For those of you who know me well, you’re probably laughing right now, thinking “there goes Kellie again…ranting away”. And you’re right. However, this time I think my ranting may have a positive impact. You see, I could have easily titled this blog “rack your damn weights, you idiot”, but I didn’t. I’m being nice. You know why? As a director of a fitness facility, I’ve come to realize that there is a rather large segment of gym “goers” out there who don’t actually KNOW what is and is not normal behavior in the gym.

So then, what is gym etiquette? Below you will find a list of gym “rules” (proper gym etiquette) that every gym member should know.

1. Share the equipment! Although you may LOVE the new cardiovascular machine at your gym (thus feeling compelled to stay on it for an hour plus-crazy!), please resist that urge. If you see someone waiting to use a cardio machine, please limit your use to 30 minutes (maybe that’s the universe’s way of getting you to try HIIT). This rule holds true for weight equipment too. Rather than sitting on one piece of equipment as you rest between sets, why not stand up and move around a bit. This not only frees up the machine/weights/etc. for others to use in between, but it may also provide another means of cardiovascular work.   Also, if someone else is using a machine or equipment that you would like to use, feel free to say “mind if I work in with you?”.
2. Return the equipment to the right place. This one’s pretty self-explanatory. Just be sure to return whatever piece of equipment you are using to its original location. This not only helps keep your facility neat and orderly, but helps other members find the equipment they are looking for.
3. Manage your sweat. Obviously sweating is a good thing, as it is a sign of a nice hard workout. However, making sure you keep your sweat to yourself is imperative. Carry a towel with you as you work out and remember to wipe down equipment afterwards.
4. Keep the grunting to a minimum. Proper breathing technique is essential when working out, as it enables your body to get the oxygen and nutrients it needs. Loud grunting, however, is not necessary…and usually is a sign that the person is not breathing correctly during his/her workout. Remember, inhale during the “easy” part of your lift, and exhale during the “hard” part of your lift.
5. Don’t stand two inches from the mirror. Ever. I don’t care if you forgot your contacts, left your glasses at home, or whatever crazy excuse you can think of to stand that close to the mirror. Just don’t do it!  Working on a college campus gives me the opportunity to see some of the most OUTRAGEOUS things at the gym, but one of my biggest, I mean BIGGEST, pet peeves is when I can’t get to the dumbbells that are against the wall because Mr./Mrs. Meathead wants to stare at themselves as they “lift things up and put them down”. I mean really guy….take the two seconds to walk behind the benches and do your lifts there. That way people can access the equipment AND you can stare at yourself at the same time…that is the reason you go to the gym, right? 🙂

OK, enough of my ranting. BUT-I want to hear from you all. What are you BIGGEST pet peeves in the gym?