Beginner’s Guide to Gym Etiquette
Feeling nervous about your first visit to the gym? Don’t worry. You’re not alone. About 11% of people surveyed said they avoid going to the gym because of others’ poor etiquette.
But understanding gym etiquette can make it feel like a second home. In this article, we’ll teach you everything you need to know for your first visit to the gym.
Ready to get started? Find a local Planet Fitness to connect with other gym enthusiasts for support when you need it.
Introduction to Gym Etiquette
Gym etiquette is all about following the unwritten rules of the gym to create a comfortable atmosphere for beginners and experienced gym-goers alike. At Planet Fitness, each one of our gyms is a Judgement Free Zone®, and gym etiquette contributes heavily to that environment. This guide is here to help you feel confident and avoid common mistakes.
Understanding and embracing gym etiquette is key to feeling comfortable and that You Belong®. By adhering to these norms, both newcomers and long-time members contribute to a positive atmosphere where everyone can thrive in their own fitness journey.
Let’s explore the ins and outs of gym etiquette so you can navigate the gym with confidence and ease.
Etiquette Is For Everyone, Not Just Beginners
Gym etiquette isn’t just for beginners—it’s for everyone. Regardless of your experience level, following gym etiquette benefits all gym-goers by creating a positive and more inclusive environment where everyone feels respected and welcomed.
If you’re new to a gym, pay attention to experienced gym members. They play a crucial role in setting the tone and upholding proper etiquette. Observe how they treat the space, equipment, and each other. You’ll likely see some behavior you’d like to imitate.
By practicing good manners and showcasing good habits, seasoned gym-goers can help newcomers feel comfortable and supported in their fitness journey. Together, we can ensure that the gym remains a place where everyone can thrive and succeed.
Respect Personal Space
Respecting personal space creates a positive and inclusive atmosphere in the gym. When we recognize each other’s boundaries, we create an environment where everyone can feel comfortable and valued.
By considering others’ space, we can contribute to a welcoming gym environment where everyone can enjoy their workout experience to the fullest.
Avoid Crowding or Passing at an Inappropriate Time
Everyone needs a little elbow room. Avoid crowding people or attempting to pass at inappropriate times. For example, you may want to avoid passing between machines while someone is actively using one. In doing so, you could distract them from their workout and risk getting hit by the moving equipment.
Being courteous of members around you and recognizing the importance of personal space shows consideration for others’ boundaries and contributes to a more comfortable environment for everyone trying to get their workout in.
Crowding or passing too closely can disrupt others’ focus and enjoyment of their workout. This can deter people from wanting to use the gym and ultimately lead to discomfort or self-consciousness, which isn’t the goal of Planet Fitness’ Judgement Free Zone®.
Being mindful of personal space and avoiding crowding or passing at inappropriate times creates a more enjoyable gym experience for everyone.
Be Mindful of Hygiene
Nobody wants to feel gross at the gym. We’re all here to be better versions of ourselves. And being mindful of hygiene is very helpful for upholding a clean and sanitary gym environment.
Here are some key tips & tricks:
- Bring a Towel: Consider packing a towel in your gym bag so you can lay it on benches or equipment, minimizing direct contact with surfaces and reducing the risk of sitting in someone else’s sweat pool.
- Practice Personal Hygiene: Showering before and after workouts and wearing clean workout attire helps prevent body odor and keeps the gym environment smelling fresh for everyone.
- Dispose of Trash Properly: Being mindful of hygiene also means properly disposing of any trash or used personal items in designated bins provided by the gym. Nobody likes a litterbug.
By being mindful of hygiene practices, we can all contribute to a cleaner and more enjoyable gym experience for ourselves and others.
And don’t forget to dress for success! Flip flops are great for the pool, but it’s important that clothing and footwear are appropriate and safe when you’re enjoying your workout.
Wipe Down Your Equipment
Wiping down equipment before and after use is vital for keeping the place clean and preventing the spread of germs in the gym. Do your part and use wipes or a towel to wipe off the equipment after your workout.
Sharing the space is nice, but it can get icky if people aren’t conscious of their machine usage. Regularly cleaning equipment removes sweat, bacteria, and other contaminants, reducing the risk of illness and infection for ourselves and fellow gym-goers.
Additionally, many gyms provide hand sanitizer stations or disinfectant wipes for members to utilize. Planet Fitness even has dedicated Cleaning Stations located throughout the club stocked with disinfectant spray and paper towels. Why wouldn’t you take advantage of these resources?
By taking the time to wipe down equipment before and after using it, we can all play a part in creating a safer and more sanitary gym environment for everyone.
Respect The Space
Having respect for the gym is essential for creating a harmonious Judgement Free Zone® where all gym-goers feel comfortable and valued.
This means being mindful of the fact that you are in a shared environment and understanding the needs of fellow gym-goers. Avoiding excessive noise or disruptive behavior allows everyone to maintain focus and enjoy their workouts without distraction. Sound on? Earbuds in! Make sure to use headphones or earbuds to avoid disrupting others when playing audio from your phone. (And save the karaoke for happy hour!)
Put Equipment Back Where It Belongs
Don’t leave your weights on the bench. Returning equipment to its designated area after use is crucial for maintaining an organized gym space and ensuring a smooth workout experience for everyone.
By promptly returning equipment once you are done with it, you keep the gym tidy and accessible for others. Not returning equipment can create mild but real inconveniences that lead to unexpected delays or disruptions in other people’s workout routines.
Additionally, leaving equipment scattered around the gym disrupts its natural flow, making it difficult for others to move around and use the space efficiently. So, take responsibility for returning the equipment you use to create an organized and enjoyable gym experience for everyone.
This goes for personal items as well. To help keep the club tidy and free from safety hazards, be sure to lock up bags and personal belongings in lockers rather than placing them on the gym floor.
Be Mindful of Others
This one should be a no-brainer. Being mindful of others in the gym is essential for creating a positive and respectful atmosphere.
This means considering the needs and preferences of fellow gym-goers and being courteous. It involves sharing equipment and space graciously, especially during peak hours when resources may be limited.
By practicing patience and cooperating with other members, we can ensure everyone has a fair opportunity to use the gym equipment and facilities. It takes working together to create a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone can enjoy their workout experience to the fullest.
Watch the Clock
When you’re working out, it’s important to be mindful of the time you spend on equipment. Your fellow members thank you! Avoid monopolizing machines or spending excessive time using equipment. Some gyms will have signs to remind you of appropriate limits on certain machines, especially at peak times. If you’ve taken over a corner of the gym, it can prevent others from completing their workouts efficiently, and that’s not a good look.
If space or equipment is limited, share it wisely or wait your turn. Consider offering to anyone waiting to use the machine you’re on to work in between your sets. This allows another person to use the machine while you rest between sets.
By being considerate of others and sharing equipment, we can create a greater sense of camaraderie and cooperation in the gym. Offering to alternate sets or sharing equipment with others ensures that everyone has a chance to use the equipment and promotes a positive and supportive gym environment.
Additionally, be aware of your phone use. Especially when the gym is busy, it can be a bad look to monopolize a machine while using your phone between sets.
Contribute to a Positive Gym Experience for All
All it takes is a little consideration to contribute to a positive gym experience for everyone. Mastering gym etiquette is essential for creating an environment where all gym-goers feel welcome and respected.
And remember, everyone at the gym was once a beginner themselves. No one will judge you for making mistakes as long as you’re respectful. And when in doubt, ask for help! Gym-goers are known for being helpful and supportive of others in the space.