Posted on February 07, 2010 by admin

Here are simple steps for gym etiquette that are always good to respect. Makes things better for all.

1. Sharing equipment -In a gym, weight equipment is considered communal property, so don’t sit on a machine while you rest between sets. Especially don’t sit there reading a magazine, talking on your cellphone, or rehearsing an opera. Instead, stand up and let a fellow gym member work in — let the member alternate sets with you. The same rule applies if you’re using a pair of dumbbells. When you complete a set, place the weights on the floor so someone else can sneak in a set while you rest.

2. Unloading your weight bar – After you finish using a bar, leave it completely empty. Don’t assume that everyone can lift the same amount of weight you can. Removing weight plates from a bar takes a fair amount of strength as well as good technique. Don’t assume that the next person who comes along has the ability (or desire) to clean up after you.

3. Putting weights back where you found them – When you’ve removed a weight plate from a bar or when you finish using a pair of dumbbells, return the weights to their designated spot on the rack.

4. Keeping your sweat to yourself – Carry a towel and wipe off any bench or machine you use. Nothing is quite as gross as picking up a slippery weight or lying down in a stranger’s pool of sweat. If you forget to bring a towel, use your sweatshirt or the paper towels provided by the club.

5. Helping the flow of traffic – Don’t block the traffic flow. While you shouldn’t camp out on the equipment while you’re resting between sets, neither should you clog the pathways between machines or congregate with a dozen of your buddies in the free weight area. Not only is this inconsiderate, but also it can create a hazardous condition. In general, weight rooms are crowded with little room between machines. If you block space, someone may walk around you and inadvertently bump someone who’s working out on a machine, causing the person to lose control and to drop a weight.

6. Hogging the drinking fountain – Don’t stand at the drinking fountain trying to catch your breath when the line behind you is longer than the line for World Series tickets. Take a drink, and get back in line

7. Toting around your gym bag – Some people carry their bag from machine to machine. You know those large hollowed-out cubes called lockers? That’s where you store your gym bag.

8. Treat the locker room like your own bathroom.

From Dummies.com