Most gyms have a
written set of rules which govern
our behavior while working out.
ALL gyms, however, have an
unwritten code of behavior or
set of ethics that
is not always readily apparent
to even the most experienced.
Here are the rules of the gym.
The
written rules of the gym are
usually few and designed to
ensure members safety,
convenience and equipment care.
You are probably familiar with
the majority of them. These
rules are all fairly
straightforward and are mostly
common sense. These written
rules are also grossly
outnumbered by the unwritten
rules of the gym
1.Dropping
Weights
Dropping weights
on the floor can cause injury
to yourself or others and can
also damage the equipment
itself. Always set it down as
gently as you can.
2. Returning
Weights
This is a simple
matter of courtesy to whoever is
using the equipment after you.
Not everybody can or wants to
unload ten 45-pound plates off
the leg press machine. Place
dumb bells back on the rack in the
slots where they belong and
always remove your weights from
the machines unless the next
person specifically asks you to
leave them on.
3. Proper Attire
Wear appropriate
clothing for
exercise. This mainly refers to
shoes but can include things
such as wearing jeans in the
gym.
4. Sweat Hogs
Wipe benches off
if you sweat all over them. It's
even better to put down a towel
before you use the bench. You
don't want to lie in other
peoples sweat so common sense
says to extend them the
same courtesy.
5. No Swearing
This is a very
common sense rule. Profanity can
be offensive to others. If you
have to scream in the middle of
a tough set, make it
unintelligible.
6. No Smoking
If your gym
doesn't have ashtrays on the
stair-machines, chances are it
doesn't allow smoking in the gym
area. If you need to smoke, go
to a designated smoking area.
Better still, don't smoke.
The Unwritten
Rules
The unwritten
code of the gym is often a
mystery to the inexperienced
trainer, though even advanced
trainers have been known to
experience lapses. If you have
ever wondered what the unwritten
code of the gym is, you have
come to the right place. They
are many and not always what
you'd expect.
1. Talking
Do not talk to
someone in the middle of a set.
This is very distracting and
they are probably not listening
to you anyway. Don't be offended
if they ignore you.
Wait until they're done.
2. Excessive
Talking
Don't talk
excessively to people during
their workout. They are
usually at the gym to work,
not socialize. Socialize after
the workout.
3. Through The
Looking Glass
Walking or
standing in front of someone
during a set interferes with
their concentration. People rely
on the feedback from the mirror
to help their balance and keep
track of form, especially during
overhead presses, squats,
dead lifts, etc.
4. Working In
Always ask
before you work in with someone
else. It is very
rude to just sit down on a
machine or bench the instant
someone gets off. Don't ask to
work in on a machine or bench if
the other person is using a lot
more or a lot less weight than
you as it may take too long to
change weights in between sets.
Just wait until they're done or
find another exercise to do.
5. Letting
Someone Working In
By the same
token, it is rude not to let
someone else work in with you.
The exception to this is when it
would interfere with your own
workout, e.g. lots of weight
changing or very short rest
periods.
6. Bench Hogs
Don't hog
benches or machines (unless it's
quiet and nobody else wants to
use them).
7. Rolling,
Rolling, Rolling
Don't let your
dumbbells or barbells roll away
from you as they can cause
injury in others.
8. Water Breaks
Don't take too
long at the water fountain. This
includes filling up your water
bottle. If someone is behind
you, let them drink then resume
filling. Don't ever spit or blow
your nose in the fountain,
either. This is a disgusting
thing to do and you will not be
popular.
9. Captain
Safety
Don't
automatically jump in and
spot someone the
instant they look as though
they're having trouble. The hard
reps are the most productive and
you may screw it up by jumping
in. Get into position and be
ready if they ask but don't
assume.
10. Abusing Your
Spotter
Don't ask
someone to spot you if you can't
lift the weight yourself in the
first place. If your spotter
gets a lower-back workout while
you are bench pressing then you
need to reevaluate the amount of
weight you are using.
11. Comfort
Zones
Don't move your
bench too close to other
people's benches. Some exercises
require more room to execute than
others and you might just be in
the way.
12. Resetting
Machines
If you work in
on a machine, reset it back to
where the other person had it
after you've done your set.
13. Be Nice
It's not nice to
laugh at other people just
because they can't lift as much
as you. Remember, there is
always someone else who can lift
more than you.
14. Spotting
If someone asks
you for a spot, give it to them.
If you don't feel comfortable
spotting them, e.g. they are
using a very heavy weight, let
them know.
15. Screaming
Try not to yell
and scream unnecessarily. This
can distract other gym members.
Sometimes it is necessary but if
you scream during a set of wrist
curls, something is wrong.
16.. Dropping
And Banging
Don't drop
weights or bang them together
unnecessarily. Not only can you
hurt your joints by banging and
dropping weights, it is very
distracting to others.
17. Too Much
Information
Don't hold loud,
in-depth conversations around
people while they are doing a
set.
18. Bulls eye
If you tend to
spray spit when you lift (it
happens), make sure there is no
one in the target area. Wipe up
after yourself.
19. Pepe La Pew
(Part 1)
Don't wear
excessive cologne or perfume to
the gym. It can be very
unpleasant for others who are
breathing heavily.
20. Pepe La Pew
(Part 2)
Bathe regularly.
'Nuff said.