This morning I’m going to tackle a subject that could be considered “touchy”, however, I believe that broaching the subject of “fitness center etiquette” lightly with a little humour and insight can go a long way to keeping our facility comfortable.
Most people at NRG 4 Life Fitness are great when it comes to applying the basics of etiquette, however, there are some points where not everyone is on the same page. Let’s face it, we service a wide variety of people and personalities! As I’ve frequented many workout facilities since I was a teen, I thought I’d compile a list of items (that you may or may not have thought of) to keep your time at our gym (and others) as positive, efficient and pleasant as possible.
When the sweat runneth down, wipe it up.
We recommend you bring your own small towel to keep the sweat at bay and also use the paper towel and vinegar/water solution bottles provided to wipe down all equipment after you’ve used it from mats to cardio and strength equipment etc. Our philosophy is to “leave it the way you’d like to find it” and this goes a long way for killing germs too. Also, we sell “NRG 4 Life” workout towels ($15 + HST).
No “Gym-timidator.”
Even if you use the same machine every Tuesday and Thursday at the same time, someone who has not gotten the memo about your routine yet may inadvertently throw a wrench into your well planned out workout! Standing over the person who beat you to your machine or giving them the stink-eye while they do their set is un-cool. Instead, nicely let the person know you are waiting for that machine or ask to work in with them. While you wait, this is a good time to mix it up. Doing the same exercises in the same order all the time will only get you to a plateau faster.
When someone asks if they can “work in with you,” the polite answer is “yes.”
Resting for a minute or two between sets is often necessary but sitting on the equipment while you recover is a no-no while people are waiting. Taking turns and sharing is appreciated.
Rule of re-racking.
We have a sign posted near the free weights asking that you put things back in their proper place. We don’t want our weight room floor to look like an obstacle course. This is unsightly and, even more importantly, it can be dangerous. Re-racking also goes for the plates. It’s not fair for the next person to have to remove plates. Leave the bars and racks the way you’d like to find them please… plates unloaded.
Cell phones.
If you’re in earshot of someone and you need to take or make an important call, speak at a lower tone, keep the conversation to a minimum or get off the machine and walk to a non-workout area. If you’re using weights or on a workout bench, step away so someone else can use them. If you’re in a class, put the phone on mute or leave it in your vehicle.
Space invaders.
Please use the cubbies provided. Having bags and other personal items strewn across the workout floor clutters the facility and is a tripping/workout hazard. Gym bags in bathrooms: others don’t appreciate going to the bathroom when someone has spread out the entire contents of their gym bag in there. Please leave gym bags zipped up and/or in the cubbies provided until you shower and/or change.
Did you get a whiff of that?
For the benefit of those with allergies and sensitivities, please keep scents to a minimum or use lighter versions sparingly. While fresh is good, save the perfumes or strong powdery scents for other times.
Are you sure you should be wearing that?
Check your wardrobe from every angle before wearing it a yoga class or doing mountain climbers on the gym floor.
No flex zones.
Rockin’ a six-pack that you’ve worked hard for deserves accolades. But mirrors are for checking form and safety.
Easy does it.
While every gym has its own policy, most prefer it to be earthquake-free. Avoid dropping heavy weights like hot cakes—and leave excessive grunting off the menu while you’re at it.
Tell the instructor before class if you’re new, have an injury or, know there are some exercises you can’t or shouldn’t do.
Our experienced and knowledgeable instructors always appreciate insight about your health history and will give modifications while providing alternative moves to many of the exercises during a class. It’s common for people to have injuries. What’s not cool is the person who makes up an entire routine during a class. Just let the instructor know in advance if you will be doing some of your own versions based on any restrictions you may have.