Amongst the seven deadly sins, instead of placing them back on the rack, people struggle with specific techniques or pieces of equipment and leaving weights out. Gym bunnies are also being urged not to fill huge, two-litre bottles at the water fountain.
Not only that but also to wipe down all the equipment they’ve used after they’ve finished. Seven of the most serious rules to break whilst exercising in the gym have been revealed from grunting and moaning excessively to staring at others while they train.
Our health and fitness experts have researched the sins gym buffs are most likely to commit whilst working out in public–whether they’re seasoned fitness pros or starting from scratch.
Gym Etiquette: The Seven Deadly Sins
I’m sure we’re all guilty of forgetting to wipe the bench down a few times or hogging certain items of equipment every now and again. But being a little more mindful of your fellow fitness fanatics will mean you’re less likely to step on anybody’s toes.
It’s simple, really. Offer help if you see someone struggling. Remember to put your weights and equipment away when you’ve finished with them. And under no circumstances should you ogle other gym users–whatever the reason!
1. Leaving someone to struggle.
No one likes a know-it-all, particularly in the gym. But if someone’s struggling with a piece of equipment, then it’s good to offer them a few tips on how doing it correctly. However, if a personal trainer or other qualified professional is around, let them do the talking.
2. Filling your huge water bottle from the gym water fountain.
It’s essential to keep hydrated while working out, but filling a massive two-litre bottle of water? It means you’re going to take ages and there will be a long queue of thirsty people behind you.
3. Hogging equipment.
At peak times, nothing’s more annoying than someone bagging more than one piece of equipment. Or someone is taking unnecessarily long breaks between sets. So, respect other users and play fair.
4. Leaving your weights out.
Putting your weights back on the rack when you’ve finished is as quick and easy as it sounds and keeps everyone happy. But a surprising number of people don’t bother. And never forget to put dumbbells back on the rack too. When they’re left on the floor, there’s an accident waiting to happen.
5. Leaving a piece of equipment without wiping it down.
Particularly when it comes to cardio machines. Otherwise, the next user will be lying in a pool of your sweat, which is pretty gross.
6. Grunting and moaning excessively.
Keep noise to a minimum, especially when working out with heavy weights. No one wants to hear you grunting away.
7. Staring.
Very few people appreciate being watched by others while they train. So even if they’ve got muscles upon muscles and a physique to die for or, on the other hand, if someone’s struggling using a lighter weight, just keep your eyes to yourself.
We’re hoping that these etiquettes will enlighten you. Remember, blood, sweat and respect.