Best Fitness Blog

...By Karli Taylor

As if there weren’t enough etiquette rules to remember during your workout, believe it or not, there are even more that apply to locker room behavior! The basic premise behind all of the following rules is this: the locker room is not your own private bathroom!

• Don't take a long, luxurious shower if people are waiting. Try to limit your shower to 5 minutes during peak morning hours as many people are in a rush to get to work.
• Make sure that you remove all your shower supplies- even empty containers.
• Don’t forget to reach down and clean your hair from the drain- think about how you would feel if you stepped in to see someone else’s locks!
• Don't hog the mirror or the power outlets. Keep your toiletries confined to a small area and plug in only long enough to get the job done.
• Wipe off the counter and the area around the sink when you are done- don’t leave hair, soap scum or make-up residue for someone else to deal with.
• Don't take up three lockers worth of space and spread your clothing over the entire bench.
• Don't leave your belongings in lockers overnight unless you have permission from your gym to do so. Most gyms empty out lockers at the end of every day and won't guarantee the safe return of your personal items.
• Wear a towel. Though you may be comfortable with your body, others may be uncomfortable with having to look at it.

Whether it’s in the locker room or out on the gym floor, being respectful of your fellow gym members will make for a pleasant experience for everyone.

...By Karli Taylor

Even at a health club where sweating and heavy breathing and are perfectly acceptable, there are a surprising number of rules of etiquette that should be followed. Every club has their own specific code of conduct, but the following rules tend to be standard no matter where you choose to work out.

• Share and share alike. Do not sit on a machine while you rest between sets. Instead, stand up and let a fellow gym member alternate sets with you. If you're using a pair of dumbbells, place the weights on the floor in between sets so someone else can complete a set while you rest. If you are using something that takes a great deal of set-up (a squat rack for example), be courteous. If people are waiting, limit your rest time and do not perform extra sets.
• Clean up after yourself. After you finish using a bar, leave it completely empty. Put the weight plates back in the proper place. If you use dumbells, bring them back to their designated place when you are finished.
• Keep your volume down. While no one expects a gym to be silent, do try to respect the peace and quiet of your fellow members. Don't drop weights on the ground for no reason, don’t grunt or scream as you lift your weights, and keep your ipod volume to a level that does not force the rest of the gym floor to listen to your favorite songs.
• Keep your sweat to yourself. Carry a towel and wipe off any bench or machine you use. If you forget to bring a towel, use your sweatshirt or the paper towels provided by the club. If your club provides disinfectant spray, use it!
• Sip and go. Don't stand at the drinking fountain trying to catch your breath if there is a line forming behind you. Take a drink, and get back in line. If you have to fill up your bottle, let everyone else in line get a drink first- you will take longer than all of them combined.
• Use a locker. Do not carry your gym bag onto the floor. It not only takes up valuable space, but can also be a tripping hazard in between machines. Attach your locker keys to a wristband or to your water bottle if you do not have pockets.
• Hang it up. Unless you're waiting for an important call, it's recommended that you turn off your cellular phone at the gym. No one wants to hear your ringtone or your conversation while they try to run that last mile.
• Wear proper attire. Jeans or clothes with zippers and buttons can puncture seat coverings and tear mats and workboots are tough on treadmill belts and soft flooring. If it’s wet outside, please bring dry sneakers or wipe yours off sufficiently before tracking water through the gym- not only does it look bad, but it can rust equipment and create a dangerously slippery floor.