Earlier this year, we talked a bit about gym etiquette, but today we’re going to share five things to NEVER do in the gym. Fitness centers should be safe places, where everyone should feel welcome and comfortable. There are just a few things people should avoid in order to make the gym a great experience for everyone.
NEVER film anyone without their permission
Honestly, there is no reason to film anyone in the space of the gym without consent, so please just don’t. Ours has a no cell phone/camera policy, which goes largely ignored (in fairness, the YMCA utilizes a workout app, so…), but if you must take pictures, make sure no one else is in your shot. We don’t always look our best at the gym, and no one wants to show up unprepared in the background of someone else’s social media post.
NEVER make fun of anyone in the gym
In today’s day and age, we know better than to mock or make fun of others. It doesn’t matter if someone is struggling, wearing something we find unusual, or doing a workout that seems odd or silly to us. Leave them alone. At the gym, our focus should be on ourselves and our workout. Everything else, unless it infringes on those things or our safety, is none of our business.
NEVER use a piece of equipment without understanding how it works
Safety is so important in the gym, and there’s no easier way to get hurt than hopping on equipment we don’t know how to use. Ask a trainer or staff member, or even watch an instructional video online to see how to load and adjust weights, and go through the proper movements. Trust me: this will help prevent injury in the long run!
NEVER go to the gym when you’re sick
Technically, you really should stay out of most public spaces when sick, but especially the gym. People are breathing hard, coughing, sniffling, wiping their faces, and touching tons of surfaces. Even with antiseptic wipes and hand washing, it’s tough to keep everything clean. I’m not a germaphobe, but people in the gym are working on wellness and probably don’t appreciate being ambushed by germs. Plus, if you’re sick, chances are you should be resting for your own wellness. Take a break until you’re feeling better.
NEVER comment on anyone’s body, form, or methods
Once again, what other people do in the space of the gym is solely their concern. And while some people do go to the gym to be social, many others want to go in, do the workout, and get out. No one wants to defend their movement choices, explain physical limitations, or otherwise have to answer for themselves when they just want to focus on making gains and getting their heart pumping. If someone asks for your advice or suggestions, please feel free to kindly give it, but otherwise, let it be.
What do you think people should NEVER do in the gym?
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These are things I’ve never thought of. And I would never do them.
I they don’t happen at your gym.
The photo thing is hard. I very rarely take pics (but usually of a data screen on a machine if I need to remember stats), and never of myself, the room, or other people.
I would also add to not talk so much. Haha, I dislike it a lot when people do that. 🙂
Yes. I agree! But I’m always Team Less Talking.
Those are good points.
My main one is don’t hog the equipment — or the locker room!
That’s a good one! I never see anyone in our locker room!
Great post. You made me realize that I do take photos in the gym, and every once in a while I’ll catch someone in the background- no, they probably don’t want to show up in my blog post! I”ll be careful in the future.
Also, thanks for the idea- sometimes I don’t want to ask a trainer for help, but I could just find a YouTube video on how to use any of the machines. Maybe everyone else is already doing this, but for some reason I never thought of it!
Great points! I’m always surprised by those who want to offer unsolicited advice about form and technique.
It’s so rude.