DOLCE LIFESTYLE: 6 Rules For Gym Virgins
by Samantha Coogan, MS, RDN, LD
New to the gym scene? Follow these courtesies in order to earn respect in the gym not only from others, but for yourself.
1. Don’t Text on a Machine Instead of Actually Using the Machine
The leg press machine is not for a finger workout. The abduction/adduction machines are not for finger workouts. The GHD machine is not for a finger workout. Understand? Nothing is more irritating than watching someone take up a space that you could be using to actually be productive so that they can sit, stationary (learn to multi-task), and text God knows who. Or updating your Facebook status to “Hittin’ it hard at the gym #nopain #nogain #gymlife #nofilter”. NO ONE CARES because if you have time to check-in and update your status, you aren’t working very hard, and we can all tell. It’s obnoxious and rude. If you want to text, go to the locker room and do it. Plus, the more you “check-in” when you first hit the gym, creating a trend for all to see, the more awkward it’ll be when your frequency decreases and we all notice that the gym ship has sailed. You don’t need to post everything you do every minute of the day.
2. Cut It With The Selfies!
Yes, we all love to see progress, and we want to shout to the world that we are making healthy lifestyle choices. But we do not need to see you in a mirror in a different outfit everyday with your head tilted to the side as if saying, “look how healthy and fit I am *giggles*”. Stop wasting space that other people could be utilizing, especially the mirrors by the free weights. People are on tight schedules and the ones who are actually there to work out, and work hard, don’t want you in their way acting like an idiot. There I said it. Save your pics and videos for PRs, because it’s ok to brag every once in a while.
3. Clean Up After Yourself
If you take out equipment like yoga mats, dumbbells, kettlebells, etc. put it back. Re-rack your weights, and wipe down anything you touched. It’s just common courtesy and good hygienic practices.
4. If You’re Doing a Group Fitness Class, Show Up on Time
Don’t show up late. Sometimes there is unforeseen traffic or you had to stay late at work. But don’t make showing up late a habit. Especially if you’re doing it to get out of a warm-up. It just shows that you don’t respect the instructor’s or other members’ time. Be courteous and show up on time, ready to work.
5. Be Aware of Your Surroundings, But Don’t Be a Know-It-All
If someone is benching near you, and you notice them struggling to get that last rep re-racked, help him/her out as a spotter. However, do not assume that everyone needs a spotter all the time. Only help out if you are asked to do so. Guys, this especially goes for those of you who think every woman in the gym is some delicate flower who couldn’t possibly get through a set on her own. This also goes for trying to help her clean up. Yes, it seems like it is a polite gesture, but from our perspective, it gives us the feeling that you think we are helpless. Personally, the gym is the last place I feel helpless. If she asks, then by all means, go for it, but never assume.
6. Don’t Obnoxiously Grunt for No Reason
If you are maxing out, or on rep 18 of 20 on heavy back squats, some grunting may happen naturally and involuntarily. But DO NOT grunt to try to show everyone how heavy you are lifting. Grunting louder does not make you stronger, it makes you more annoying. People will stare, and yes you’ll get attention, but not the kind of attention you could get from lifting heavy while eating a slice of humble pie. Don’t be that guy (or girl).
