I'm the type of person who absolutely loves the gym environment.
Other people working hard around me helps me to be motivated and push to my limits in a workout, but there are a few things that people do in the gym that ergs me to my very core.
So, if you're in a gym, or new to the gym environment try to avoid doing these six things.
1. Slamming your weights.
No one likes a weight slammer, you're scaring everyone in the gym, and it's just plain out unnecessary sometimes. Don't get me wrong, if you're at the end of a heavy set and you just can't help but drop the weight, that's fine it happens to the best of us, but if you're consistently doing it, you just gotta swallow your pride and take off some weight. If you're just slamming weights for attention and/or due to laziness, just slowly guide the weight back down to the ground. You'll be working your muscles and getting an even better workout in.
2. Grunting like you're giving birth.
Now, if you're a weight lifter you know that the breathing technique is essential. So, if you're making noises while you lift, that's totally okay; it's even normal. However, grunting like an ape in the gym after every rep is not necessary. It doesn't make you look tougher, and it makes me a bit uncomfortable.
3. Not unloading the bar or leaving weights where they're not supposed to be.
I can't tell you how many times I've come into a gym and had to unload the bar to do squats, presses, etc. Just put the weights back. I'm sure the stand is less than 5 feet away, and if you do get as far to unload the weight from the bar, then please put it back in it's necessary spot. I don't want to gave to take off three 25s to get to a 10.
4. Giving people unsolicited advice.
If I asked for your help on the proper form or technique, absolutely, I'd love your input and help, but if I'm halfway through my set of cleans. I don't need your input on my form during my catch face.
5. Flexing in the mirror.
Yes, everyone should be proud of their gains in the gym. Hard work pays off, and it's awesome to see that progression. I promise you, your biceps did not grow after one set; you can stop looking.
6. Playing explicit songs through the speaker.
Don't get me wrong, everyone likes a little fire in their lifting soundtrack. Some hard rock or heavy metal music is fine in the gym, and almost expected in some instances. but if there are speakers in the room and an aux cord for clients to use try to not play excessive profanities throughout the whole weight room. When every other word in a rap song is a curse word, instead of playing that through the speakers, just get some earbuds and listen to it through those.
The gym is a great place, but some people have some not so great tendencies, and it's okay to slip up sometimes-I know I do. I've definitely dropped weights or flexed in the mirror a few times, no one's perfect, especially with gym etiquette, but the thing that makes gyms great is the people in them. Having a strong group of determined individuals around you gives you some extra motivation. So, lets try to be a little more thoughtful about how we conduct ourselves in the gym and how that effects others' workouts.