There is a lot that can be said for proper etiquette in the Fitness Center. We all utilize the fitness center and look forward to training in a safe and motivating ... It's important to be considerate of others at your health club. Learn about gym etiquette and what to do when fellow members are rude at ...Fitness Center Etiquette. Members and guests must check-in at the Service Center prior to use of the Fitness Centers. Children age 13 and under are not ...Even at a health club — a place where tank tops, profuse sweating, and mild grunting are perfectly acceptable — rules of etiquette should be followed. Sure,I'm at the gym yesterday trying to get in my workout before they close early. And there he sat, and sat. I was tempted to grab a dumbbell ...
At this time of year, more than ever, fitness centers are filled with people determined to get back into a healthy routine.
For gym-goers who haven’t been in a while, or who are new to working out, here are a few simple etiquette guidelines that will make your experience, and your fellow gym-goers experience, more enjoyable.
Flex a little consideration. Replace weights and set equipment back to the lowest setting after use and never let weights drop after exertion.
Watch your time. Most gyms have a 20-25 minute limit on cardio equipment. Play within the limit.
Dress the part. Save your flip-flops for the beach. Proper fitness shoes are a must, as is proper exercise clothing and gear. Leave your belly button ring at home and choose a top that covers your navel—and pants that cover your “you know what!”
Safety first. Use a spotter for challenging weight lifting moves.
Take turns. Let someone else have an opportunity to use the machine while you’re recovering from your set.
Save your breath. You’ll get the most from your workout if you avoid distractions—and so will those around you. Be courteous and keep your phone in your bag while you’re on the gym floor. Note: If you’re able to talk easily while exercising, you may not be exerting enough effort!
Use common sense when it comes to scents. Not everyone will enjoy your particular perfume—some may even be allergic—so when in close quarters, like the gym, keep it clean and fresh. Save the perfume for after your workout.
Be aware of personal space. If you’re participating in an aerobics or any other group class, always be aware of where your classmates are situated. This is to avoid collisions and to respect personal boundaries.
Exercise patience. If someone is using the machine you’re waiting for, instead of hovering over him, find another piece of equipment to use or take a water break while you wait.
By exercising your “gym manners muscle,” you show consideration and confidence. Bring these characteristics to every work out and enjoy yourself!
What are your biggest gym-time pet peeves?
OK people...let’s get down to business. I thought that since we’re all motivated to work out 7 days a week for 2 hours a day, being the first of the year and all, we might want to review a few etiquette skills for the gym. To those of you who have already cut back to once per week for 20 minutes, I probably wouldn’t worry about etiquette but rather commitment. Regardless, let’s review for the fun of it.
Please refrain from using your cellphone in the gym. Here’s a couple of reasons: #1, IT’S DISTRACTING! When others are trying to focus on running, weightlifting, watching aerobic steps or trying to breath in yoga class, they don’t want to hear a conversation about your neighbors’ dog or your husband’s socks or anything. #2 Because since most cell phones now have cameras on them, it’s just simply not appropriate; not in the gym and most definitely not in the locker room, period.
Please dress appropriately. What does this mean? It means do not wear loose, wide-leg shorts that show all your “business.” We don’t need to see that. Women, be aware of your “business” too. Going to the gym is not about what you can show, but about what you can accomplish.
When you’re in the locker room, can we say “TOWEL” people??? OK, so I realize that men are sometimes more comfortable with their bodies than women, but it is not polite to assume that everyone in your company is comfortable with seeing all your birthmarks. Remember, proper etiquette is about helping those around you to feel valued and comfortable. This is kind of hard when someone in the locker room comes up to you to speak about carpooling or the latest stock market numbers in their birthday suit. I can’t concentrate in these conditions people. I beg of you to put a towel on!!!!!
Let’s speak for a moment about groaning and grunting. :) All I want to say is that it’s OK to do, unless it sounds like the scene of a bedroom instead of the gym. Let’s keep these noises under control.
Please no spitting in the water fountain. YUCK!!! I won’t describe what I saw once in a water fountain. I’m not sure whoever deposited it there meant for it to come out when they spit, but.....IT DID.
It’s not polite to correct someone’s form or style of exercise unless they ask for your help.
If you decide to work out with your significant other, please remember to keep your eyes on your weights.....or your significant other.
Please try not to “hog” a machine, especially in busy times. If you are determined to stay on the stair climber for 1 hour, then consider going to the gym during the “off time.” Usually, 30 minutes is the maximum time to use a machine when others are waiting.
Please put away workout equipment after use. This is considerate to others who will come behind you making it easy for them to find the equipment.
OK, I’ll stop. I think that’s enough to help all of our gym experiences to go more smoothly. If we’re blessed enough to be able to work out at a gym, let’s be considerate, kind and aware as we enjoy this privilege. 2012, here we come!
First things first. Last week's sweaty line up included:
Monday: Off I had to work late since in the morning I saw a taping of The Rosie Show!!! I'm still giddy!
Tuesday: Strength Boxing followed by Abs and Butt Blast
Wednesday: Strength Yoga
Thursday: Cardio Soaked
Friday I was scheduled for Pilates Sculpting, but during Thursday's Cardio Soaked class my knee popped. That's the only way to describe it. It felt weird. I was able to finish class at a Level One intensity, but the instructor told me to be very careful and lay off for a few days. So I did just that.
Last week I noticed that my tolerance for bad gym etiquette was quite low. While I love my fitness center, they tend to allow too many people into classes and it gets very crowded. In the world of Bikram Yoga, crowds are fine. The practice is designed so that you only need the area of your mat. While it's not awesome to be in a jammed Bikram class mat to mat with a giant sweaty half naked 50 year old man with oodles of chest hair, it's manageable. In classes where there is punching and kicking it is dangerous. Both Bikram and traditional classes of most kinds involve the need for proper form and thus, a view of yourself in the mirror. Enter the concept of "windows." I learned about "windows" at age nine when I took my first dance class. This is the simple act of not standing directly in front of another person. Look at these cheerleaders. They are standing in "windows."
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Easy, right? Apparently this concept blows the minds of some of the women at my gym. Walking in late and standing directly in front of someone in a class is bad form. Don't do it people. I went to the interwebs and found several articles that agreed. "Mirror hogging" falls under the same no-no category as not wiping down your machines or stealing extra time on coveted equipment. It can be awkward to speak up about these things and I really feel like instructors could take some advice from the world of Bikram and make a little announcement prior to class starting or even mark the floor with the proper places to stand. A bit like kindergarten? Yes. Necessary? Totally.
In other news, last week I practiced a simple pumpkin soup (canned pumpkin, veggie broth salt, pepper, curry powder, garlic powder, onion powder and cinnamon), and it just doesn't work for me. I need fresh ingredients and a little butternut squash. I think for Thanksgiving I'll just be sending a recipe to my mom and having her freeze it and bring it. I like to manage my own cooking, but I think in this case I must relinquish control. Look at that there personal growth.