Gym Etiquette By: Lisa Ritchie

It’s a new year with a lot of “newbies” in the gym. If you’re a newbie too, you might feel intimidated not just by all that equipment, but there’s also a code of behavior that’s often unspoken. Plus rules imposed by the gym are for safety and cleanliness and to remind members to be polite to others.

Here are a few tips:

Clothing: Some gyms have rules prohibiting men from training without shirts and women from exercising with just a sports bra and shorts. Some yoga positions could be revealing, so make sure your clothing moves with you, fits snugly but not too tight and it holds everything in. Be sure to wear the proper footwear, such as sneakers or weight-lifting shoes. If you’re a cycler (Spinning@) find out if your gym has bikes with clip-in pedals – in which case you can wear cycling shoes. Buy yourself padded bike shorts; you’ll thank me later.

Hygiene: Be considerate of others be sure to put on deodorant and don’t load up on heavy perfumes or colognes. Leave the cell phone at home. Ladies you don’t need a layer of makeup. Cosmetics can clog pores, especially when you’re sweating.

Cell phones: Focusing on your workout will give you a better result. All communications with “the mothership” should be sent to voicemail. Some gyms prohibit cell phones since most have cameras, so keep it locked up in your locker (or your car)

Cleanliness counts: Wipe down any equipment you use and toss your tissues and empty water bottles in the garbage. Some gyms provide spray bottles of cleaner and paper towels for this purpose. Put away your toys! When you’ve finished using those weights, bands, and stability balls, put them back where they belong for the next person to use. Finally, make use of the locker room. Don’t hang your purse or gym bag on the arm of the elliptical or dump it on the gym floor.

Don’t hog the equipment: If you’re using weights, allow another person to “work in”. This means while you’re resting between sets, let them use the weights. Don’t pile up sets of weights because you’re too lazy to walk back to the rack. Most of all, be thoughtful and considerate, and enjoy your workout!