You probably step over the threshold of the gym several times a week so that you can train optimally again. Many others will do this to you, which is why there are several rules that you must follow within the gym. These rules are not only there to promote the atmosphere, but also to keep the gym tidy. In addition to these written rules, there are also a lot of unwritten codes of conduct that make exercising with many people in a relatively small space a lot more pleasant. Yet there are many people who hardly care about these rules and just do exactly what they feel like in the gym. Super annoying if you ask us. That is why we have listed the 21 most important gym rules.
GYM RULES: THE 21 MOST IMPORTANT RULES OF THE SANCTUARY
So there are a lot of rules within the gym. These are important in different sizes. Some gyms will value certain rules more than others, but essentially they apply to all gyms. The next time you cross the threshold, be aware of this and try to stick to it. This is not only pleasant for yourself, but also for all the other die-hards who are training day in day out.
RULE 1: DON’T ACT LIKE A JERK
We do understand that exercising is your passion and your life and that on average you spend more time in the gym than at home. You will probably feel at home there, but that is no reason to behave as you would at home. So try to keep your swearing to a minimum, don’t chaff or disturb others. In other words, don’t draw attention to yourself by acting like a jerk. Rather do this by achieving impressive sports performances.
RULE 2: BE ON TIME
As a bodybuilder you don’t register for a group class Zumba or spinning, but these are often offered by the gym. This second line is therefore mainly intended for the people who do register for it.
If you want to participate in a group lesson and you have registered for it, it is important to arrive on time. Make sure you are dressed well before class and ready to start. Are you late? Unfortunately, but if you were to go inside now, you would disrupt the whole lesson and take others out of their concentration. In this case, it might be better to skip a round and try again a week later.
RULE 3: LEAVE THE GOSSIPING TO THE HOUSEWIVES
There are many different types in the gym. One has been in the gym for years and has therefore already built up quite a bit of muscle mass, and another is just around the corner. Now it’s easy to share your prejudices about these people with everyone, but that doesn’t help you at all. It won’t improve your performance and it won’t really improve the atmosphere.
Therefore, do not focus on others by comparing yourself to them, but focus on yourself and your own achievements. After all, that’s what training is all about.
RULE 4: THE GYM IS NOT A CATWALK
We understand that you want to look good and want to show off your muscles. However, the gym is not the right location to show your muscles and that is why many gyms have certain dress codes. For example, training with a bare upper body can be a no-go and training without a sports bra is not appreciated by everyone. Read these clothing rules and adjust your clothing style accordingly.
RULE 5: DON’T CLAIM APPLIANCES WITH YOUR TOWEL
On holiday you will probably be annoyed by people who put a towel on one of the pool chairs in the morning before dawn and then walk to the breakfast buffet and have an extensive meal. They then return around noon to claim their seat.
This is often the case in the gym as well. People claim a device by putting their towel on it, but they don’t immediately use it. Super annoying, because in the meantime you could have done a set. So if you claim a device, use it right away. If you don’t intend to, just keep your towel with you.
RULE 6: DON’T CARRY WEIGHTS UNNECESSARILY
Want to do a heavy weight, medium weight, and light weight set? Fine! But don’t carry all the weights around and use them one by one. In the time that you use one weight, two other people can work with the other weights. Claim only the weight you need at that moment and leave the other weights for what they are until you actually need them. These can now still be used by other athletes.
RULE 7: TIME FOR YOURSELF AND NOT FOR YOUR PHONE
You train for yourself. You want to create more muscle mass yourself or get a healthier body. Whatever your reasons for exercising, you probably don’t need a phone with it. So leave it at home or put it in your locker. You can call, text and Facebook again after the training. Your followers will understand.
RULE 8: THE WEIGHT RACK IS NOT A SPORTS AREA
Anyone who wants to work with weights should make a short stop at the weight rack. It is therefore understandable that it is often a bit busier here. We therefore cannot imagine that you want to do your exercise in that place. Why?! Grab your weight and then walk away a bit before performing the exercise. This way you have space, others can easily reach the weights and everyone is a lot less irritated.
RULE 9: DON’T SET YOUR VOLUME KNOB TO MAXIMUM
If you have to bench press 200 kilos, it is understandable that you would prefer to shout the weight up. But just imagine: you are about to press this weight when someone else suddenly yells through the gym, because he sees a friend or has to move a lot of kilos yourself. Your concentration is immediately gone and the exercise is not going nearly as well as you had hoped. Super annoying for you, but also for others if you are the troublemaker.
So turn the volume knob down and don’t yell or yell. Not to give yourself an extra boost, but also not because you run into someone you know.
RULE 10: USE A TOWEL
A gym rule that actually applies in all gyms is that you should use a towel when you exercise. This towel prevents the entire device from getting soaked with your sweat when you use it. So always take a towel with you and use it too!
