Gym Etiquette

Posted by PredatorAdmin at 18:07 26/01/12

10 Lessons to Help You Avoid Becoming the Most Hated Person at the Gym

After asking Predator Nutrition’s Facebook fans for their views on the subject, it was clear to see that there are numerous habits commonly seen in gyms across the world that really grind our customers’ gears. With that in mind, we thought it would be useful to compile a list of ten common pitfalls gym-goers should steer clear of in order to ensure they don’t end up being regarded as the most hated person in the gym.


Lesson 1 – Overpowering Smell
Ok, it’s a gym and you’re bound to sweat but that doesn’t excuse not using deodorant or showering for days before you hit the gym! Wash yourself and your gym clothes regularly, use an effective deodorant and remember that the showers are there for a reason.

Lesson 2 - It’s NOT a Fashion Show
There are two points to be made here:

• Clothing. If your outfit would look good on a Saturday night round town then you can be sure that there is no place for it in the gym environment!  Loose and comfortable clothing is often better for exercise as it allows for easier movement. It may not be stuck to your “guns” and accentuate your bulging chest but it is certainly practical and you can be certain that your fellow gym-goers will appreciate the modesty.

• Make-up. The gym is for getting a serious sweat on, women who cake themselves in make-up to go the gym are not only giving off the vibe that they are not taking their training seriously but they also run the risk of developing unhealthy skin due to blocking the pours with a mixture of perspiration and cosmetics when it should be allowed to breathe.

Lesson 3 - Don’t Become a Sexual Predator

This one is especially aimed at some of the guys out there. If you want to ogle, there are establishments in nearly every city designed for that exact purpose; you will have to pay though!
 
It’s true, a gym is the perfect place to pick up a fit companion and everyone is entitled to appreciate great form. We all do it but everyone at the gym goes to and pays for the privilege to train. Being leered over would ruin anyone’s concentration so If you want to pick up the hot gym babe, get on with your workout, let her get on with hers and chat to her after.

Lesson 4 - Take Care of Your Gym
This lesson is self explanatory - if you’ve used it, put it back for the next person to use and wipe it down if you’ve left a puddle of sweat. It’s just good manners - take care of your gym and it'll take care of you.

Lesson 5 – Know When You’re Not Wanted
Some people come to the gym to focus and don’t like being disturbed, especially half way through an exercise.
There is always that one guy at the gym who loves to talk to everyone about anything. By all means if people look open to chat we encourage socialising in the gym, it is the perfect place to meet likeminded people and talk nutrition, supplements and technique, just make sure you pick your target wisely and know when to let someone get on with it.

Lesson 6 – Don’t Show Off
There is always at least one of these people at every gym. We’ve all seen him...the guy who goes to get as much attention as possible. He’s the person lifting more than he can possibly handle doing dumbbell curls in the squat rack whilst preening himself in the mirror. This is not only annoying as hell to witness, it’s also bad for your health and will very likely cause you injury.

Lesson 7 – Don’t Make Unnecessary Noises
Of course it is understandable and completely natural to emit a little noise when engaging in strenuous lifting but there always seems to be one guy who is lifting a weight that’s as light as a feather yet is still grunting and screaming like he’s lifting a minibus. Why are you so noisy? A child could lift that weight without making a sound.

Lesson 8 – Turn Your Phone On Silent
Mobile phones can be one of the most annoying things that a person can bring to the gym, aside from their children. Not only do we not want to hear your meaningless phone conversations but I actually see people exercising while talking or texting with frightening regularity. If you’re not concentrating then you are risking hurting yourself or others around you and you’re not taking your training seriously. Either work out, or talk on the phone outside, not both!

Also be aware that using your phone in the locker room could make people a little uncomfortable. Most of us have phones with integrated cameras these days and no one likes the idea of their private parts becoming an internet sensation, at least not without their prior consent!

Lesson 9- Sharing Is Caring
Don’t hog the equipment, we all have to be aware of other gym goers and their requirements. Do your sets the way you have them planned, training efficiently. Rest, repeat, and move on. And more importantly than this, do NOT stand and talk to your friends for ten minutes when you’re using a machine if people are waiting to use it.

Lesson 10- Don’t Leave Your Mess Everywhere
Last but definitely not least. This issue relates to lesson 4 but is so important that we had to mention it twice! Don’t leave your rubbish everywhere. I am mainly referring to empty water bottles here; they don’t put themselves in the bin! I have seen some truly amazing things in the gym but I’m pretty sure the most disgusting that I have witnessed was the spitting out chewing gum onto the floor. Not big, not clever!


They may be simple points but once you master the lessons above you can be safe in the knowledge that your fellow gym users will have nothing but respect for you!

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