12 Gym Etiquette Tips to Make Your Gym Experience Better

If this is the first time you've ever stepped into a gym, there are a few things you need to do to make your gym experience better. There will be people that don't follow these tips, and they are going to be the one that disturbs and possibly ruins everyone's experience.

From leaving flop sweat and trash all over the gym to not re-racking their weights, they are unwanted in the gym because of their gym etiquette.

Related - 10 Dumb Things to Do in the Gym

So let's take a look at these tips so people know you were raised with some sense.

Gym Etiquette Tips

#1 - Clean Up

Putting up weights after you just slayed them seem like a waste of time, but do it.

Nobody likes walking through a minefield of dumbbells and plates.... pick them up.

Once you've put up whatever weights you just used, make sure to wipe up any machines or seats that you have used.

Many gyms provide towels and spray to clean the equipment; use them and help maintain a clean gym. The staff shouldn't be the only ones cleaning.

#2 - Put Your Phone Away

Talking on your cell phone is distracting and can ruin a workout.

This isn't the place to sit around gossiping or complaining about your work day - get to the gym and get out.

If you must take a call, put up your equipment and step out to take it.

#3 - Don't Offer Unsolicited Advice

When I look around the gym, I see many people doing exercises wrong and certainly not getting the most out of their workouts.

But I keep my mouth shut.

The only time I've ever stepped in to say something was when I saw they were going to seriously injure themselves.

Don't try to impress people by passing out unsolicited advice. Mind your own business and get those gains.

#4 - Ask Questions

The gym has staff and trainers on the clock for a reason. They are there to make sure you use the equipment properly, so just ask.

Need a spot? Ask a trainer or staff member. Generally, they will be more than happy to help.

Maintaining safety in the gym should be your priority. Ignorance and carelessness are what gets you injured.

#5 - Share the Equipment

The gym can get packed, especially during the new year resolutioner rush.

Your gym during the first three to four months will be stuffed with newbies. If you are doing supersets or need longer rest times, offering someone to work in with you helps everyone out.

Look at it like a gym partner - your rest period is while your partner is lifting, right? Let someone work in with you and enjoy the added motivation.

You never know, you may find a training partner.

#6 - Don't Spread Germs

If you drip like a faucet when you workout, spend time wiping up and maintaining at least some freshness.

If you smell ripe like a week-old banana, go take care of business and come back. Nobody likes that smell.

Wipe up your equipment and make sure you haven't left a trail of sweat over all of the dumbbells. It happens, but cleaning up after yourself is what separates you from the gym newbies.

#7 - Stay Away If You Are Sick

Treat the gym as if it is your work. Do you go to work when you are contagious to get others sick? Unless you absolutely have to you don't, right?

Coming to the gym while sick is asking to get others sick. Take the time to rest up and get better before coming back to the gym.

This doesn't mean to skip the gym if you "don't feel good."

If you have a runny nose or coughing incessantly, try working out at home and getting over whatever sickness you have.

#8 - Be on Time

Whether you are in a group class or have a workout partner, being late is unacceptable.

If you are going to be more than 10 minutes late, don't go busting into your spin class and interrupting everyone's focus.

#9 - Quit Creeping

The gym is where people go to lift weights, not hook up.

If you're looking for a date, try a more social environment. It's unflattering to have sweat dripping off of your face trying to hit on that girl.

Everyone will laugh at you and the girl will probably tell all of her friends to watch out for you.

#10 - Keep Your Clothes On

There are two thoughts that go through people's mind when they see someone take their shirt off to pose in the mirror.

• 1.) They really, really don't have the physique to take their shirt off.
• 2.) This dude is a douche.

Either way, quit trying to show off in front of everyone. It's not flattering, and nobody really cares.

#11 - Get Comfortable in Your Gym

Go during non-peak hours and ask for a guided tour.

Learning the machines and how they work will boost your confidence and comfort level in the gym.

#12 - Don't Try to Get Attention

If you've ever heard someone sound like they are squatting 800 pounds but instead you see them quarter squatting 135 you think they are an idiot, right?

Keeping noise to a minimum will allow everyone to workout in peace.

Get attention with how much weight you eventually will lift, not by sounding like you're lifting heavy.

Wrapping It Up

Common sense and basic manners go a long way in the gym.

Don't be one of those people that everyone talks about in the gym. It's unflattering and you will never get treated with respect.