Gym Ettiquette

By Paul Vincent Clark

As I suggested in a previous article the gym can become less intimidating and a much more enjoyable experience if you consider it a social environment to extend your network. However before you become Mr. Popular, like golf, there are a few basic rules of engagement if you want to avoid people muttering under their breathe about you.

Here are my top ten rules:

1. Always wipe down equipment after use and towel yourself dry, particularly when going from cardio warm-up straight to weights.

2. Do not camp out on equipment because you've decided you're going to hit a certain muscle group for the entire session -This is especially true for peak time. If someone is waiting, invite them to alternate with you while you rest between sets and even offer to spot for your new found training partner.

3. There are limits to being social, so do not discuss last nights sports results as someone is about to bench press 300lbs.

4. If you're an experienced practitioner pass on your knowledge if you see someone has poor posture, form or is likely to injure themselves. This needs to be done tactfully so you don't add insult to their injury.

5. Do not drop weights and keep the grunting to a minimum.

6. Everyone likes to see the benefits of their hard fought physique in the mirror, but keep it sensible - it's a man thing.

7. Its not a fashion show so keep the gym kit understated and practical. Shorts should be at least mid length so your bollocks don't hang out for everyone to see (for this reason keep running shorts for the track)

8.  Mobile/Cellular phones in the gym are a no-no - leave them in the locker room.

9. Its nice to see fit birds down the gym but there's no need to let your elevated testosterone levels run away with you by paying unwanted attention - a smile will do.

10. And finally one for the ladies - keep the perfume for going out. There's nothing worse than gasping for air and taking in buckets full of Chanel no.5. as you fight for recovery.

Stick to these rules and with a bit of common sense you'll be a respected member of the gym community.

Paul Vincent Clark is a Health & Fitness promoter and has over 20 years training experience. Visit mens-health.typepad.com for the latest articles and resources to achieve your Health & Fitness goals.