Hi Guys!
Something you may not know about me is I don't love going to the gym. I prefer hitting the pavement alone vs being trapped indoors at the gym with a bunch of strangers. It reminders me of gym class in grade school and that awkward adolescence feeling of being sweaty & unsure of your body around strangers. Do they even have those classes anymore? My injuries this year forced me in the gym a lot more and I must say there is some fascinating stuff going on there. People watching is seriously an underrated activity.
It dawned on me the other day that many people probably don't know what to do or what not to do at the gym. So today I bring you a few do's and don'ts at the gym to help those of you who may be new to the gym. These are true things I've observed at my gym last month. Some have made me laugh hysterically and others have made me shudder with horror. Disclaimer -> these are meant to be helpful and funny. So you've been forewarned and getting offended is not allowed.
WHAT TO DO...
Wipe Down Machines - Especially cardio equipment. Sweat and heat breed bacteria and spreading germs is just gross.
Respect Equipment Time Limits - Respect each other's time constraints when it's busy & people are waiting. Do your 20-30 minutes of cardio then move on. Get in, get out.
Share Weights – No hoarding allowed. You can't lift 3 dumbbells at the same time unless you have 3 hands so there really is no benefit in taking them at the same time.
Re-Rack Weights - Nothing is more annoying then searching all day for 1 missing dumbbell.
Bring a Towel - People don't generally like to share their towels and shaking your body like a dog to get it off you is just gross. If you're desperate, use paper towels. Most gyms have them all over for your use.
Bring Water - No one wants to hear you coughing, gauging or whatever that noise is called when someone's throat is dry and they hack. Annoying your neighbor by clearing your throat every two seconds is a good way not to make friends. Plus it's important to stay well hydrated while working out.
Shut The Shower Curtain - I'm sorry no one wants to see that.
Wear A Bra – Listen up ladies. The girls need to be protected during any kind of exercise. Just because you're sitting on a bike doesn't mean they're not gonna jiggle wiggle. I don't care if it's a real bra, a sports bra, a piece of spandex or duck tape. Put something on!
WHAT NOT TO DO...
Wear Garden Gloves To Lift Weights – They aren't meant for gripping weights or preventing calluses. They could slide off & someone could get hurt. Invest in $20 pair from your local sporting goods store. Besides someone may be allergic to your flowers.
Talk On The Phone – If you need to take a call, take it outside. No one needs to hear your conversation.
Sing & Workout – No one is dying to hear your voice while you're running on the treadmill next to them. Save your beautiful vocal cords for showering at home or the recording studio. It's running, not karaoke.
Blow-Dry Your Toes Naked - Understandable that you're concerned about fungus, but might I suggest putting on a few articles of clothing before proceeding to blow dry your toes? That would make it less weird for everyone. Thanks!
Leave Your Belongings Scattered All Over The Locker Room - Share the space with your neighbors and be sure to lock up your wallet, keys, phone & other important stuff too. Mmk?
Sit On Equipment For A Very Long Time – If you're in between sets that's fine but if you're kicking back catching up on email or even day dreaming, then move aside. Gym equipment is meant for working out not lounging. Be courteous to those who would like to use the equipment.
Clip Your Toe Nails – Just save this one for home. Nuf said.
Wear Street Clothes – Many stores now offer this new thing called fitness apparel. It's quite comfortable, affordable & even sweat proof. Target has really good stuff.
Jane @janerunswild says
Wow, what gym do you belong to? But in all seriousness- you have seen some crazy things! Gardening gloves for weights? That cracked me up. I like this list and think everyone needs to follow it-- thanks! 🙂
Megan says
LA Fitness! The guy with the gardening gloves was there this morning lifting his weights as usual.
Nicole @ Fitful Focus says
Yes to all this! Please re-rack the weights and don't just sit on a machine when you're not using it. Also - who blow dries their toes?!
Megan says
Drying their toes naked no less.
Christina @ The Beautiful Balance says
I'm afraid to ask....Have you seen someone wearing garden gloves to lift???????? I just can't wrap my mind around that one!
Megan says
Yes, an elderly man was wearing them. I know hard to believe, but all these things really happened. 🙂
Mattie @ Comfy & Confident says
This are so funny!!! i am with you, i prefer to workout outside, i have the hardest time getting to the gym. Although once I do get to the gym, I enjoy all the work out options.
Megan says
Glad you enjoyed them! I try to see the humor in it.
Gianna @ Run, Lift, Repeat says
I have to admit I am the person who uses the cardio machines for at least an hour (BUT my gym has no limit one of the reasons I signed up) and when I used to get ready at the gym for work I did my hair/makeup in bra and underwear because no way was I getting my work clothes sweaty/dirty. But I really got over the whole being naked in the locker room thing. Now I am just like - whatever just sit on a towel on the bench please!
Smelly people, people that hog machines but aren't using them and the grunter/weight droppers are the things that get me!
Megan says
The grunters are the worst!
Yaara Leve says
Ughhh! The talking on your phone is soooo freaking annoying. So many people at my gym do it and I can't stand it. I remember one time being stuck next to a girl on the elliptical who would not shut up. She kept chatting away. I tried to block it out with my music but I could still hear her. I finally had to beg her to get off the phone. And she was a real bitch about it too. Texting is also bad. It's just so hard--when you're trying to get into your zone and the person next to you is texting/playing on their phone.
Megan says
I agree talking on the phone is rude. I've been in that situation too many times.