2011 November

Archive for November, 2011

GYM ETIQUETTE

Monday, November 28th, 2011

The gym is a place we go to to sweat, work our muscles hard and get our hearts racing. We usually end up needing a good wash after a visit but we expect the gym to be a clean and orderly place while we’re using it and because there are often many people in the space at the same time, it stands to reason there are accepted rules of conduct. In other words, gym etiquette.

Here are the top ten rules for proper gym etiquette according to Rudi Marashlian, veteran health and fitness specialist. Not surprisingly, the first few involve keeping the space clean and orderly. Feel free to comment on this article if you feel anything else should be on the list.

Clean off equipment after you use it – not only is it bad manners to leave equipment greasy and sweaty, it’s also unhygienic. There are plenty of spray bottles full of an alcohol solution and cloths at Foothill Athletic Club to help with this. Oh yes, and try not to spray near someone else’s face.
Bring a towel – this could also come under keeping the equipment clean. A towel protects you by creating a barrier between you and the surface so it’s a win-win for everyone. It also signals others that your equipment is being used (in case you have to rush off to fill your drink bottle or something).
Put your weights away. This one is a no-brainer. Think about the next person – what happens if the next person after you is a 70-year-old lady who wants to use the leg press machine but it’s loaded with 45 pound weights? Potentially dangerous, right?
Avoid singing loudly to the music only you can hear. It’s annoying and distracting, not to mention usually out of tune.
Keep cellphone use to a minimum. Long and loud conversations fit into the same category of “annoying” as singing (see above).
Try not to bang your weights to the floor after a set. It can be surprising to the people on the floor below and it’s not very good for the weights or the floor.
Keep your gym bag off the floor as it creates a safety hazard for you and for other people. Either put it in a locker or somewhere safely out of the way.
While in the locker room, be mindful of other people – pick up after yourself and don’t be wasteful. Bring a towel and try not to leave water on the floor.
If you notice a piece of equipment is broken, let the staff know immediately. This will ensure it’s back in action quickly and help prevent possible injury to others using it after you. On the other side, if you see an “out of order” sign on something, don’t use it. The sign is there for a reason.
Always make sure a piece of equipment is not being used by someone else before you step in to use it, especially if you see it’s loaded with weights or there’s a towel on it. This goes the other way too, don’t leave your gear on equipment if you’re not using it and try not to hog – if it looks like someone else is waiting let them know when you’ll be done or let them work in with you.