Top 10 Things You Should Never Do at the Gym

Remember when we were in kindergarten and taught that toys in the classroom are for everyone? That's how you should treat gym equipment. Don't occupy machines for too long. Gym machines are shared resources, meant for everyone, and are not for anyone unless you've spent a significant amount of money buying one for your personal use at home.

Let's share gym equipment with others. Don’t stay on one machine for more than two hours. That time can be shortened if you notice others waiting behind you. You should rotate through machines regularly to meet your fitness goals and be courteous to others.

One important lesson we learn as kids is not to leave our toys or belongings scattered around. The same rule applies at the gym: always return weights to their proper place after you're done with your set. Leaving them on the gym floor can pose a tripping hazard and potentially lead to someone getting injured.

Using a machine for an extended period, like 60 minutes, is impolite, but it's just as inconsiderate to stand with your arms crossed or your hands on your hips in front of someone working out, as if you're pushing them to hurry up. This could be as disrespectful as hogging equipment. In fact, they could even injure themselves if they're pressured too much. So, stay calm, let others complete their workouts, and give them the time and space they need. Leave the stress behind and avoid any bad vibes.

Try not to arrive late to class regularly. Whether it's a group exercise class or a personal training session, being late can disrupt the instructor and other participants. If you do happen to be late, at least make sure you enter quietly and don't disturb the flow of the session for the rest of the group.

There's always that one person who parades around the locker room naked, making others uncomfortable, and some even take hours shaving or leave hair and foam all over the shared space.

Even if you're not shy about being seen in the nude, remember that others may feel uneasy being around someone in the buff in a public space. So, respect others, their time, and privacy. Keep in mind that the gym locker room is not your personal bathroom, and always clean up after yourself when you're done.

Body odor is a delicate issue, and not everyone is fully aware of how they smell. So when you're in public spaces, especially a gym, understand that not everyone will tolerate your body odor the same way you do. Just like you might find the scent around the gym unpleasant, others could feel the same way about yours.

With that in mind, make it a habit to apply deodorant before heading to the gym. Keep in mind that deodorant and perfume serve different purposes—never confuse the two. Don’t use perfume when working out, as it could create an uncomfortable smell.

A behavior you should avoid at the gym, as well as in any other public space, is engaging in sensitive or inappropriate conduct. If you feel the urge to do so, please move to the restroom or a private space to avoid disturbing others who are trying to focus on their workouts.

Sweating during exercise is inevitable, but using a workout towel is something most people should do when they visit the gym. Make sure to wipe off your sweat from equipment after using it. Keep in mind that many machines have leather coverings, and your sweat won’t disappear unless you clean it up properly.

Some people just linger on equipment, texting, checking emails, taking selfies, or even napping while others are waiting to use it. You can work out anywhere in the gym, but don’t hold up machines for unnecessary activities.

So, when someone is polite to you, return the courtesy by avoiding sitting on a treadmill if you’re not using it. And remember, the gym is a place for fitness, not a private space for those lacking consideration.

One of the most irritating things for people at the gym is when others talk on the phone for too long and too loudly while working out. Others also get frustrated with those who play music at high volumes, even blasting sound through their headphones.