Going to the gym can be a great time to concentrate on yourself and your own fitness. But that doesn’t mean you should leave common sense or common courtesy at the door.
Check out these eight annoying habits you really don’t want to bring to the gym.
1) Don’t be creepy
This includes staring, making inappropriate comments, or just sticking to close to someone at the gym. Everyone likes a little extra space. So if there are plenty of machines open, don’t take the one right next to someone else. And if it’s crowded, don’t hover while you wait your turn on a machine.
2) Don’t make extra noise
Just because you have a favorite playlist for working out doesn’t mean your neighbors at the gym want to share it. Keep the volume at an appropriate level and don’t sing along to the song in your earbuds.
Don’t hold extended phone conversations and don’t expect your neighbor to chat while you work out. If you are a “grunter” when you work out, save the grunts for your really big moves and keep the volume down.
3) Don’t compete
When you go to the gym, concentrate on your own workout and goals. Don’t try to keep up with your neighbor on the treadmill or steal glances to see how much weight someone else is lifting.
4) Don’t be a hog
Whether we’re talking machine time, floor space or free weights, don’t tie up gear any longer than you really need it. If it’s crowded, position yourself away from the middle of walkways if possible.
And don’t hog equipment while you take a break to check your phone or answer a text, especially if someone else is waiting for what you are using.
This is also not the time to hog the remote. Don’t walk in and change the channel on the TV without checking to be sure nobody else is watching what’s already there.
5) Don’t be a know-it-all
If you’re not a trainer, do your thing and let everyone else do theirs. Don’t offer unsolicited advice, even if you are sure they are doing it wrong. If you really think someone is going to get hurt, point it out to a trainer or staff member so they can help.
6) Don’t focus on selfies
The mirror in the gym is there to help with your form, not to help you showcase your selfie skills. Take a selfie if you must, but don’t tie up equipment or slow other people down while you get just one more shot!
7) Don’t leave a mess
Sweating at the gym usually means you’re having a good workout. But leaving your sweaty mess for the next person is not cool.
Before you move on, check the area to be sure you’re leaving it just the way you would want to find it – clean, dry and without stray gear lying around. Use a towel to wipe up and be sure to put any equipment you used where it belongs, even if that’s not where you found it.
8) Don’t flaunt it
You may be proud of how you look and comfortable being naked. But not everyone shares your comfort level. Be considerate of others in the locker room and do what you can, wearing at least your underwear instead of your birthday suit.
Avoiding annoying habits at the gym really comes down to the golden rule. Treat others the way you want to be treated. Focus on your own workout, but not at the expense of the comfort or safety of the people around you.
If you have questions about working out or what type of workout is appropriate for your health, talk to your health care provider.
Reviewed July 22, 2016
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith