Say no to bad gym etiquette

This post is inspired by my friend who was on the receiving end of bad gym etiquette so consider this an open letter to all who use a gym.

To set the scene, at an unnamed gym in Glasgow a girl goes to use a machine, only to be screamed at by a guy who is on his phone but feels that he can “bagsy” the machine while not actually using it thus acting like a petulant five year old at a soft play.

This is unquestionably unacceptable.

But what do you do in this situation? Ideally we would avoid this situation and here’s how…

Ainzlies definitive guide on how not to be an arse at the gym.

You are not entitled to any gym equipment.

I don’t care if it’s chest and back day and you really need the bench to press on. If the gym is busy you have to share.

YOU HAVE TO SHARE.

You cannot hog a machine for 3 sets of 6 reps with two minutes rest in between. That’s around a total of 8 minutes (if your timing is accurate) in a busy gym this is a long time.

Believe it or not, other people may train chest and back on the same day as you. However, you can easily turn this around!

Do you know someone else training the same as you? Fantastic! Buddy up!!

When you’re resting they can be working, this way you’re being efficient with the gym equipment.

Everyone is a winner.

Treat the equipment like you paid for it.

^^^ He better put those back in the right place…

The gym have to pay for the equipment, and it’s not cheap.

This stuff is designed to be used by thousands of people during its lifetime, your membership goes towards many things including equipment. If it keeps getting wrecked don’t be surprised if your membership goes up.

It’s not just treating equipment well that’s important

you also need to put things back where you found them in the condition you would expect to find them

for example;

Put dumbbells back in the correct places on the stands.

Unload the barbell after use – not everyone can lift a 30kg weight plate from a bar safely.

Wipe down equipment once you’re done – this should go without saying.

Would you wanna sit in someone else’s sweat?

No! Wipe it!

Put your phone away.

This is unacceptable^^^

I will say that there is a caveat to this.

If you’re using an app to track your workout then you need to have it on you to update your weights, sets, reps etc. This doesn’t mean scrolling through Facebook during rests.

You should not be taking calls – unless you are a doctor or may somehow be needed in an emergency, in this case, walk out the gym and take your call outside.

You should not be snap chatting or taking photos.

The gym should be considered a confidential environment.

Let’s be honest, if you’re really going for it, you’re gonna look a hot mess when you’re done.

Not everyone wants the world to see them in this state.

If you choose to post workout pics do so from an area not within the gym, for example, a communal seating area.

Please ensure no one else appears in your photo. Be considerate.

All members have equal right to be in the gym.

Just because your muscles are bigger or your stomach is more toned or because you’ve been a member since the gym opened 10 years ago, you are not more entitled to be there than anyone else.

The gym should be a place of mutual acceptance

you don’t need to like everyone
and
you have the right to be jealous if someone else looks the way you secretly want to look

but please be respectful.

Be aware that everyone is there for the same reason – to improve themselves in some way.

This means no snarky comments
No dirty looks
No shouting
No screaming
No negative language.

If you have a problem seek out a member of staff and ask them to deal with the situation.

Stand up against bad gym etiquette.

Do not accept it, do not put up with it and do not let someone else put you off improving your fitness or reaching your goals.

Ainzlie xx