Gym Etiquette - Rules Everyone Should Live By

The gym is a place where people go to get in shape and get a good workout. It seems that every gym has individuals who seem to not understand gym etiquette.

1). Do Not Try To Pick People Up: Too often and at too many gyms I have had the experience of being asked out or watching people try to pick up others. Honestly, if you are looking for a date go to a bar if you are looking to work out then you belong at a gym free of people trying to find their next hook up.

2) Wipe Down Your Machines: As it is the gym if full of people sweating and sick people filling the air with germs. While everyone is entitled to use the equipment at the gym, everyone is also entitled to do so without the person before leaving their sweat all over.

3) Do Not Talk Obnoxiously On Your Cellphone: While it is understood some professions require you to be on call, it is too often that people are working exceptionally slowly so that they can carry out a full conversation. It is like being at a restaurant. The person next to you is not interested in your personal life.

4) If You Are On a Machine Use It: There is nothing worse than wanting to work out on a piece of equipment and not being able to because they are all full. What compounds the issue is when someone on the machine is just standing carrying on a conversation. Everyone pays for use of the gym, if you are not using something get off of it.

5) No Flexing: Nobody cares how big your muscles are and flexing serves no purpose except to boost your own ego. Do that in the comfort of your own home.

6) No Grunting and Slamming Weights: Let's face it this is not the Olympics and you are not about to break any records. This is one of the reasons that Planet Fitness ranks in my opinion as far as gyms go. They will ask you to leave it you behave this way.

7) Please Dress Accordingly: Men, unless you are on a bicycle riding like you are going to be in the Tour de France, spandex are not acceptable. Women your cleavage has a place at the gym and it is not hanging out. This is not a fashion show or a pick up joint (see point 1). In other words dress like you are working out not going to the local club.

If everyone would adhere to these simple rules, the gym would be a much more enjoyable place for those of us that use it for what it is intended. A place to workout and get or stay in shape.