I haven’t done an etiquette post in a while, and I think the time is ripe! I realized that people talk about gym etiquette all the time, however, it’s usually focused on using the machines or locker room behavior. I think it’s pretty clear to most of us that you should 1)Wipe your sweat off the machines after you’re done, 2) Not use the cardio machines longer than 20-30 minutes when people are waiting, and 3) Not make eye contact with any not-fully-dressed person in the locker room… EEW!!!
It was in my 7am weekly aerobic
s class that I realized most people do NOT know the common courtesies expected in a workout class. So, let me give you a few helpful hints on gym class etiquette, so that you won’t be the culprit getting dirty looks by your classmates:
1.) Please arrive on time. This is especially the case if you’re going to a yoga class where people are trying to relax. When you arrive late it disrupts the flow, and people have to stop what they’re doing to make room for you to squeeze in.
2.) If you do arrive late, quickly grab your equipment and make room in the back or corner of the classroom. Don’t you just hate it when people come in late and then make a big commotion getting their weights, step, mat, etc.? And, it’s the absolute worse when someone shows up late and decides they want to be at the front of the class. Why? Because they disturb everyone they have to walk past to set up their spot.
3.) Don’t stand directly in front on someone else. In most workout rooms, there are mirrors that the class faces to workout. This is helpful to moderate your form and to generally make sure you don’t look like a fool! So, don’t stand directly in front of someone else. Mainly because it blocks their view of themselves and secondly, because no one wants to be in direct eye line of your tush doing squats in front of them!
Now you guys are fully prepared to act properly in your next gym class… Pilates, anyone?!!
xoxo,
Thallen B.