Joining a gym can be an exciting experience! You’re trying out equipment you’ve never used, meeting a lot of new people, and figuring out what classes you want to take (there are so many great ones to choose from!) You’ll start to get the hang of things after a few weeks, but you still might second-guess yourself about the gym’s policies and wonder, “Am I staying on this machine too long?” … “Am I allowed to talk on the phone?” … “Can I use two pieces of equipment at the same time?”

At AFAC gym, there’s nothing to worry about! Our team is here to answer all of your questions about gym etiquette. Read this blog to learn the basics about etiquette at our Thornton gym.

Gym Etiquette 101

The rules of gym etiquette are very similar to the unspoken rules of everyday life. Be polite, be respectful of other people’s time, share, and clean up after yourself.

Beyond these general guidelines, here are some more specific instructions on proper conduct at the gym.

Wipe Gym Equipment Down Before and After You Use It

Wiping down equipment before and after use has always been a fundamental part of gym etiquette, even long before the days of COVID. Microbes can live several hours to several days on gym equipment, so cleaning surfaces goes a long way in fighting these germs. Please wipe down the surfaces of anything you touch, whether it’s a treadmill, elliptical machine, Power Plate, or trap bar. Even if you didn’t sweat a lot, disinfect equipment surfaces as much as you can post-exercise. And yes, it’s important to wipe equipment down before you use it, too, just in case the previous person forgot. For your convenience, there are disinfecting stations located throughout AFAC gym with sanitizing wipes and hand sanitizer.

Put Gym Equipment Back Where it Belongs

This rule is as basic as it gets. Whenever you use a piece of equipment like a weighted plate, barbell, kettlebell, dumbbell, or resistance band, wipe it down and put it back where it belongs when you’re done.

Not only does returning equipment to its proper place help others find it when they want to use it, but it also removes tripping hazards in the gym. This includes weight plates, too! When plates aren’t removed from bars, it sends a silent message that the equipment is still in use, causing an unnecessary delay for other gym members waiting for a barbell. If you find gym equipment in a spot where it doesn’t belong, ask a member of our gym staff for assistance with returning it to its proper place.

If the gym is crowded, use each piece of equipment as efficiently as you can so that the next person can take a turn. Try not to take up extra time scrolling on your phone or talking to a friend. This is especially true with limited equipment like hack squat and leg press machines. If you notice someone taking an interest in a piece of equipment you’re on, feel free to tell them about how much longer you’ll be so they can plan accordingly.

If the gym is practically empty, then this part of gym etiquette is less of a concern. Just be aware of your surroundings and anyone who might be waiting for you to finish.

Respect the Personal Space of Other Gym Members

Make an effort to respect the personal space of other gym members. Not only is it uncomfortable and inconvenient to exercise when you’re too close to another person, but it can also be a safety issue.

During Strength Training

During strength training, gym members are constantly grabbing weights and bars and putting them back, making this part of the gym a high-traffic area. Give plenty of space for people to move in freely in this area so they’re able to complete their workout efficiently.

If you grab a pair of dumbbells, don’t stand directly in front of the rack to lift them, as this blocks the rack from other gym members. Step away to a clear area where you’ll have plenty of room to complete your workout. Stay aware of your surroundings and make sure you have adequate space to move in all directions.

Additionally, all it takes is one mistake to possibly cause an injury, whether by accidentally walking too close to a swinging kettlebell or being in close proximity with a falling weight. You’re welcome to walk around weightlifters, just give them a wide berth on all sides since weights can be lifted and swung in any direction at any time. In addition, stay out of the line of sight of weightlifters, as it can be distracting to them when they notice someone is too close to their bench or bar.

During Cardiovascular Training

When using cardiovascular exercise equipment, also give other gym-goers as much room as you can. Try not to get on a machine like a stationary bike or rowing machine right next to someone if another one is open. If you do have to squeeze your cardio workout in while you’re next to another person, focus on your own screen and stats.

Plan Your Gym Workouts Ahead of Time

To make your workouts time-efficient, plan them out before you go to the gym. This will help you avoid scrolling through websites and videos while you’re sitting on a piece of gym equipment, trying to discover the best workout for your needs.

Be Flexible With Your Gym Routine

While planning your workouts ahead of time is an efficient way to do things, you need to be flexible, too. We all get into a rut with our gym routine, but sometimes another gym member might be using the piece of equipment that’s next on your agenda. Instead of hovering around that person, figure out a way to move onto the next exercise and then circle back when the coast is clear. This will save you a lot of time and a little awkwardness – plus, you might end up physically challenging yourself in new ways.

Ask Other Gym Members How Long They’ll Be

If someone else is using a piece of equipment that you want to use, it’s acceptable gym etiquette to ask them how much longer they’ll be. Then you’ll know whether it makes sense to stick around the general area and do some warmup exercises for a couple minutes or move on to something else while you wait.

Avoid Using Two Pieces of Gym Equipment Simultaneously That Are Far Away From Each Other

A superset is when you perform two exercises back-to-back, over and over again, which doubles the amount of work you’re doing because you’re using your “rest” period to work out on another machine. Similarly, circuit training is a combination of six or more exercises that are performed with very short rest periods in between. Supersets and circuit training are great for time efficiency and improving cardiovascular fitness and muscle strength, but it can be frustrating to run from one piece of equipment to another across the gym, only to return and find your original machine is being used by someone else. If you’re going to use two or more pieces of equipment at the same time, make sure they’re close together so that you can effectively claim them for your workout.

Learn How Gym Equipment Is “Claimed” by Others

So, you’ve found the perfect piece of equipment for your workout and it’s free to use. Score! But what if you need to grab a quick drink of water or your earbuds? That’s not a problem. One way to briefly reserve your equipment is by draping your towel or jacket over it. (Just make sure to bring a towel with you to the gym for this purpose!) However, use this strategy sparingly. If you’re going to step away for more than a minute or two, relinquish the equipment for someone else to use.

Likewise, if you’re approaching equipment that looks free, check for signs that it’s been momentarily reserved by another gym member. Signs could be a personal item like a towel, jacket, backpack, sunglasses, water bottle, or gloves placed on the equipment or nearby. Loaded barbells also might be in use by someone who has briefly stepped away. You can also look around the gym to see if anyone is coming over to that piece of equipment and looking at you. At that point, you can ask them if they’re already using the equipment or if it’s available.

Use Good Timing When You Start a Conversation at the Gym

It is absolutely okay to talk to others at the gym — it’s a social place where you can make friends! However, keep in mind that some people don’t want to chat during their workout because they’re trying to focus, and their time could be limited. If you choose to strike up a conversation, watch for body language that shows you the person is not available for chatting. For example, they might turn their face way, avoid eye contact, or give short, nonengaging answers to your questions. Also, if someone has their headphones in, it’s typically a sign that they’re not open for a conversation. And finally, don’t initiate a conversation when someone is in the middle of exercising. Wait for them to take a break before you begin a dialogue.

Limit Phone Use

When you’re at the gym, be present and stay off your phone as much as possible. Answer a call or text if you must, as long as you’re not distracting other gym members. Avoid sitting on a piece of gym equipment while having a long phone or text conversation or surfing the web. If you’re going to be more than a minute, it’s proper gym etiquette to step away to the lobby, kitchen, or outside when using the phone. That way, you’ll free up the equipment for someone else and can come back when you’re done.

Avoid Being Too Loud at the Gym

It’s perfectly understandable to grunt, groan, or even talk to yourself a little bit when you’re working hard at the gym. However, if you’re too loud, it can be distracting to other gym members. Watch your volume, avoid singing and profanity, and be respectful of others with the noise you’re making.

Don’t Wear Cologne or Perfume at the Gym

Perfumes and colognes can smell lovely outside of the gym. But inside enclosed spaces where there are lots of sweaty bodies and lungs needing clean oxygen to fuel workouts, strong scents and chemicals are very unpleasant to breathe in. Good hygiene and deodorant are important to avoid body odor but leave the fancier scents for a night out on the town.

Don’t Drop Weights

At the end of a hard set when your muscles are spent, it can be tempting to drop the weight, but please don’t. Dropped weights — whether they’re barbells, dumbbells, kettlebells, or something else — can cause injuries like bruised shins and broken toes. Dropping a weight can also damage the equipment, leaving it unavailable for others to use.

Try to Arrive to Gym Classes on Time

AFAC gym has a wide array of group fitness classes that provide a wonderful way to meet people and reach your fitness goals. It’s good gym etiquette to arrive on time or early to these classes so that you don’t disrupt others. If you do accidentally arrive late to a cardio class, you might be able to sneak to the back of the class and quietly catch up with the others.

Warm Up and Stretch in the Right Areas

Warming up and stretching before your workout is always a good idea, but make sure to avoid high-traffic areas. People who warm up and stretch in the middle of a thoroughfare make it difficult for other gym members to pass by. AFAC gym does have stretching equipment you can use, and if you need advice on the best place to warm up and stretch in our gym, ask a member of our staff anytime for assistance.

Keep Personal Items off the Gym Floor

Please don’t leave gym bags, backpacks, and other personal items on the gym floor. It takes up valuable space and creates a tripping hazard. If you need a locker for your personal items, ask a member of our staff for assistance.

Don’t Block Another Gym Member’s View of the Mirrors

Mirrors are placed around the gym to help our members watch their form as they exercise. Try not to block someone’s view if you can avoid it. It’s okay to walk in front of them briefly if you have to, but provide plenty of clearance and move quickly.

AFAC Gym Welcomes Your Etiquette Questions

If you ever have a question about the gym etiquette at Adventure Fitness Athletic Club, please do not hesitate to ask one of our staff members or personal trainers for assistance. Every gym has its own culture and rules, so it’s always wise to ask if you’re unsure about gym policies. Our commitment to supporting our members is one of the many reasons AFAC gym is the best gym in the Thornton, Colorado, area!

If you’re not a member of AFAC gym yet, please stop by or give us a call to learn all about us. You can also contact our gym owner, Susan, at 720-849-0245 or susan@adventurefitness.club for assistance.

To read more articles from Adventure Fitness Athletic Club, check out our Adventure Corner blogs by clicking here.