Got Gym Etiquette?
We all know of the stereotypical gym scenario with no gym etiquette, that plays out every day in gyms all across the world, in our minds anyway. The one with the strapping brute obnoxiously hogging more equipment than several people could realistically use. The scantily clad vixen who wears too much perfume and flaunts her physique for validation and attention. The teenagers who leave their weights out as opposed to re racking them. These are all examples of poor gym etiquette.
Manners and class aren’t inherent with everybody, but when a group of people are occupying the same space, such as a gym, for example, it becomes a far more pleasant and productive experience for everyone involved.
At my gym, the Austin Fitness Center, we insist that you practice proper gym etiquette, or you will be forced to find a different facility to workout at.
I’ve been an Austin personal trainer for 20 years or so, and for the first 12 years of my career, I had to work as independent trainer in various gyms. What I saw from some of the clients was appalling, but far worse, to me, was what I saw the staff, and some of my fellow trainers doing. I’ve seen everything from body shaming, groping, eating meals such as fish with garlic cream sauce, in a small facility, while simultaneously “training” clients, to playing with phones, making insensitive jokes, etc. Personal trainers, gym attendants, and on down the line are just as responsible and need to be held every bit as accountable as patrons when it comes to gym etiquette.
These behaviors are not tolerated for even a moment at the Austin Fitness Center, and frankly, having seen such things over the years, was the main impetus for me founding my own facility. I wanted to be in a place where the clients could feel comfortable, have great equipment, and not just have a great workout, but a great time as well, without worrying about some boorish, insensitive people distracting or bothering them.
In my gym, if you sweat on something, it’s necessary that you wipe it up. The next person to come along and use that apparatus doesn’t want to sit or lay down in your sweat any more than you would theirs. It’s also important to put away what you are finished using. This keeps floors clutter free, and keeps everything easy to locate. Sharing is of great importance too. If you are using a particular machine and someone asks if they may work in, you must allow them. Cell phones are to be heard outside only, as are all conversations on them. People don’t need the aggravation or distraction of other’s gadgets when they’re trying to workout.
The golden rule, as they call it, is to treat others how you wish to be treated. In a gym, it’s referred to as gym etiquette. It’s not a strange concept, nor is it particularly difficult to embrace. In fact, it not only makes the gym more appealing to go to, but the world in general becomes a better place as well.
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Andy
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