Let’s think about it in the following way, the gym is such a crowded place that it is almost mandatory to insist on certain rules of behavior to maintain an atmosphere in which all people feel comfortable, right?
Maintaining good manners in the gym can break down barriers that prevent other members from using proper equipment.
That is why it is very important that policies for the use of equipment are applied, for example, this must be promoted by the gym to ensure a comfortable and professional environment for everyone. And obviously it is our duty to respect them.
Most “serious” gyms have certain guidelines posted on the walls.
Some of these rules are for safety, some are for hygiene, some revolve around courtesy.
And it is up to us to contribute our grain of sand to fulfill them.
The gym rules must be observed even though they do not have them on the visa
Now, What if the gym we attend doesn’t have them? Are we going to stop maintaining a healthy, clean and respectful environment for our gym mates? I don’t think it would be the best option.
Not only for the rest of the people who are training and have the same needs and goals as us, but for ourselves.
Even if the gym where you are going to train does not have a list of internal rules, try to apply certain rules of good manners in the gym and you will see how over time this is contagious and everyone will collaborate in order to maintain an environment of respect, camaraderie and hygiene.
The rules of the gym
Here are some general rules to apply in any gym, you can adopt them for yourself or share them with whoever you want and start the turning point.
Share the training team
- Bodybuilding equipment and weights are considered for communal use.
- Don’t sit on a machine or retain possession of the weights while resting between sets.
- If it doesn’t interfere with your routine, let someone else use it while you rest.
- Use the equipment with care and respect, pretend that it was your property.
Do not drop the weights to the floor
- Be careful with the discs so that they do not damage the cables and pulleys.
- Proper care of your equipment makes it last longer and prevents it from being out of commission for you and others.
When finished, leave the equipment available for use
- When you finish using a bar, you should leave it empty.
- Don’t assume that everyone can lift the same amount of weight as you.
- Don’t assume that the next person who comes along will have the ability (or desire) to clean what you used.
- Think that if this manages to spread it, you yourself will be the one who receives things in conditions and you should not waste time in ordering the training of another.
Put the weights back in place
- Never leave dumbbells or weights on the floor when you are done using them. Someone may trip over them.
- If you leave the weights on the floor between sets, place them where they won’t be in the way, either leaning against the wall or on the bench, so they can’t roll away either.
Keep your sweat to a minimum
- Bring a towel and dry any benches or machines you’ve used.
- It sounds like a lot, but you could even use some disinfectant that the gym offers.
Don’t damage the training flow in the gym
- The gym is for training not for walking
- Don’t block access to machines or hang out with a dozen friends in the free weight zone.
- If you block the space, someone can walk around and inadvertently bump into someone working on equipment, or injure themselves if items are scattered on the floor.
Don’t be with your training bag on top
- The gym tends to be packed with equipment and people.
- The less things you have, the better.
- It is in the lockers where you should leave your bag or backpack.
Treat the costume as if it were your own bathroom
- Do not take three closets or throw your clothes scattered all over the bank.
- Share the space with others and close the locker when they leave.
- Sort what you wore after going through the locker room.
Avoid yelling when doing your exercises
- Rolando Andretto (a Total Muscle Building reader) adds this point, avoid unnecessary yelling when doing your exercises, it can deconcentrate the rest of the practitioners who may even be making the same effort as you.
Do you think another rule of coexistence for the gym?
So far, I’ve shared a set of guidelines for maintaining a healthy social life at the gym.