Today I want to focus in on gym etiquette. Oh yes, it exists and every gym has those people that do exactly what they please and do not think of the other people around them. Can you think of some of those people right now? We can not control what other people do, but we can help set the tone of the gym by following the rules ourselves. Please fellow gym-goers, review your commandments, and make a point to not be one of those people! Take it from me, as your Scottsdale personal trainer, you may be one of those people and not know it. 

THE TEN GYM COMMANDMENTS( in a Scottsdale personal trainers’ opinion of course):

1. Bring a towel…. Moreso, USE IT! No one wants to sit in your puddle of butt sweat! (YUCK)

2. Do not SIT on machines between sets when you are not using it. Give someone else an opportunity to use it. You think nobody wants it??? Trust me some people WANT it strictly because you have parked yourself there!

3. Do not TALK on your cell phone. No one wants to hear you chatter away. It’s annoying and distracting.

talking on cell in gym

4. RETURN YOUR WEIGHTS/PLATES! It is so disrespectful to the gym staff, personal trainers, and fellow members to not put things away when you are done using them.

5. DO NOT correct other people’s form or offer them advice about their routine. Most of the time, other people do not want your opinion no matter how much you think you can help. Unless, you are a Scottsdale personal trainer at the gym, do not offer your two cents about someones’ workout style or form. If you think someone might injure themselves bring it up to the gym trainers or staff.

6. FARTS, BURPS, and GRUNTING! WOW, I am going to cram a lot into this one. If you need to fart, go to the locker room, or AT LEAST somewhere private. If you need to burp, cover your mouth and say excuse me. UGH, I don’t want to hear you belch from across the gym. Grunting releases 30 percent more energy… I get it, BUT there is a line when grunting/groaning can become inappropriately loud and awkward for other people around you.

7. DEODERANT is a MUST! We all want the gym smelling as good as possible. No brainer, right? But, be careful, it can be nasty when people wear strong perfume/lotion/cologne. I have personally had to cut cardio sessions short due to gagging on my neighbors over-powering scent. (I think it was Vanilla Lace by Victoria’s Secret)

8. STAY DRESSED! Boys keep your shirts on(six pack or not)!! Girls keep your butt and boobs in. ( hot or not) What are we really at the gym for? If you are not there to workout, leave.

9. Be aware of the space you are occupying! Do not stand in front of the weight rack as you do your set. Leave space for people to easily get around you and get what they may need. Make sure your water bottle and towel aren’t taking up a machine, while you are using a different one. Don’t use equipment to stretch particularly during peak gym times.

10. RESPECT AND FOLLOW the policies and rules of the gym you are working out in. Most gyms have their expectations of you listed on a huge sign right when you enter the gym. An example of a typical gym rule would be “NO bags/purses on the gym floor.” Whether you or I agree with the rules is not important. If you cant adhere to them, don’t work out there. PERIOD!

Alright, now you know! No excuses! =)

See you in the gym…this Scottsdale personal trainer has got her eyes on YOU!