Hey loves,

Today’s blog post is a guide on gym etiquette and the unspoken rules that we, as lifters, can truly benefit from in order to make the gym environment enjoyable and fruitful for everyone.

Gym etiquette, which basically translates to how we operate and navigate the gym space is crucial because it allows us to operate in terms of both success and safety paradigms.

This blog post offers advice I wish I learnt earlier for women and men who want to benefit from this immersive space. This includes both beginners and advanced lifters.

Rule #1: Respect Shared Space

• Wipe Down Equipment: Make sure to always clean benches, machines and mats after using them. The gym can be a cesspool for bacteria if not properly sanitized.
• Re-rack Your Weights: Leave the space how you found it or better. You don’t want to let the next person have to make an extra effort just to adjust the machine or weights to their level of strength.
• Don’t Hog Machines: Be mindful of time, especially during peak hours. The worst thing you can do is sit on a machine while looking at your phone the whole time, people are often shyer than you’d expect to approach and hurry you up. Their silence doesn’t necessarily equate to their satisfaction with the situation.

Rule #2: Control Your Volume

• Keep Grunts and Phone Calls in Check: Push hard, but don’t disrupt. The worst thing a person pushing through a hard set can hear is a loud phone call, it can be extremely distracting!
• Headphones On = Do Not Disturb: Respect personal space and focus. The unspoken rule of the gym for newbies is that people who wear headphones are signaling that they do not want to be interrupted during their workout.

Rule #3: Be Hygienic

• Fresh Clothes + Deodorant: Basic but often overlooked. Smelling bad at the gym can often lead to a bad reputation, you want to avoid being the person that people run ways from!
• Bring a Towel: Especially if you’re sweating a lot. Not only does gym equipment carry a lot of bacteria, sweat and dirt, you can also easily transmit your own illnesses or germs to an innocent gym goer.

Rule #4: Be Mindful of Others’ Workouts

• Don’t Interrupt Sets: Wait until someone finishes before asking anything. Just imagine you are mid-set giving it your all and someone comes in and asks if you’re almost done, just wait until they’re done with their set!
• Don’t Give Unsolicited Advice: Even if you mean well- unless you’re a trainer and it’s safety-related. This act can easily offend someone, you never know if someone has put in time and experience to become an expert. Treating them like they’re dumb or incompetent while having a tiny glimpse of their performance can often make you appear dumb and insecure.

Rule #5: How to Spot & Focus on Safety

• Offer Help Only When Asked: Or if someone’s clearly in danger. You otherwise disrespect their boundaries by intervening and could potentially ruin their set!
• Ask for a Spot Respectfully: Especially when lifting heavy. Don’t assume someone has the skill, time or energy to help you during your set!

Rule #6: Filming and Photos

• Be Discreet and Respect Privacy: Avoid filming others without permission. As a fitness blogger, this one is huge but highly relevant. Be mindful or your surroundings and prioritize real time over social media.
• Claim Your Corner: If you’re filming content, don’t block shared areas. Also the worst thing you can do is be pissed if someone appears in your video, they didn’t sign up to be in your movie!

Rule #7: Support a Positive Vibe

• No Judgment Zone: Everyone’s at a different stage. Never laugh at someone or judge them from a far, the gym for a secure person is actually a positive and therapeutic environment.
• Cheer Each Other On (Quietly): Smile. A nod. A thumbs up. It matters. Be the type of energy you crave when you want to be motivated!

Bonus: Female-Specific Considerations

• Claim Your Space with Confidence: You belong in the weight room. Take up space and don’t shy away from being heard and seen.
• If You Feel Harassed, Say Something: Every girl I know and myself have had to deal with this. You have to speak to management if someone harasses you, don’t let it go as it is a violation of your autonomy and personhood.

Conclusion

Understanding gym etiquette is a form of empowerment and respect towards yourself and your fellow gym-goers.

Do you have your own gym etiquette tips that have been helpful throughout your fitness journey? Share them in the comments section below!