. Most of the rules of behavior in the gym are based on basic rules of decency. So if you are a decent person, following these rules shouldn’t be too difficult for you.

Of course, you can tell everyone to screw off and not follow these rules. Usually, in such cases, a trainer, if they are a good trainer, will have a conversation to clarify the situation. If the person still doesn’t understand afterwards, then (in decent clubs) they will refund their membership fee and kick them out of the club. But, unfortunately, in many fitness clubs, trainers turn a blind eye to how people behave towards the gym and each other, as long as the money keeps coming in.

Additionally, don’t be embarrassed that you’re in the gym for the first time, don’t know anything, and your physique isn’t perfect. Everyone starts somewhere. Most of the people around you in the gym understand this perfectly. So if you ask someone for help or a question, that person will almost certainly help you. Good luck!