Gym Etiquette; It's a Thing
A Dietetic Intern Dropping Mad Knowledge
As the new year begins, a lot of you have probably resolved to get back into the gym. That's awesome—you're a winner. However, unless you want the half-naked gorilla man with glutes like watermelon halves to grunt at you, you might need a review in gym etiquette.
Several people I've talked to about working out (mostly women) have admitted that the fear of being judged is the main reason they avoid the gym. When I first began working out, I had no idea what I was doing. I probably looked like an idiot and received a lot of stink eyes because of my lack of gym knowledge. BUT THAT'S OKAY. It's a learning experience that's just as challenging mentally as it is physically.
My article today is to help those of you worried about looking clueless at the gym stroll in with confidence and without the fear of pissing off a giant person. Don't get me wrong, all gym-goers are not angry people, but a lot of people go to the gym to relax and don't like to be disrupted by people who don't know what they're doing. I'm going to provide a few tips for those of you that aren't sure about the gym to get you started this year.
First off, put your phone down. If the gym is extra busy and you're feeling unsure about what to do, figure out a plan BEFORE you go. It's extra annoying to be waiting for equipment because someone doesn't know what they're doing or isn't taking their workout seriously. No one wants to see your Instagram drama, Becky.
Second, you're allowed ONE person to bring with you to the gym. I totally understand wanting moral support at the gym when you still feel nervous. However, groups of three or more clog up the track and the lines for equipment. If you want to work out in a group, go to a group class! They're super fun and give you that extra support you're looking for.
Third, give people their space. If someone is exercising in a free area, don't park yourself a foot from them and invade their personal space, don't stand in front of people in the mirror and block the view of their gains, and don't try to make conversation with people in the middle of their workouts. Like I mentioned earlier, gym time is a stress relief for a lot of people and a good time to be by yourself. Don't ruin someone else's zen by jump squatting in their face.
Fourth, avoid think-standing in the middle of walkways. This, again, comes back to having a plan before you enter the gym. Standing behind someone who's trying to figure out what to do next in their workout is just as infuriating as getting stuck behind a sloth on your way to an exam. Seasoned gym-goers are on a MISSION, and if you get in the way of that mission, they will knock you over like a bowling pin.
Exercising is one of the best goals to have for this year and for the rest of your life. I so encourage anyone who is working towards a healthier lifestyle to keep going. Keep these tips in mind, focus on form, and ask for help if you need it! You'll be surprised how fast you'll turn from clueless to pro. You might even turn into the giant man with watermelon ass-cheeks, who knows?
There's a lot of information online that can help you get started. I posted some links below to help you out and I hope you stick to your journey to reach those goals.
About the Creator
Ellie Schmidt
Hi all! My name is Ellie and I know lots about nutrition (Iowa State University: Dietetics). I also love writing poetry and living a balanced lifestyle. <3
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