Don’t forget your manners at the gym
The gym is a space for stress relief and getting healthy.
It can be an intimidating experience when you step into one for the first time because you don’t know what to expect.
We all have our idiosyncrasies, and how we act and behave in here can affect others, so it’s important to be mindful to ensure a positive experience for everyone.
These 10 unwritten rules are not only for beginners, but veterans can learn a thing or two as well.
After using any kind of equipment, wipe it down with disinfectant wipes or paper towels to stop the spread of germs, even if you don’t leave a puddle of sweat behind.
By taking a moment to clean up after yourself, you demonstrate consideration for the health and well-being of others, fostering a more sanitary and pleasant gym experience for all.
Also, return (after wiping) all the weights, kettlebells, foam rollers, mats or other equipment you’ve used, as leaving them lying around can pose a safety hazard and lead to accidents in a busy space.
It also disrupts the flow of the gym and makes it difficult for fellow members to find the equipment they need.
This was one of my weaknesses when I first started teaching at gyms over 20 years ago – I couldn’t stand seeing a member perform a move incorrectly.
For example, my pet peeve is when I see someone leaning back while lifting dumbbells.
I would immediately go over to correct his or her posture because I know they’re setting themselves up for an injury.
Likewise, when they’re doing the elbow plank and the lower back dips to the floor.
Even though (I think) I was pretty polite when I suggested that they engage the core muscles and keep the back straight, some didn’t take it too kindly.
After all, they didn’t know my background, so why should they listen to me?
With age, I’ve since learnt to let go and look elsewhere when someone’s technique is wrong.
These days, I focus on my own workout and only share my knowledge if someone asks for guidance.
Unless it’s an emergency, there is no need to make or pick up a call while you’re in the midst of a workout at the gym.
Often, the gym speakers are blaring upbeat music to motivate members, so you end up talking much louder than you think you are.
This is inconsiderate and annoying to other patrons.
I once had a medical specialist who was speaking loudly on his phone walk into my class while I was teaching, oblivious to the dagger stares from the students.
We tried to catch his attention to say class was in progress, but he totally ignored us.
Apparently, his patient was in pain and he was instructing the nurse on what medicines to give, but because the hospital was out of that specific medication, he started to spew out profanities.
This went on for a good 10 minutes until one student, all riled up from this disturbance, walked up to him and shouted at him to get out.
When it comes to taking selfies or making videos while you work out, it’s OK as long as you’re the only one in it.
Also, be mindful that you’re not intruding in another person’s space.
If there are people in the background, get their permission before posting on your social media platforms.
Also, don’t take your photo in the bathroom or locker room as it is not only rude, but also a violation of other people’s privacy.
One of the joys of taking a group exercise class is to feed off the energy of the students around you.
The smiley faces are guaranteed to brighten your mood – no one goes into a class grumpy, right?
However, not everyone has the same ability and may need to modify a workout due to differences in strength or endurance levels, or an injury that needs to be minded.
If the instructor does not provide any alternatives, it’s OK to tailor your workout to suit your needs, but the modifications should respect the group, without distracting or endangering anyone else.
For example, if everyone else is doing a plank and you opt to do jumping jacks instead because you have a shoulder injury, that would be a distraction to the vibe of the group.
You know your body best, so feel free to modify an exercise while being respectful to others.
In a yoga or Pilates class, the mat is the practitioner’s sacred ground.
It is where she will plant her forehead, cheeks, chin, hands and the whole body during practice.
There is a lot of movement in mat-based classes – sometimes you will be sitting with legs in straddle position, and at other times, your arms will be floating up around you.
If you notice the class is filling up, move your mat accordingly.
Once someone has laid out his mat, don’t step or walk over it to get to your spot.
Not only is this rude, it is utterly disrespectful, especially if your feet are dirty.
You wouldn’t like your friend to step on your bed with shoes on, would you?
Allowances are only made for the instructor, as she may have to step on your mat to make the necessary body adjustments.
Who doesn’t like to gawk at beautiful people?
A well-sculpted body is a testament to hard work and dedication.
There are a lot of these people parading in the gym and as much as we want to stare at them, it’s essential to maintain a respectful attitude.
Staring at someone while they work out can make them uncomfortable and self-conscious.
By being mindful of personal boundaries and avoiding prolonged stares, we create a more positive and inclusive environment where everyone feels respected.
Yes, the locker room is a place for changing clothes, but walking around topless (for women) or bottomless can make others uncomfortable.
It’s not in our Malaysian culture to go about without clothes in this space.
At least wrap yourself with a towel to cover your intimate parts.
And don’t sit on the bench with your wet booty!
Also, pick up all your used cotton swabs and tissues, instead of just leaving them on the counters.
Some gyms provide free towels, but after Covid-19, many have stopped this service for hygiene purposes.
Now, if you’re using a towel to wipe your sweat, please try not to blow your nose into the same towel and leave it lying around on the bench or gym equipment.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen people do this and it’s absolutely disgusting!
They then use the same towel to wipe the mats they’ve used.
If you need to blow your nose midway through group exercise classes, kindly head to the toilet and use a tissue to do the job discreetly.
Always carry a tissue with you for nose-wiping purposes, and if you have a runny nose, put your half-used tissue in your pocket or pouch, not on the floor.
If you’re not feeling well, stay home.
Ensure your gym attire is laundered clean and doesn’t stink because body odour is a huge turn-off.
I’ve “smelt” many fragrances wafting about in locker rooms because gym members keep their clothes in here and only wash them once a week or so.
Knowing it smells, they spray on perfume in the hope that it’ll mask the odour.
Oftentimes, it doesn’t, and sensitive noses like mine can detect these smells immediately.
If I’m instructing a class, I have to gently tell the students to refrain from using overpowering fragrances.
So shower with antibacterial soap and wear clean clothes.
The bottom line: treat others the way you want to be treated and leave things the way you saw it or better.
Revathi Murugappan is a certified fitness trainer who tries to battle gravity and continues to dance to express herself artistically and nourish her soul. For more information, email [email protected]. The information contained in this column is for general educational purposes only. Neither The Star nor the author gives any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to such information. The Star and the author disclaim all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.
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