(20s) Nick Tankersley, NewsOK Web Editor: I can’t tell you how many workouts I’ve spent lost in speculation over whether I am being a good gym-mate or not. actually, next to watching “Die Hard” on AMC, trying to make sure my weight room etiquette is appropriate is my favorite way to pass exercise time. I have only been able to come to a few concrete conclusions about gym rules. Some of them have very important reasons and others are just polite gestures to other self-improvement masochists. the most important thing in any gym, or any social situation really, is to get a read of the group that regularly attends. the gym where I work out is pretty laid back and I go at low traffic times. For that reason I can be fairly lax on things like machine saving and the immediate wipe-down. if I do work out in a bigger crowd, however, I must adjust my attitude toward gym etiquette. here is a list of the most universal and respectful rules I have come up with: 1. Always put up everything you get out. if it was on a rack when you got there, it should be on a rack when you leave.2. a machine is only saved if you are in the act of using it. unless you come to a polite agreement with the other interested party, if you get up and do something else, then it isn’t your machine anymore no matter how many stinky sweat towels you put on it.3. When you are done with a machine wipe it down thoroughly. the human body is not quite the wonderland that John Mayer would have us believe. doing sit-ups in someone’s power-squat sweat is not an ideal workout environment. if it is non-busy day I have been known to leave a machine in stank condition while I rotate exercises but if there is the chance that someone may use the machine after a set, then I give it a wipe down.4. Don’t try to do every exercise when there are others there. the most annoying thing in a gym is when someone bounces from machine to machine, weight to weight without any acknowledgment of the people around them. Circuit training is a good idea but only when you’re not in everyone else’s way.5. Don’t leer at people. Whether you’re “admiring” someone’s physique or amazed at his or her barbarisms when working out, exercise can be a very unflattering and self-conscious activity. Let people work out their way and you yours; staring at people is a sure way to make the environment very uncomfortable for everyone.6. the showers are not your personal bathrooms. there are so many deeply disturbing situations that have led to this conclusion that I don’t wish to share them here.7. Always ask before you change the channel on a TV. John McClane scaling the air ducts of the Nakatomi Plaza building is the perfect stimulus for my cardio time. “King of Queens” is not. Having one suddenly shift to the other is a good way to take all the wind out of an exercise. (30s) Ford Sanger, local businessman: There are etiquette rules at the gym. Always wipe off the machines after you use them. I think you can save your machine by putting a towel or water bottle on it, but it needs to be used within a reasonable amount of time.Regarding cellphone use during gym time: I would say it is acceptable but there is nothing more frustrating for someone to be talking loud for an extended period of time while they walk on a treadmill or work out. are you going to the gym to get into shape or get healthy or to socialize? many people are going to the gym to get healthy and are concentrating on the task at hand. get in, be respectful of others’ time, practice good hygiene, get in shape and get out. (40s) Todd Pendleton, Art Director, the Oklahoman: Great question! I think you should always wipe off equipment after each use, especially if sweating a lot (which tends to happen with a good workout). there are usually spray bottles and towels available for this. most of the gyms I have been to don’t encourage “saving” certain machines. if there are more than a few members present, it keeps someone else from using it. One should always take the weights off the rack after use. it is really difficult (and inconvenient) for lighter lifters to lift heavier weights off the bars. the only problem to me concerning TV and cellphones in the gym are that they are distracting to you during your workout. This could cause prolonged time at work stations and sabotage the flow of your workout. if you’re on the phone, it’s probably a good idea to go somewhere more private. Fellow exercisers will appreciate this. (50s) Scott Kinnaird, Chief Executive of al la mode, inc.: I think the same etiquette rules apply in the gym as any other public place — the same rules we were all taught in the first grade — clean up your mess, leave things as you found them, be aware of others and don’t distract them with selfish behavior. In gym-specific situations like reserving and wiping down machines, I think it’s always best to remember “When in Rome” and follow the house rules. (60s) Ron James, independent oil producer: I haven’t been to a gym for a workout since Junior High. I remember doing some push-ups prior to participating in the Beaver Cow Chip Celebration. My fellow hurlers and the friendly people of Beaver didn’t seem to mind just where you left your mess..
20-40-60 Etiquette: The Men Answer a weighty question about gym etiquette
Related posts:
- Gym Class Heroes: Behind The Scenes
- Weiner Photos Draw Eyes to Little-Known House Gym
- Experts Question Lakeland Blood-Spill Expenses
- Gym Class Heroes enters top ten with Adam Levine’s help, plus a look at this week’s charts
- Ashley Tisdale Hits The Gym in Wildfox Tee