I was asked to give my perception of gym rules that should be, as our local yuppieclub is sort of out of control, and I came up with this, primarily for the newbies:
- MANIFESTO of ETTIQUETTE -
The mystery of gym ettiquette often eludes even some who attend regularly, so here is a collection of known behaviors that make life pleasant (or not) for all members of any gym! Written by Gary, a 56 year old gym rat and powerlifter.
Sharing:
- One cannot "own" a machine, bench or station, but consideration is expected when you want to share. Between sets it is acceptable to ask if one may work in or how many more sets will be done before finishing (preferred).
- It is difficult to share freeweights or plate loaded machines due to the excessive reloading of plates, so usually is not done. Machines have numbers and simple pegs for instant switching. The idea is to try and accomodate one another.
- You may be asked to wait when someone is either lifting heavy, near the end of their sets, or training with others in a team.
- If weights are on a station or bar, it is considerate to ask those nearby if they are using it before you barge in and begin removing things. The member may just be getting a quick drink.
- Expect strength trainees to take 1 to 3 minutes between sets; others less.
- Single set circuit training is an old and broken gym myth that does nothing for your training and ties up machines.
-Muscles and abs give no special rights over the little guys just starting out. Gym fees are equal.
Socializing:
- No ogling. Fellas, it is just downright rude to gals who are here to work on their health. You may pick up girls elsewhere. It's doubtful that she was ogling you first.
- If you must talk on cellphones, please consider those nearby and the usage of equipment. The machines are not chairs.
- NEVER touch someone, their equipment, or talk to them when they are in the middle of a set unless invited.
- Some are very focused on technique, weights and their game plan. This doesn't mean that they are unfriendly if they don't want to chitchat with you. You have the same right.
Using Freeweights:
Some just don't know what to do with plates, so a guideline is as follows:
- Benches, squat racks, smith machines and the like are best left with 2 plates of each poundage and multiple 45's. This leaves a complete adjustment range for the next lifter!
- Putting larger plates in front of smaller plates on the pegs is newbie, inconsiderate, and generally bad form. Leaving them on the bars or floor is even worse. If you can lift them; you can put them back.
- Dropping dumbells often bends the grip and makes them unbalanced. It also loosens the bolts. Learn how to unload safely or use a spotter.
- If you are a spotter, pay attention and communicate with the lifter. He/she depends on you if you are there, even if it is just subconsciously.
General:
- Be clean, or if you just got off work, use the deodorants, pleeease!
- Keep your belongings close to your machine/bench. No one wants to be tripped into steel frames.
- Wipe up your sweat. Do you want to lay in mine?
- We can't hear your ipod. You sound silly singing to it! No law against it though.
- Asking advice of others is actually complimentary when done at the right time, but it can be bothersome when they are actively working.
- Expect a little noise. It is a gym, not a spa. Make a little yourself and have some fun!
- Most of us encourage young lifters, but the gym isn't a playground, so keep your young ones focused.
- MANIFESTO of ETTIQUETTE -
The mystery of gym ettiquette often eludes even some who attend regularly, so here is a collection of known behaviors that make life pleasant (or not) for all members of any gym! Written by Gary, a 56 year old gym rat and powerlifter.
Sharing:
- One cannot "own" a machine, bench or station, but consideration is expected when you want to share. Between sets it is acceptable to ask if one may work in or how many more sets will be done before finishing (preferred).
- It is difficult to share freeweights or plate loaded machines due to the excessive reloading of plates, so usually is not done. Machines have numbers and simple pegs for instant switching. The idea is to try and accomodate one another.
- You may be asked to wait when someone is either lifting heavy, near the end of their sets, or training with others in a team.
- If weights are on a station or bar, it is considerate to ask those nearby if they are using it before you barge in and begin removing things. The member may just be getting a quick drink.
- Expect strength trainees to take 1 to 3 minutes between sets; others less.
- Single set circuit training is an old and broken gym myth that does nothing for your training and ties up machines.
-Muscles and abs give no special rights over the little guys just starting out. Gym fees are equal.
Socializing:
- No ogling. Fellas, it is just downright rude to gals who are here to work on their health. You may pick up girls elsewhere. It's doubtful that she was ogling you first.
- If you must talk on cellphones, please consider those nearby and the usage of equipment. The machines are not chairs.
- NEVER touch someone, their equipment, or talk to them when they are in the middle of a set unless invited.
- Some are very focused on technique, weights and their game plan. This doesn't mean that they are unfriendly if they don't want to chitchat with you. You have the same right.
Using Freeweights:
Some just don't know what to do with plates, so a guideline is as follows:
- Benches, squat racks, smith machines and the like are best left with 2 plates of each poundage and multiple 45's. This leaves a complete adjustment range for the next lifter!
- Putting larger plates in front of smaller plates on the pegs is newbie, inconsiderate, and generally bad form. Leaving them on the bars or floor is even worse. If you can lift them; you can put them back.
- Dropping dumbells often bends the grip and makes them unbalanced. It also loosens the bolts. Learn how to unload safely or use a spotter.
- If you are a spotter, pay attention and communicate with the lifter. He/she depends on you if you are there, even if it is just subconsciously.
General:
- Be clean, or if you just got off work, use the deodorants, pleeease!
- Keep your belongings close to your machine/bench. No one wants to be tripped into steel frames.
- Wipe up your sweat. Do you want to lay in mine?
- We can't hear your ipod. You sound silly singing to it! No law against it though.
- Asking advice of others is actually complimentary when done at the right time, but it can be bothersome when they are actively working.
- Expect a little noise. It is a gym, not a spa. Make a little yourself and have some fun!
- Most of us encourage young lifters, but the gym isn't a playground, so keep your young ones focused.