IN the same way you had to learn social graces when you were younger, there are also rules when using a gym.

Rohan Gordon, personal trainer and wellness officer at Eden Gardens, shared some general guidelines that will help to make your next gym experience worthwhile,

Bring a towel

“There’s nothing worse than being covered in someone else’s sweat,” Gordon said. Towels help keep surfaces clean, dry and germ-free. Gordon added that most gyms have cleaning supplies that you are free to use to wipe down your equipment before heading off to the next station.

Dress appropriately

“No one is interested in seeing your underwear, especially if it’s dirty and torn,” Gordon said. He added that while some individuals feel more comfortable exercising in less clothing, the gym isn’t the place for women to show cleavage or for men to go shirtless, as the spread of germs is easier when your body fluids are in direct contact with the equipment.

Wear deodorant

Exercising makes you sweat — a lot! “Being green or highly scented in the gym will offend people,” Gordon said. “Wear a good deodorant or antiperspirant to keep odour to a minimum, but never spray yourself with perfume before going to the gym, because the thick scent it leaves may give people headaches, migraines, asthma attacks and affect their sinuses.

Replace used items

After you use weights, exercise balls or other gym equipment, Gordon advised that it’s best to return them from where they were taken. “Leaving equipment on the floor is hazardous as other gym users may fall over it and it is difficult for others to find the equipment they need.” Although dropping weights to the floor after you’ve used them is probably the easiest thing to do, it is loud and distracting and unsafe for other gym users.

Share

Just like everyone else, you pay to use the gym, you don’t own it. Gordon said hogging equipment is selfish, and instead he urged gym members to let others slip in between sets to save time. “Don’t leave your towels on the machine and expect it to be available when you return. Remember others have paid to use the gym as well.” Also, when refilling your containers at the water cooler, Gordon suggests you don’t spend the entire day there, nor do uncouth things like spit or place gum on it.

Be patient

The gym might be small, so what? Don’t rush others to use the equipment. Asking persons if they’re almost done is rude. Wait until the individual takes a break or use another machine.

Practise punctuality

If you should be at the gym from 5:30 am, don’t come at 7:00 am and expect to be treated like royalty, especially if your gym is a busy one. Some gyms have time limits on use of cardio machines during peak hours and you’ll have to follow the rules. If you want to exercise at your own pace, avoid rush hours like 5:00 to 6:00 pm, when everyone is leaving work and trying to get in a few minutes.

Respect others and their privacy

Don’t go into the gym recording people and taking pictures. The way you operate affects others around you. Don’t disturb people with your workout music, foul language or conceited comments about weight.

Don’t give advice

“The personal trainers are there for a reason,” Gordon said. “Don’t correct other people’s form without permission. Injuries happen all the time and your wrong suggestion could end up hurting someone.”