January 19th, 2009 by Inflict Training
Just show up!
The hardest thing for many is the ability to burst the comfort zone bubble and join a gym. If you are brand new to training have no fear! Chances are the person training next to you has been training for 10 years and STILL don’t know how to train correctly. The training experience should always be a positive one. So, in addition to the # 1 training rule of showing up, try to follow these guidelines no matter what.
Here are the 4 golden rules of Gym Etiquette!!
Etiquette
1. Use a towel
Whenever you perform an exercise put a towel down. If you use a bench, mat, machine, exercise ball, or floor, evenly place your towel down. Most people don’t like sharing DNA, so put a towel in between you and the next common cold.
2. Be aware of your surroundings
Depending on the type of gym, most people share gym equipment during a workout. It’s very frustrating for fellow gym members that want to finish their routine to have to wait when you’re sitting on a machine. After you finish a set, stand up and recover, or move on to your next exercise. Keep an eye out for someone who wants to work in. If you’re lucky you will get the same treatment in return. It’s the Golden Rule.
3. Clean up after cardio
After you sweat all over the cardio equipment remember to clean up after yourself. Most gyms supply a towel and spray service for their customers. Try not to douse the electronic panels. You don’t want to short circuit them.
4. No Perfume or Cologne
No matter how great you smell most people don’t want to inhale strong smells when training. Remember, if you’re training with the right intensity your heart rate will be up and your breathing will be deep. It’s at that point you won’t want to smell anything, so be considerate to others. Especially those that have allergies. Save your scent for a fun night out.
5. In the same vein as #4 — WEAR DEODORANT!
What’s even worse then smelling the sweet aromatic perfume of the 85 year old lady behind you is smelling her without her perfume. Pay it forward and wear some deodorant. Case closed.
Good Luck!!