Gym etiquette

I'm thinking about buying a gym membership soon. I have always done at home workouts because I've always felt really self conscious about going to the gym. I think I'm ready to give it a try though. I just have seen in the past that people get upset with people for using various equipment for too long and I just wanted to ask what is some obvious etiquette to lessen attention on me while I'm there. I know you should wipe down the equipment you use afterwards, but are there other unspoken rules that I should know about?

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Wipe down and return the weights, and you're golden. Don't let anyone, particularly men, make you feel like you can't take up space at the gym. Your workout is just as valuable as theirs. I was 8 months pregnant, lifting at the gym when this guy approached me and asked if he could use the bench I was sitting on (resting in between sets). Hell no.

It's normal nowadays to check your phone in between sets but don't sit on a piece of equipment for ages doing nothing but staring at your phone, everyone should respect each other's time- we're all there for the same reason. & do NOT take selfies in the locker room- you can actually get banned for that at my gym. Some ppl still use that space for changing & have a right to privacy, they don't need to end up in the background of a gym selfie on social media 1/2 naked 😫

When I go to the gym I take cardio machines for no longer than 30 mins, I don’t sit or block off other equipment like I see others do, I do take my time while lifting because you do not want to hurt yourself by rushing, I do not sit at a machine scrolling through music or instagram and wait 15 mins to use equipment I’m already sitting on. Always wipe down what you use. These are some things I go by. I’m sure I’m missing some but these are off the top of my head

@Kelsey oh my gosh. I'm glad you stood your ground on that one. I can't believe he would ask that!

@jes oh my gosh, the selfies. I know I wouldn't take any but it's nice to know that gyms enforce this because you're absolutely right, I'd be upset if someone took a selfie and I was half naked in the background

@Tiffany Ashley okay, yeah sitting on the equipment but not actually using it would be frustrating for sure.

Go at your own pace, don't rush your sets and be respectful of people's space and time! That's all. I don't think there's no problem going on social media to look up how to do a workout, I often see that and I as well will refer to videos between my sets. I also go to a gym that has a women's side so I can speak on a regualr gym environment which has helped me stay consistent and more comfortable period. Maybe try to look into a womens gym??

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