by Lisa Armano

Created on: October 11, 2008   Last Updated: October 20, 2008

Whether you've just joined a gym or are a long-term member, nothing can be more frustrating than someone who doesn't follow proper gym etiquette! There are both written and "unwritten" rules of conduct when attending a fitness facility. In my years as a personal trainer, here are a few of the most obvious (and neglected) ones that I can share with you.

BRING A TOWEL AND DRESS APPROPRIATELY

One of the most frequently ignored rules is the one that requires you to use a towel on the exercise equipment floor. I cannot tell you how many times I've walked a client over to a machine only to find it covered in sweat! Wiping down your machine when you are done should be at the top of the list of rules to follow. Covering your seat or cushion to avoid skin contact during use can also serve as a line of defense from exposure to bacteria.

Gyms are bacteria-friendly environments and the more you expose your skin to direct contact with surfaces, the more you are susceptible to contract bacterial infections. Remember to wear proper footwear in the shower at all times, and wear proper clothing in the sauna, steam room, or Jacuzzi do not use these facilities naked!

PICK UP AND RE-RACK YOUR WEIGHTS

Finding ten 45-pound weights left on a piece of equipment when you can't even lift one can deter you from using the machine. Re-racking 450 pounds isn't something the average person plans on adding to their workout routine. Re-rack your weights when you are done using them, please! Leaving weights or dumbbells on the floor can also be dangerous to other members.

LEAVE YOUR CELL PHONE IN YOUR LOCKER

Unless you are a doctor on call, leave your cell phone in your locker. Talking on a cell phone is distracting, makes you vulnerable to injury, and wastes valuable gym time. Exercising should never be done with half of your attention. Focus on the muscles you are working, your breathing, and your form. If you are doing cardio and find it boring, find suitable music to keep you mentally aware.

DO NOT BE AN EQUIPMENT HOG: "WORK-IN" WITH OTHER MEMBERS

If you are doing multiple sets during busy time at the gym, allow other members to work in on the equipment during your rest time in between. This is proper protocol for equipment use. If you are using cardio equipment, most gyms will ask that you do not use the machine for more than 30 minutes during prime time. Do not sit on machines and talk to other members. This will unnecessarily extend your rest period and cause an angry line to form behind you!

ONLY BRING WATER ONTO THE WORKOUT FLOOR

Anything other than water is prohibited on most work out floors. Spilled liquids cause damage to the machines and floors, and can be a hazard to other members. Soiling a machine makes it unusable until the janitorial crew (or maintenance) maintains the machine.

Going to the gym should be a rewarding experience for everyone. Following a few basic rules can make it a safe, healthy, and friendly environment to burn off those extra calories and de-stress from the grind of life.

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