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:
Always
wipe down equipment after use and towel yourself dry,
particularly when going from cardio warm-up straight to
weights.
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.
There are
limits to being social, so do not discuss last nights
sports results as someone is about to bench press
300lbs.
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.
Do not
drop weights and keep the grunting to a minimum.
Everyone
likes to see the benefits of their hard fought physique
in the mirror, but keep it sensible - it's a man thing.
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)
Mobile/Cellular
phones in the gym are a no-no - leave them in the locker
room.
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.
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.
By
Paul Vincent Clark
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