How To Not be that Person in the Gym Everyone Hates

At the start of the year there’s always an influx of new members at gyms across the country, so your local fitness club is probably a little more crowded than usual. Whether you’re new to the gym or a seasoned member, do you know your gym etiquette? Here are some rules you should adhere to in order to make everyone’s experience while breaking a sweat just that bit easier.

1. Don’t Do Curls in the Squat Rack

The squat rack is named because of its purpose. As Declan Condron explained on FitnessGoop, The squat rack is for squatting, deadlifting, heavy bench pressing and other compound, multi-joint tough exercises However, if you want to work out your biceps, there are plenty of other barbells lying around.

2. Clear Up After Yourself – Properly

Make sure to put your weights back when you’re finished with them, and make sure they are in the right racks. Likewise, make sure you take the weight plates off your barbell and put them back in the right place.

3. Don’t Block the Weight Rack

This one’s a no-brainer. Make sure you’re not blocking anyone’s access to weights or other equipment, and everyone will get along just fine.

4. Don’t Hoard Weights

This ties very simply into the “put it back when you’re done” rule. Remember, a lot of gyms only have limited sets of weights, so think of your fellow patrons before hoarding them.

5. Don’t Use the Mirrors to Check Yourself Out

The mirrors in fitness clubs actually serve a number of practical purposes, including checking form or the amount of space you have to work with. So resist the urge to flex your biceps or abs between sets – just keep it to the privacy of your own home.

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AIF

The Australian Institute of Fitness

The Australian Institute of Fitness (AIF) is the largest and longest established fitness training organisation in Australia, with dynamic training methods and expert course coaches nationwide - spanning fitness, massage and nutrition. The AIF qualifies more fitness professionals than any other provider in Australia, as well as offering a broad range of continuing education courses (CEC), upskilling resources and partnership programs for existing industry.