Alice,
I'm looking for some helpful pointers you might have on the subject of
health club etiquette (i.e., don't wear perfume because others will leave
workout equipment wearing your perfume). I would appreciate anything you
have to offer on the subject.
Thank you!
Dear Reader,
Glad you asked this question. Given how much Alice goes on about the benefits
of exercise, it's also important to make working out more enjoyable for
everyone.
So, let's start in the locker room:
(1) Exercise control when loading and unloading your gym bag and
locker. Remember, you are in a locker room, not at a picnic, so
refrain from spreading your towels, clothes, shoes, and toiletries all
over the benches and floor around you.
(2) In the name of prevention, pop on some extra deodorant before your
workout begins. Even the freshest-smelling folks can have others reaching
for their gas masks during a vigorous workout.
(3) Before hitting the gym floor, wash your hands, and, yes, wipe off
some of that cologne/perfume.
Now, we're ready for our workout:
(4) Do you have an extra towel with you? Wipe off aerobic equipment,
free weights, weight machines, and mats after you use them -- even if you
don't sweat.
(5) If you're a multi-set kinda gal or guy, glance around to see if
someone else is waiting to use the machine or area you currently occupy.
Offer to let them work in (alternate) with you, and if you're feeling
particularly generous, ask if they'd like you to "spot"
them.
(6) If you are waiting for equipment currently in use, DON'T HOVER!
Give the dude or dudess some space to move and breathe -- you'd probably
appreciate that same courtesy.
(7) Put free-weights back in their proper place after you use them.
Who wants to clean up after others or search high and low for equipment
scattered far and wide?
(8) Distracting other gymrats with loud grunts, sing-a-longs with
one's Walkman, and social hours with friends and neighbors should be
avoided.
(9) Gyms and health clubs can be great places to meet that
special someone. But if an object of your desire doesn't return
your winks and smiles, take a hint: they are probably there to work out,
not to hook up.
(10) Finally, timeliness to classes, racquetball games, and training
sessions not only gives you more exercise time, but also reduces back-ups
and waiting time -- helping the whole darn place run like a well-oiled
stairclimber.
Here's to a good workout... and many more!
- Alice
Related Q&As
- More gym manners
Go Ask Alice! is not an emergency or instant response service. If you are in an urgent situation, please click here to view a list of 24 hour support services and hotlines.
Gym manners
