How Not to be a Douche in the Gym
So we had a year where all the gyms were closed, so you think we would all be more appreciative and courteous once they reopened right?
As great as it is to have gyms back again, I think some people have forgotten what it means to share a common area so I am going to go over some basic gym etiquette and unwritten rules which we should all live by:
1. Put the Weights Away
Pretty simple one to start off with, if you’re strong enough to lift it, then you’re strong enough to put it away!
Leaving a loaded bar on the squat rack is never cool, or leaving a ton of weights on the leg press machine, so put your s*** away.
2. Wipe away your Sweat
We live in a new world where hygiene is of utmost importance, so if you’ve just used a bench and left it in a puddle of sweat then grab a paper towel and wipe it off, someone else should not have to wipe off your sweat.
3. Bring your Headphones
Don’t be that guy or girl who pumps out their music on a speaker or via their phone, not everyone wants to listen to your punk rock and heavy metal lifting soundtrack. Simple solution – bring along your headphones.
4. To share or not to share…
So you’re using a machine that happens to be very popular, and someone asks you how many sets you have, don’t be that person that claims they have 20 sets remaining.
Be cool and share the machine, or at least offer to share it. It may not be ideal and they may not take you up on it, but the gesture goes a long way.
5. Put the Phone Away
Thumb day is not a thing, so if you are resting on a machine and messing around on your phone then it is fair game if someone calls you out because they want to use that machine or piece of equipment.
So I would assume the gym you go to is the regular gym you go to all the time? If that is the case then you don’t want to s*** on your own doorstep by breaking the equipment inside, so try not to drop your weights, dumbbells to be exact, especially from high. Dumbbells can be damaged and can break so respect the equipment.
7. Don’t be the Noisey One
There is always one person who makes an obscene amount of noise during every lift, even the light lifts.
It is fine if it is your PB, or you’re actually lifting a heavy ass load but we do not need to hear your sex groans every sinlge time. Tone it down for just the heavy stuff.
8. Sniff Before you Enter
No one likes a smelly gym, so make sure you’re not the one giving off the body odor. The simple solution here is to use a roll on, deodorant or just shower before you hit the gym. And wear fresh clothes each time, febreeze only gets you so far.
9. Don’t be the Chatty One
It’s a gym and not a social club. It is ok to take a break and have a quick chat with someone, but don’t be that person and ruin someone else’s workout by talking to them for too long. And if someone is talking to you for too long, know when to cut it short and walk away. You are there to train, not chat.
10. Using the Equipment for its Intended Purpose
It is ok to be creative with equipment and machines but bicep curls in the squat rack is never cool.
11. Don’t film Yourself
The gym is not your own personal studio, or sound stage where you can do whatever you want as you’re trying to film your workout. If you are in a public gym then it is a public space, so if someone accidently obscures your camera view because it was propped up against the wall then that is on you.
There is nothing wrong in trying to film yourself but don’t pick peak times and busy periods. Be smart about it.
This goes for selfies too.
12. Watch your surroundings
Be mindful of your surroundings,if you can see that someone is utilizing the mirror to ensure perfect form then don’t stand in front of them, don’t be that person.
Also be aware of what is around you, and don’t clutter walkways with equipment or try to do walking lunges through a crowded area, or kettlebell swings in a small area. If it’s too small to swing a cat in, then it is probably too small to swing a kettlebell in too.
And don’t shoulder press in close proximity to someone who is using a squat rack, as getting too close could mean someone getting seriously injured because you were too unaware of your surroundings.
13. It Never Hurts to Ask
If someone is near a piece of equipment you want to use, instead of just barging onto the equipment, be courteous and ask if they are actually using it. It never hurts to ask.
14. Keep Your Eyes on the Prize
You are there to train, not to hook up, so try not to ogle your gym crush. You don’t want others to feel uncomfortable while they are there so stick to using tinder or grindr to hook up.
15. Respect Gym Hours
Gym staff have a life too, so when they tell you to wrap it up don’t pretend you didn’t hear them and just continue working out.
Respect them and the hours of the gym, if you want to get in those extra reps then get to the gym earlier.
16. Wear Your Mask
If your gym is enforcing mask wearing then obey the rules, and wear your mask, as this will give the gym staff less hassle and give other members peace of mind too.
So there it is, now you have no excuse to act like a douche.