So I’m going to the gym for the first time and I was hoping you would give me tips on “gym etiquette” (basically some common do’s and don’ts)
Do: avoid going during prime time (5pm-9pm) as the gym will be so busy with workday athletes that you’ll only be frustrated at not being able to access what you want.
Don’t: be creepy in the locker rooms or on the gym floor. A bit of mutual eye contact is fine, and if conversations happen they happen, but don’t be pervy.
Do: share machines if asked. If they’re using different weight amounts than you, help them switch over plates/change machine settings as a signal that it’s their turn.
Do: RE-RACK YOUR FUCKING WEIGHTS. NO ONE DOES AND IT’S ANNOYING AS HELL. This includes dumbbells and barbell plates.
Don’t: skip leg day. Everyone will be able to tell eventually. And never lock your knees on leg press. What can happen is gruesome as fuck.
Don’t: just go to the gym to use the cardio machines.
Don’t: lift heavy with bad form.
Don’t: be afraid to ask for a spotter if you absolutely need one to be safe
Do: be conscientious of your smell and sweat levels. Wear deodorant and if you make puddles bring a towel.
Do: lock your stuff in a locker or don’t bring much because bags on the gym floor is not okay.
Do: wear headphones. Your music/podcasts will be better for you than what the gym picks 9 times out of 10.
Don’t: dump your protein shakes in the communal water fountain.
Don’t: take up too many pieces of equipment when supersetting unless your gym is mostly empty. Be aware that as soon as you leave a machine, it’s fair game for anyone else. You can ask for it back but it’s awkward.
Do: look up how to videos of what you want to do before you try it. Use the seating area (usually near the entrance) or do this before arriving, as people will silently judge you for being on your phone too much during a workout
Do: log your workouts somehow. An app is less eccentric than a printed sheet but whatever works best for you.
Do: be nice to the cleaning staff and move your stuff out of their way if necessary.
Don’t: take up too much floor space in the open parts of the gym. If you’re doing something like battle ropes or walking lunges make sure that you’re clearing the walkway between sets.
That’s all I can think of. @eternal-nova, @theitalianpolak, @theothersamsmith, @livelegatolagrange, and other mutuals, anything to add?
baratheonpilled
blakekathryn
andulkaphoto
theartofmadeline
prguitarman
origamiaround
jbbartram-illu
