It’s that time of year when the gym starts to resemble State Street on Parade Day. With the hordes of people sharing this time and space, there are bound to be a few awkward encounters. Here are a few tips to help you maneuver the crowds and emerge unscathed, looking better than ever. A smooth and efficient gym experience can keep you from dropping your New Year’s resolution. Follow these simple rules to maintain and improve positive gym karma.
No sweat left behind — Just like the children of America, nothing should be left behind. Especially not on your equipment. The spray bottles and paper towels can be used on everything from cardio machines to yoga mats. If everyone appreciates and reciprocates the rule then the gym stays a well-sanitized, happy place.
Respect the headphones — Looking for a new gym buddy or a phone number? Even if the person next to you is showing nice results, their headphones indicate that they’re not looking for small talk. Working out is a de-stressor and the gym can be nice solo time for some people. Sure you might be surrounded by familiar faces, but long conversations should be saved for another time.
Reserving a bench is not a thing — Don’t be the guy who “reserves a bench.” Placing your keys on or under a bench does not make it your territory. Be respectful of other people’s workout schedules, especially during peak times.
Don’t take pictures of others — Take as many belfies (butt selfies) and transformation pictures as you want, but leave other people out of it. Even if the expression on someone else’s face can potentially be the next great internet meme, don’t take a picture. Respect people’s dedication. Anyway, everyone’s face looks like a squash while they are squatting.
Control your grunts and moans — Look, you’re not Maria Sharapova. There’s nothing wrong with making some noise while lifting, but don’t make a scene. No amount of weight can justify making a public nuisance out of yourself.
Put your weights back where they belong — There’s nothing worse than having to walk up and down the weight rack to find a matching pair of 45-pound dumbells. Do your fellow gymgoers a favor by putting your weights back where you found them, preferably in their designated spots.
Don’t curl in the squat rack — The squat rack is sacred. There are precious few exercises that should be performed within it, and bicep curls is not one of them.
You are not alone — Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Before you do endless reps with free weights that could result in injury — or worse, no results — make use of the gym workers. These are fellow students who make themselves available to you. Don’t be intimidated by exercise classes, either!
Everyone has to start somewhere! Making use of the gym can be a new positive aspect in your life. These tips are groundwork for your first few workouts. You will soon assemble your own do’s and don’ts list as you make it from one awkward encounter to the next.