I have always been, or always try to be, an avid gym goer. It was something I started doing with my dad when I was a kid as a way to spend time with him, but to try and stay fit. The gym scene has become a culture, and with culture comes rules, norms and etiquette. Here are a few tips that will not only make your time at the gym more enjoyable, but also for those around you.
1. Put a shirt on
Don't be that guy with the homemade cutoff shirt. I'm not talking about people who cut the sleeves of their shirts; I'm talking about the guys who basically ripped a shirt into nothing and then draped it over his body, praying that it stays on. The same goes for girls; you don't need makeup and a push-up sports bra with your ass hanging out of your little sister's yoga pants. Guys, go buy a tank top that was made that way, or if you still are making your own clothes, stop cutting at the shoulder and leave some mystery for the girl on the treadmill you're obviously trying to impress.
2. Re-rack your weight
When people don't re-rack their weight, the gym floor becomes a minefield. You always have to be vigilante at a disorganized gym, making sure you don't roll your ankle accidentally stepping on a dumb bell. And when you re-rack, put it back in the proper place; don't put a 45 lb. dumb bell in the 15 lb. dumb bell rack. You're not helping anyone. If you see weight that is out of order or strewn about, be a good neighbor and put in the right place if you can.
3. Don't be a distraction
Distractions come in many forms at the gym. Whether it be the girl at the squat rack or the guy screaming at the deadlift station because it helps his max. I'm all for people getting into their work outs, but you don't have to grunt THAT loud. I know grunting helps, but I don't think the louder it is the more it works. Stop talking to your friends while on the gym floor. We don't need to hear what you did, or probably didn't do, last night.
4. Know your limits if you work out alone
Gym experts always say to workout with someone else, but I just really enjoy working out alone. Having said that I am always cautious not to try something I won't be able to do. A prime example of this is the bench press. This is a dangerous and possibly deadly workout to do alone. If you're going to work out alone, you might be safer working out on a machine. If you absolutely need a spot at the gym but don't have a partner, just ask someone around. In my experience people always say yes, because they understand the struggle.
5. Clean your area
A gym is a communal place, so make sure to keep your area clean. This means to wipe down the machine if it is covered in your sweat. No one wants your sweat on them, especially a stranger. This also means not to leave your gym bag or your trash laying about around you. They have lockers for a reason, I don't think you needed to bring your duffel bag on the floor.
