Notes on Gym Etiquette

Notes on Gym Etiquette

Because I won’t be with you in the gym, I feel that it’s important to ensure that you follow the unwritten rules. You might notice others breaking these “laws of the iron” but I want you to get as comfortable in the gym as possible as quickly as possible. Here are the five most important rules to consider throughout your workout.

1.  Respect the no-lift zone 

Don’t ever lift a weight within 5 feet of the dumbbell rack. It doesn't matter if you're doing shoulder press, split squat, biceps curls, or goblet squats or anything else.

Pick up your weights and take 5 giant steps back.

2.  Avoid the “Ab zone”.

Most gyms have a designated area for mats, balls, bosu balls etc. Don’t bring heavy weights into that area. It’s designated for stretching and ab work. By taking up their space you force them to take up your space (see the next point).

3.  Keep your mats out of the way. 

Don't set up a mat in between two benches in the free weight zone and do crunches unless you want a weight dropped on your head. 

Even if the gym is empty set up your mat out of the way. Either stick to the “ab zone” or place your mat in a corner out of the way. Think proactively.  Where might somebody want to work out over the course of your set? Don’t set up there.

4.  Avoid walking in front of somebody else in the middle of a set.

If somebody is in the middle of their set NEVER cross their field of vision.  Take the long way around if you have to. If you can’t take the long way around, wait for them to finish their set before walking in front.

5.  Put your weights away.