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Published on Thursday, 13 January 2011 02:18
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Written by April Hunter
With gyms packed full of New Years Resolutionists, here are 15 Commandments of the Gym you shouldn't be without...
Picture this scenario: While super-setting at the gym, you leave your water bottle next to machine A (to let 
others know you're using the machine) as you progress to machine B. As you're finishing up your last reps on machine B, you notice two people sit down on machine A and start conversing. You walk over and explain that you have two more sets on this apparatus (as you point to your water bottle), but they are welcome to work in with you. They shoot you a dirty look and walk off.
Or this scenario: You're in a hurry but want to try to get in quickie leg workout. You hurry over to the leg press only to find there are seven 45-pound plates on EACH side that some selfish jerk left for you to unload.
Maybe this has happened to you. Maybe you're the person who did it. But either way, it's that time of year again when gyms are packed full of New Years Resolutionists; many of whom are not up to speed on GYM ETIQUETTE 101.
If we're to coexist happily, it's more important than ever to respect each other's time and space. Others should not have to smell you, see the crack of your rear, hear your cell phone conversations, feel your leftover sweat or pick up after you.
Here's what are generally considered The 15 Commandments of the Gym:
ASK to work in. Alternately, allow others to work in with you.
- Rack your weights! Your mom doesn't work there! If you can load them up, then you can take them off!
- No cell phones. Unless your cardio area allows them, cell phones are banned in most gyms.
- Do not socialize on equipment. It's a gym, not a nightclub.
- Wipe off your sweat. There's nothing grosser than attempting to use a machine sporting a seat full of damp crotch sweat.
- Do not walk in front of the people using the mirror. This is rarely mentioned and most irritating. People utilize the mirrors to make sure they're using correct form and to avoid injuries, so please be aware.
- No equipment hogging.
- If you're new, take advantage of the free training sessions to learn how to do things correctly. I can't tell you how many people I see doing things completely wrong. Half reps with too much weight for them to handle, dangerously wrong techniques... If you're not doing it correctly, you're wasting your time. And you may also be injuring yourself.
- Don't hire trainers that don't look good. If they can't follow their own advice, why should you?
- Do not stare or make fun of heavy people. Do not stare or make fun of bodybuilders. Everyone is working toward the same common goal, no matter how different we all look - to stay in shape, get healthy, to work on our appearance and to get some stress relief.
Hygiene! I was in the gym the other day with a guy who ruined all the air surrounding him in no time flat. Please use deodorant!
- . Go easy on perfumes & colognes. The pungent smell of Ax spray or some cheap Victoria's Secret body splash is just as bad as B.O. You can be freshened up as possible, but be mindful that many are sensitive to perfumes or colognes.
- Do not walk around naked in the locker rooms, unless you reside in the country of France. It's hugely inappropriate. There are towels. Use them.
- Proper dress required. No open toed shoes. No denim. No two-piece outfits if you spill out of it in an unflattering way. And guys please: no crack-baring pants.
- Don't drop or slam the equipment. If you have to drop or slam it, then it's probably too heavy for you to handle in the first place. I think "death by heated yoga room" is an entirely appropriate punishment when someone jars half the gym by letting a stack of cabled weights drop. If you're lifting heavy free weights, be sure to place rubber mats to catch your dumbbells and drop them flat.
- Grunting: It's a GYM. Not a library. People sometimes lift heavy weights, which require grunting. Get over it.
PS: "Lunk Alarms". WTF is that? I'll tell you Planet Fitness...it's a discrimination lawsuit waiting to happen. Way to disrespect the people who have inspired others to enter YOUR place of business.
What are some of YOUR Gym Commandments? I love getting feedback and suggestions, so contact me on http://www.AprilHunter.com & follow me on http://www.Twitter.com/AprilHunter
Thanks for reading!
-April Hunter
Professional Wrestler, Pinup Centerfold & National Figure Athlete
www.AprilHunter.com
