It's no secret why the Gantcher Center is packed these days. Spring break is just around the corner and with New Year's resolutions in full swing the gym is busier than ever. While the gym can be a great place to relieve stress, get fit and even socialize, the crowds of fellow co-eds can make bad gym habits more apparent. Whether you're a workout newbie or a regular, now is a perfect time to brush-up on your gym etiquette.
1. Mirror, mirror on the wall
Mirrors are not just about vanity; they're about safety. If you notice someone watching their form be considerate - don't block their view. At the same time, if you are looking in the mirror from across the gym, don't get upset if someone crosses your visual path. Be realistic.
2. Wipe it down
No one likes walking over to a piece of equipment and finding it drenched with someone else's sweat. It just takes a quick wipe using the disinfectant provided by the gym to avoid being that guilty person. Bringing your own towel is also helpful if you tend to excessively perspire.
3. Rack it!
Be gracious; return your dumbbells and weight plates to their appropriate designated racks (heavier weights are usually kept low and get progressively lighter towards the top). The gym is for everyone and it would be a shame if a loaded barbell turned away the next user or prevented them from finishing their workout.
4. Cell-free zone
Unless you are waiting for an important call, turn your cell phone off or leave it in the locker room. Describing your latest weekend drama to your best friend may not be the motivation the person on the Stairmaster next to you was hoping for.
5. No cardio hogs
Cardio equipment can fill up before you blink during peak hours. Respect others' desires to work up their heart rate and limit yourself to 30 minutes. A half-hour is plenty if you pick up the pace!
6. Work-in or wait (patiently, please)
Politely ask "how many sets do you have left?" rather than impatiently hanging over and staring someone down if they happen to be using the very same equipment you too would like. They'll probably be less likely to dilly-dally and may even offer for you to "work-in."
7. Don't dawdle
If you are the person someone else is "patiently" waiting for, acknowledge them - and without rushing - efficiently finish up your sets.
8. Pack it in, pack it out
A clean and neat environment makes the gym a better experience for us all. If you take out a magazine to read, put it back when you are done (and don't forget the little postcard order forms that fall out). If you're a gum-chewing exerciser, throw away the wrappers. And if your seasonal sickness isn't keeping you away from the gym, at least toss your tissues in the trash.
9. Come clean, leave dirty
While sweat should be part of everyone's workout regimen, coming to the gym wearing deodorant and clean gym clothes is certainly appreciated by all.
10. You-only competition
It is not necessary to keep up with the person next to you, or worse - try to show them up. We are all at the gym to further improve our own fitness level. It's not worth the risk of injury to out-do your neighbor. Guys: that means if the girl next to you is benching more, don't try to out do her - you will probably get hurt. And girls: it's not necessary to go pound-for-pound with Hercules on the football team.
Bowles is a graduate student in Nutritional Biochemistry and Metabolism at the Friedman School. She has a BS in Exercise Science and Psychology from the University of Utah. Shannon is certified strength and conditioning specialist and a former member of the U.S. National Gymnastics Team.
