With the beginning of every new year gyms fill up with people trying to keep their New Year’s Resolutions or Goals. The problem is that so many of these newbies don’t know about some of the written and unwritten rules that health clubs have. Gyms are communities. Communities are always much nicer places to be when people know what is expected of them.
1. Don’t talk on the phone. No one wants to listen to you having an argument with your husband or teenage daughter. If you are one of those people who has a loud conversation while walking on the treadmill, just know that everyone around you is hoping you fall off the treadmill and end up on a viral YouTube video.
2. Don’t tie up multiple pieces of equipment. It is OK to do supersets that involve using back-to-back sets on different machines. If you are on the other side of the gym, though, don’t get upset if someone else uses one of the machines. Remember that “sharing is caring!”
3. Don’t leave weights on the bar. You may be in the habit of leaving your dirty clothes, towels, and dishes scattered around your house. In the gym, though, it is good to get in the habit of cleaning up after yourself. No one cares how strong you are and no one is impressed by the massive amounts of weight you leave for others to clean up. They are impressed by people who clean up after themselves.
4. Don’t grunt or squeal. There is nothing more humorous than watching a little guy lifting the equivalent of kleenex box and grunting loudly to impress the ladies. If everyone else in the gym can work out without grunting, so can you. The only exception to this rule would be the guys doing some real weight. If a guy is deadlifting 400 pounds and lets out a little grunt, I am prepared to give him a pass!
Girls that grunt and squeal while they lift weights are not nearly as prevalent as guys. They do exist, though, and are always interesting. I have been in two gyms where a girl squealing while she worked out pretty much brought the health club to a standstill. If this is you, just stop. That is all I have to say about that!
5. If you are going to listen to music, wear headphones. No one else wants to hear your playlist, especially if they are trying to have an argument on their cellphone while they are on the treadmill.
6. Don’t pretend to be a personal trainer. Guys are especially guilty of this, trying to pass on their vast knowledge to the cute girl working out near them. I am happy to help anyone who wants help. However, it is never a good idea to give unsolicited advice in a gym and it is seldom appreciated. The only exception to this rule is if you see someone about to hurt themselves, maybe say something to them. Unless, of course, they are talking on the phone.
7. Friendly is good. It is OK to smile at others and say, “Hello.” You might even make a new friend or two.
In life and in the gym, good manners make you nice to know! Can you think of any other no-no’s for the gym?
Do you enjoy DavidSpell.com? Why don’t you take a moment and enter your email address at the upper right? This will keep you from missing a single issue! If you would like to help Annie and I as we serve the Lord in the United States, India, and South America please click here. Thanks so much!
