Dos and Don'ts at the Gym

Exercising at a health club or fitness center calls for considering those around you. Here’s how:

Do

Wipe up your sweat, please!

This is the number one “do” and the most important etiquette rule at the gym. This includes mats and machines. Keep a towel with you at all times. No one wants to sit or lie in someone else’s sweat.

Reset the weight machines back to a low setting.

Otherwise, the next person may have to spend resetting them—or worse—could injure themselves by trying to lift a weight that’s too heavy.

Obey the fitness center’s rules.

These may include wearing correct workout shoes, not using cell phones, and signing in at the front desk.

Think about how you smell!

Arrive clean, remember to apply deodorant, and lay off the perfume and cologne (the aromas get stronger as you work up a sweat). Be careful using sprays in the locker room. Out of concern for members with asthma or allergies, limit the use of perfumes, hairsprays, and other spray products to a minimum.

Limit your time on the treadmill or other cardio machines.

Keep it to 20-30 minutes if others are waiting for a turn, and use sign up sheets when provided.

Do your part to keep the gym and locker room clean.

Keep your clothes and other personal items stored in lockers. Clean up after yourself in the showers, sinks, and changing areas. Deposit used towels in their receptacles.

Don't

Don’t hog the weight machines.

When others want to use them, agree to rotate your sets.

Don’t stare.

Staring makes people very uncomfortable and most people want to work out unnoticed. If another person becomes aware of your “look” then you are looking too hard.

Don't be late for personal training sessions and group fitness classes.

It's disruptive to the instructor and other participants alike, and is the rule at many gyms.