Practice proper etiquette at gym

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Christopher Carranza
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Fitness and exercise are integral parts of personal and mission readiness. Most people, whether they are service members or not, utilize the fitness center or off base gyms for reasons such as maintaining fitness standards, performance or health and wellness. The gym is a place to train, relieve stress and progress one's physical aptitude, not a place to excessively socialize or have a phone conversation.

I have been working out for approximately 13 years and had my first job at a World's Gym, so I'm well acquainted with the fitness center and clientele it services. When I began regularly attending a gym, I was lucky that my father had taken it upon himself to mentor and teach me about the fundamentals of weight lifting and exercise. My father has been weight lifting and attending his local gym for more than 30 years. He taught me how to be humble and not be obnoxious in the gym because no one wants to be pestered in the middle of a workout. One of the most important lessons I learned throughout our many workout sessions was the courtesy and etiquette in which my father and other seasoned gym veterans displayed during their workouts.

Gym etiquette is an unwritten law that is implied through common courtesy. It is in signs or placards that inform attendees on the expected actions and attitude a person should have while at a fitness establishment. The fitness center here has signs along the mirrors or equipment that have subtle suggestions or guidelines, like the blue placards located in the dumbbell free weight section.

Something as simple as "please rack your weights" or "return the equipment after use" is not only the responsible course of action, but it lets others know that you're finished using that piece of equipment. There is nothing worse than looking for a dumbbell or plate for its pair to no avail because someone decided it was fine to leave it elsewhere.

Here are some of my basic tips and examples for those unaware of gym etiquette.

First and foremost, be sanitary, clean up after yourself and wipe down any and all equipment utilized. Not only is it a hygiene standard, but it is the universal sign for being completely done using equipment.

Rather than throw weights or dumbbells to the ground, instead drop them in a safe manner clear from others. There is a difference between a controlled drop because of a muscle failure exercise and a blatant disregard for equipment and safety when weights are thrown from a height greater than a foot off the ground. A good rule of thumb that my father told me is, "If you can't control the weight, then you need to go down." There is no shame in lifting less weight, everyone needs to start somewhere.

Try not to stare at others working out. If you have a question about a particular workout or how to use a certain piece of equipment, more than likely the person performing the exercise will inform you. Be respectful and timely because no one wants to be asked a question while they are lifting weight.

Yelling. When more than a grunt, can be distracting to others who are trying focus on their workouts. If someone can hear you over their music or if you get an awkward look from those who are not wearing headphones then it's most likely a problem. Focus on breathing and not so much the volume of your exerted effort.

Lastly, groups of gym partners working out on a single piece of equipment minimizes its effectiveness for others. Any number more than two people alternating on a bench or machine takes up time and causes overcrowding in an area. Instead, split up into pairs and use alternative workouts so others may be able to utilize the equipment around and move along their workout.

One of my new gym mentors here is Senior Master Sgt. Maryann Navarro-Davis, 60th Force Support Squadron military personnel section superintendent. Her tips for success are, "It's not about how heavy you lift, it's all about form. Repetitions are second, and weight is last." She also agrees that being sanitary and refraining from throwing weights or staring is conducive for morale in any fitness center or gym.

These are just the basics to getting along with others in the gym. If there is something you don't know, just ask. Being courteous goes a long way. Having just a little bit of gym etiquette helps everyone and makes workouts flow smoothly, increasing morale and enjoyment of the gym. It works for me and I'm sure it will work for you.