Gym Etiquette Everyone Wishes You Would Follow

There is a certain unspoken etiquette that comes into play the second you walk into a gym, ready to sweat.

Still, we’ve all been there: watching someone text endlessly while hogging a piece of equipment or rolling our eyes at that is-this-ever-going-to-end selfie taker.

Avoid irritating your fellow sweat-seekers by skipping out on these annoying gym habits.

Don’t leave your equipment everywhere

This is not your bedroom. The last thing anyone wants to do is pick up a dumbbell that’s covered in someone else’s sweat. Clean up after yourself!

Avoid texting while using the equipment

While you’re busy making plans for tonight, someone else is standing by trying to be productive with their sweat strategy. Your conversation can wait until you’re done with the weights. Research even found that texting during exercise impacted balance and stability by 45 percent, compared to not using a phone.

Try not to check your smartwatch during a dark workout class

The data will be there waiting for you once the instructor yells “final sprint!” That watch face may be little, but that light can be a mega distraction to everyone around you.

There’s no excuse for not racking your weights properly

This is ultimate laziness, especially since the weights couldn’t be in a more easy-to-organize format, TBH. Go on, and put the 15-pounder in the 15-pound slot.

Never listen to music without headphones

It’s cool that you’re into listening to loud hip-hop while you work out, but not everyone needs to be up to speed on your latest playlist.

There’s no need for a full face of makeup

Let your skin breathe! This is a place to work out, not a fashion show. Exert any actual effort, and you can immediately kiss that glam goodbye.

Don’t hover over someone who isn’t finished with their set yet

There is a whole gym here, people. If someone is in the middle of using the piece of equipment you want to use, find something else to do until they’re done. It’s really not that difficult.

C.C.