What is courtesy in a gym?

Question

I've always been kind of creeped out by gyms; many people doing things and no one is talking.

I started working at a place with a gym that has lots of machines in a relatively small space. I have no idea what's going on but sometimes when I go there appears to be a class and ladies telling people what to do.

• Should I not be in the gym at this time?
• Should I try to figure out which equipment they're going to use and not use it?
• Once I noticed the bosu ball was placed under the table, does this mean I shouldn't use it?
• Since the class seems to be women only, is it frowned upon for a male to be working out in the gym at the same time?

It's hard to ask when the instructors are busy giving instructions and music is playing in the background.

Are there any common rules I should be aware of?

Answer 1

I think everyone who has gone to the gym understands your situation, since we were all beginners at one time. Trying to figure out what a machine does can be kind of humiliating; what if you're using it wrong? For that reason I recommend talking to a personal trainer just to get a primer on the equipment. I have no conflicts of interest here -- a trainer can really help break the ice in the gym. If this isn't an option, it is easy to self-educate with videos these days.

In any case, here are some basic things I think everyone should know about using the gym, and how to act respectfully towards the establishment and other patrons:

• Read the gym rules
  This is really important. If you don't read the gym rules, know that those around you probably have and aren't happy with you if you don't follow them. The rules will be posted conspicuously somewhere in the gym. Read them and follow them. Try to encourage others to do the same if you can.
• Rack your weights
  This is a pet peeve of every experienced gym patron. Put the weight back where you found it. Also, nobody likes hunting down weights, or having to dig through plates when the 5lb plate is buried behind four 35lb plates. Keep it neat. Put your weight back where it belongs when you're done. Leave things more organized than the way you found them.
• Use the equipment properly
  If there's a squat rack and you're doing curls in it, you're preventing someone from using the equipment as it was designed. For example, you don't need a power rack to do curls unless you're curling so much you physically can't pick the weight up off the ground.
• Be respectful towards beginners
  You were a beginner once too. Help them if you can do it in a friendly and non-intimidating way. Be a friend to a beginner. Then spot them, teach them, help them, be their workout buddy. Let's all be friends here, right?
• Share
  Don't hog the equipment. Let people work in if you're going to take a while. If you see someone who looks like they're waiting, ask them if they'd like to work in. If the gym is busy, be especially vigilant and try to be aware.
• Communicate
  If a piece of equipment you'd like to use is not in use, but out of place, ask others if they are using it, or have seen anyone using it recently. Also, in general, ask if a piece of equipment is in use in a busy gym if you have the opportunity.
• Clean up after yourself
  If you're sweaty, wipe it down with sanitizer! Even if you aren't, some gyms cultivate a very clean atmosphere. When in doubt, wipe it down.

A couple of minor points:

• Yield to people carrying weights
  Encumbered people have the right of way. Give them space.
• Don't hog the water fountain
  It's impolite to fill your water bottle in the water fountain when people are standing in line and just want a sip.

Basically it all comes down to respect. Respect the space in the way you'd like your own space to be respected by others, and everything will be fine!

Answer 2

In general the attitude in a gym is: Everybody works out for themselves, so everybody keeps to themselves. This might give the idea there is no room for communication, but actually most often the opposite is true.

You'll find most people in a gym cooperative and knowledgeable, but ONLY when you start talking. If you're not talking, then you're assumed to work out for yourself and keep to yourself.