I've worked at several gyms as I started out and have noticed a few things that generally need readdressed on at least a yearly basis.
Wipe down your equipment.
Both before and after you use a piece of equipment you should wipe it down with the cleaner provided. Keep in mind you are at a gym and people sweat all over the equipment. People that are working out sick, have been working all day, and people with compromised immune systems. Every gym I've worked at has some type of cleaning product to wipe down equipment. Do yourself, your immune system, and other gym patrons a favor and use it.
2. Don't camp out on a machine.
Ok, I get it, you may be resting for 30-60 seconds, not 5-10 minutes. Sometimes the gym is really busy and people are waiting on a machine, trade in and out on machines. Rest your body and move to a different exercise and come back. If the gym isn't busy then stay put, unless someone asks if they can use the machine for a second. Don't be that person that watches an entire movie while sitting at a popular machine.
3. Don't slam your weights.
Ok, huge pet peeve of mine for several reasons. First off, you are damaging equipment and it's not cheap, which means it will have to be repaired/replaced, which translates to higher membership fees. Secondly, look around their are some people that are coming to the gym for the first time and the sound scares them away, or you have someone with PTSD or from a domestic violence situation that it scares them just when they are rebuilding their lives. Lastly, unless it's an exercise that requires a drop, you're taking away from your workout. We work the muscle through full range to get a complete workout and when you let go you are robbing yourself of the workout from a controlled let down.
4. Pickup/Clean up after yourself.
Don't leave a mess for others to pickup or trip over. It's dangerous and a general annoyance. This includes re-racking your weights after a set. Some people want to use free weights but can't move a 35-45# weight which means they can't use a beneficial machine. We all work out for different reasons and sometimes that reason is just to be able to live easier and longer. Be respectful of your gym and leave it in good working order when you are done.
5. Help someone out.
We all were new at some point and some people quit working out early on because they don't know what to do or how to use a machine. Direct them towards a trainer for help figuring out the gym world. If someone asks how to use a machine take a second out of your workout and help them put. In other words pay it forward.
In conclusion, these are 5 simple ways to make your gym culture nicer and more enjoyable for all patrons. If you can't seem to do any of these than you are that guy/gal at the gym and you're not thought very well of and no one is impressed.
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