Gym Etiquette: 9 Unwritten Rules You Shouldn't Forget

The gym can either be the perfect place to get the workout you need to burn the calories from your last meal or it can be an uncomfortable place to avoid. The difference between these two are the gym members. It doesn’t take much to create a safe space for everyone to workout in, but sometimes people need to remember the following rules while they’re at any of the gyms in Maidstone: 

Rule #1: Shower BEFORE And After

This is a rule most people tend to forget thinking they can get away without showering before going to the gym. Just because you are working up a sweat doesn’t mean you have to smell bad. Think of the other gym goers, if you don’t want to smell them, they certainly don’t want to smell you.

Rule #2: Wash Your Gym Clothes

Never ever reuse soiled gym clothes. The sweat you worked up before may have dried since your last session, but the smell is still there.

Rule #3: Wipe Down Equipment After Use

No one wants to see pools of sweat and sweat stains on the gym equipment. Do your parts and clean up after yourself after a good session, it’s only respectful to the other members.

Rule #4: Return Everything

The gyms in Maidstone all have racks and proper places for their equipment. Always return everything you use when you are done to prevent accidents in the gym.

Rule #5: Limit The Selfies

Sure, you want people to know you are taking care of yourself and getting fit at the gym. One picture is more than enough. Other members might be waiting for you to finish and all those selfies are just distracting while unnecessarily extending your time on the equipment.

Rule #6: Leave Some Space

Whether it’s space from the dumbbell rack or just another person’s personal space, leave some distance between them. Standing too near the rack prevents people from gaining access to the equipment they need while exercising a few inches beside another person is just plain dangerous. Take a few steps back out of respect and safety.

Rule #7: Keep Your Music Low

A motivational playlist can keep you going over than your usual gym time and still feel energized, however you shouldn’t be blasting the tune at full volume. There are people around you and you need to be aware of them, in case there is an emergency or if someone just needs to ask a question.

Rule #8: No Reservations

Never "reserve" equipment if you’re still using another one. That is just bad manners and will make you look bad in the eyes of other members. Let someone else use the equipment, you’re not using it anyway.

Rule #9: Don’t Just Sit

Many people tend to sit on the equipment while using their phones. While there’s nothing wrong with taking a break to catch your breath, don’t waste someone else’s time by sitting on the equipment for an extended time and not using it. There’s a corner away from everyone else if you just want to use your phone at the gym.