Help for Newbie to Gym Etiquette
October 10, 2019 7:37 AM Subscribe
For my son's birthday this year, my one sister gifted us with a membership to a pool club near us that specializes in disabled kids and families. It's really nice - lap pool, wade in pool with splash pad, an area for water basketball, and a lazy river with a 10 person jacuzzi whirlpool in the middle.
They also have a basketball court, an open gym, a gathering room, and a tiny gym.
The gym is about the size of my apartment living room. There's treadmills, some bikes, ellipticals, a single weight machine. Some upright thing that people somehow do standing crunches on.
I'm venturing into the gym. Getting active. Other than wiping down your machine which there are a ton of signs for, what should I do or remember to fit in? What should I bring with me for the locker room?
Also, can I bring a lock to use on one of the lockers, and is it bad to leave anything in a locked locker overnight? It's just hard carrying everything back and forth with a cane.
If I want to use the showers, what are the unspoken rules so I'm not a social pariah?
I'm not very good at social interactions, I'm an introvert probably on the spectrum somewhere, so offer advice that you think everyone should already know because I probably don't.
Thanks!
The gym is about the size of my apartment living room. There's treadmills, some bikes, ellipticals, a single weight machine. Some upright thing that people somehow do standing crunches on.
I'm venturing into the gym. Getting active. Other than wiping down your machine which there are a ton of signs for, what should I do or remember to fit in? What should I bring with me for the locker room?
Also, can I bring a lock to use on one of the lockers, and is it bad to leave anything in a locked locker overnight? It's just hard carrying everything back and forth with a cane.
If I want to use the showers, what are the unspoken rules so I'm not a social pariah?
I'm not very good at social interactions, I'm an introvert probably on the spectrum somewhere, so offer advice that you think everyone should already know because I probably don't.
Thanks!
I think you’re overthinking it a bit. Most people just go and get their workout in in whatever way they wish, ignore everyone else, and leave. The only main rules are be courteous and don’t be creepy. If you’re using free weights there are some more general unspoken rules about not hogging stuff and using the appropriate spaces, but otherwise it’s not too complicated. Just do your thing and clean your equipment. If the gym is full and people are waiting, don’t spend more than 30 minutes on a cardio machine.
Many gyms have day lockers, which you cannot leave your stuff in overnight, as well as rentable, permanent lockers that you need to sign up for and pay for, but then you can leave stuff in there. You’ll have to ask.
posted by Lutoslawski at 7:47 AM on October 10, 2019 [3 favorites]
Many gyms have day lockers, which you cannot leave your stuff in overnight, as well as rentable, permanent lockers that you need to sign up for and pay for, but then you can leave stuff in there. You’ll have to ask.
posted by Lutoslawski at 7:47 AM on October 10, 2019 [3 favorites]
It’s typical to bring a lock to use for your locker (in fact, I recommend it unless there’s a sign saying you can’t!), but most gym locker rooms have rules against keeping your stuff in a locker overnight or for an extended period of time, so you probably do have to tote it back and forth with you, unless someone at the gym tells you it’s ok.
Gym locker room and shower rules I can think of: being courteous means not leaving your stuff all around while you’re getting ready—keep it in your locker or in a pile near to where you are. Nudity is fine and normal, so don’t be surprised if people are walking around buck naked—as part of that, some people are more comfortable and others are less comfortable, so I usually keep my eyes down or to myself, but once in a while someone will strike up a conversation while we’re both getting dressed (can be awkward, but you just kind of go with it). Give people a little more personal space than usual when they’re naked or getting dressed.
There may be rules for the pool where you need to shower off in the locker room before you get in the water—if so, follow those rules.
posted by sallybrown at 7:48 AM on October 10, 2019 [2 favorites]
Gym locker room and shower rules I can think of: being courteous means not leaving your stuff all around while you’re getting ready—keep it in your locker or in a pile near to where you are. Nudity is fine and normal, so don’t be surprised if people are walking around buck naked—as part of that, some people are more comfortable and others are less comfortable, so I usually keep my eyes down or to myself, but once in a while someone will strike up a conversation while we’re both getting dressed (can be awkward, but you just kind of go with it). Give people a little more personal space than usual when they’re naked or getting dressed.
There may be rules for the pool where you need to shower off in the locker room before you get in the water—if so, follow those rules.
posted by sallybrown at 7:48 AM on October 10, 2019 [2 favorites]
Most gyms will have rules about "day use" lockers v. overnight. You'll definitely want to bring your own lock - most gyms do not provide them (but will happily sell you one if you forget yours). The gyms I've belonged to have all been day use, where you have to clear out your stuff and can't leave it, but it's worth asking someone at your facility, because the rules might not be posted but almost certainly exist. If by chance your gym rents out lockers (usually by the month), there's a chance those lockers will have built-in locks, but definitely bring your own just in case.
Wiping down equipment is huge. Also, if you want to use a piece of equipment that's being used, go do something else, keep an eye on your desired machine, and don't hover over or near the person using it while you wait.
As far as the showers, same rule about not hovering. If they're full, wait until someone leaves. You'll want to have a pair of shower shoes/flip flops, just for your own personal hygiene while you shower/walk around the locker room.
posted by pdb at 7:49 AM on October 10, 2019 [2 favorites]
Wiping down equipment is huge. Also, if you want to use a piece of equipment that's being used, go do something else, keep an eye on your desired machine, and don't hover over or near the person using it while you wait.
As far as the showers, same rule about not hovering. If they're full, wait until someone leaves. You'll want to have a pair of shower shoes/flip flops, just for your own personal hygiene while you shower/walk around the locker room.
posted by pdb at 7:49 AM on October 10, 2019 [2 favorites]
Most people in a woman's locker room will wear a towel to and from the shower stall. Don't know what they do in the men's locker room. Some of the younger people in a woman's locker room change hastily at their lockers and stay as covered up as possible, but the older ones tend not to fuss so much about that.
Don't have your cell phone out in the locker room.
In the locker room, don't spread out your stuff all over the bench and don't leave anything there when away from your locker (if it's not crowded, this can be less of an issue if you're just using the toilet or something, rather than a longer shower). Be aware that other people will want to use it at the same time.
If you use a razor in the shower, dispose of it afterwards.
posted by praemunire at 7:54 AM on October 10, 2019 [4 favorites]
Don't have your cell phone out in the locker room.
In the locker room, don't spread out your stuff all over the bench and don't leave anything there when away from your locker (if it's not crowded, this can be less of an issue if you're just using the toilet or something, rather than a longer shower). Be aware that other people will want to use it at the same time.
If you use a razor in the shower, dispose of it afterwards.
posted by praemunire at 7:54 AM on October 10, 2019 [4 favorites]
Covering up or not in the locker room is personal preference. At my gym, some women do all of their undressing and dressing in a shower or bathroom stall, some do it at their lockers, it's just one of those things that as a group we've agreed to unsee. I tend to undress at my locker and then wear a towel, but there's a whole spectrum. Just generally the rule in the locker room is "do what you need to do as quickly as you are able to do it and make room for others to do the same."
Definitely inquire about overnight lockers, though. I've never been to a gym where that's a free-for-all. Either they will have special lockers set aside that you can rent, or there will not be any kind of overnight locker option.
posted by soren_lorensen at 8:02 AM on October 10, 2019 [1 favorite]
Definitely inquire about overnight lockers, though. I've never been to a gym where that's a free-for-all. Either they will have special lockers set aside that you can rent, or there will not be any kind of overnight locker option.
posted by soren_lorensen at 8:02 AM on October 10, 2019 [1 favorite]
> You'll want to have a pair of shower shoes/flip flops.
Or not! I never do, and most of the other women in my locker room don't, either. But some do. No biggie either way.
> What should I bring with me for the locker room?
I'm about to head to the gym, wearing my gym clothes. In my bag are: clean clothes for afterwards, a lock, my toiletries bag (deodorant, hair stuff, moisturizer), charged Bluetooth headphones. I'll have my phone with me to watch trashy TV while on the treadmill. My gym provides towels and soap. I bring a water bottle but leave it in my car for afterwards.
posted by The corpse in the library at 8:07 AM on October 10, 2019 [2 favorites]
Or not! I never do, and most of the other women in my locker room don't, either. But some do. No biggie either way.
> What should I bring with me for the locker room?
I'm about to head to the gym, wearing my gym clothes. In my bag are: clean clothes for afterwards, a lock, my toiletries bag (deodorant, hair stuff, moisturizer), charged Bluetooth headphones. I'll have my phone with me to watch trashy TV while on the treadmill. My gym provides towels and soap. I bring a water bottle but leave it in my car for afterwards.
posted by The corpse in the library at 8:07 AM on October 10, 2019 [2 favorites]
Basically, the two rules for machines at the gym are:
1. Don't use a single machine for more than 30 minutes or so (you can go longer if there is no one waiting).
2. If someone is using a machine, it's not available -- don't ask to use the machine, even if they seem to be just sitting there doing nothing. If you get really into weightlifting and want to deal with "working in sets" or whatever, you can revisit this rule, but generally leave people alone when they're on machines.
And in general I find "leave people alone" a good rule at the gym. People tend to be in their own head spaces. Sometimes you might give a friendly nod to someone you see often or whatever, but most people want to do their thing and leave.
posted by LeeLanded at 8:26 AM on October 10, 2019 [6 favorites]
1. Don't use a single machine for more than 30 minutes or so (you can go longer if there is no one waiting).
2. If someone is using a machine, it's not available -- don't ask to use the machine, even if they seem to be just sitting there doing nothing. If you get really into weightlifting and want to deal with "working in sets" or whatever, you can revisit this rule, but generally leave people alone when they're on machines.
And in general I find "leave people alone" a good rule at the gym. People tend to be in their own head spaces. Sometimes you might give a friendly nod to someone you see often or whatever, but most people want to do their thing and leave.
posted by LeeLanded at 8:26 AM on October 10, 2019 [6 favorites]
- wiping down equipment is cool
- put weights, mats etc. back where they belong
- if you're taking a break between sets, and you're done with a particular machine - go rest/walk it off somewhere else, vacaaate the premise!
- if sharing a machine, be sure to ask if the person would prefer you changing back to their settings when you are done with your turn
- i wouldn't shave/pumice my feet/exfoliate in a common shower, but that's just me
- some peeps are sensitive to strong smells, so i apply my perfume once I'm out the door
- no phones in the gym
- try not to grunt/scream/holler too much (i find it hilarious when I hear someone bellowing at the gym, but yeah, it is distracting) also, dropping weights and/or slamming them on purpose us pretty douchey. if you're having trouble controlling weights, go lighter
- if something's broke, report it to staff
- if you're not sure how to use a machine, ask the staff
- have fun, kick some booty!!!
posted by speakeasy at 8:28 AM on October 10, 2019 [4 favorites]
- put weights, mats etc. back where they belong
- if you're taking a break between sets, and you're done with a particular machine - go rest/walk it off somewhere else, vacaaate the premise!
- if sharing a machine, be sure to ask if the person would prefer you changing back to their settings when you are done with your turn
- i wouldn't shave/pumice my feet/exfoliate in a common shower, but that's just me
- some peeps are sensitive to strong smells, so i apply my perfume once I'm out the door
- no phones in the gym
- try not to grunt/scream/holler too much (i find it hilarious when I hear someone bellowing at the gym, but yeah, it is distracting) also, dropping weights and/or slamming them on purpose us pretty douchey. if you're having trouble controlling weights, go lighter
- if something's broke, report it to staff
- if you're not sure how to use a machine, ask the staff
- have fun, kick some booty!!!
posted by speakeasy at 8:28 AM on October 10, 2019 [4 favorites]
Oh def. avoid staring at people. people usually just wanna go about their business.
and stuff to bring: lock, towel, clean clothes, hygiene stuff, water bottle, headphones (if you want). protein bar/shake for after your workout if that's your thing.
posted by speakeasy at 8:34 AM on October 10, 2019 [1 favorite]
and stuff to bring: lock, towel, clean clothes, hygiene stuff, water bottle, headphones (if you want). protein bar/shake for after your workout if that's your thing.
posted by speakeasy at 8:34 AM on October 10, 2019 [1 favorite]
Definitely agree with everyone here! I will say, I think you coming here to ask us how to be respectful and not bother anyone is a pretty good sign that you'll not have any trouble -- your instincts are to try to be as considerate as you can and that's really the golden rule of the gym.
I think take a deep breath, because everyone has been in your exact same position at least once (and then every time the try a new gym!) It's always better to smile and ask a question or ask permission than to just assume.
Definitely wipe down equipment when you're done (unfortunately, not everyone does this, but you can do your part!)
What should I do or remember to fit in?
It is always better to have a plan -- before I go to workout, I write the exercises I'm going to to with the set number next to it down on a note in my phone
ex:
Back and Biceps
Warm Up:
Stretches + Mobility
Wide Grip Lat Pull Down 3x5
Under Hand Pull Down 3x5
Pull Up 3x5
Chin Up 3x5
Main Set:
Single Arm Curl 3x10
Barbell Curl 3x10
Hammer Curl 3x10
etc. etc. etc. I find it a lot easier to refer to things as descriptively as possible in my notes instead of by their actual names because when I'm in the gym I'm the only one who needs to actually be able to understand!
What should I bring with me for the locker room?
This kind of depends on you! What will make you feel comfortable and clean?
- towel
- brush/comb
- shampoo / soap / lotion / etc.
- shower shoes (flip flops / crocs )
- change of clothes
Also, can I bring a lock to use on one of the lockers, and is it bad to leave anything in a locked locker overnight
Definitely bring a lock, you may be able to work with the gym staff to figure out an alternative to carrying your gear back and forth, most gyms have policies regarding removing your belongings from the locker at night but they might make an exception!
If I want to use the showers, what are the unspoken rules so I'm not a social pariah?
No unspoken rule that I know of! Just leave the place as clean as you found it (don't leave hair, trash, or soap in the showers)
I'm not very good at social interactions, I'm an introvert probably on the spectrum somewhere, so offer advice that you think everyone should already know because I probably don't.
Just be confident in yourself and your training. This is your time and space. Be respectful of the other folks in the gym but you'll notice that people don't really care what anyone else is doing as long as they're not making a lot of noise or leaving stuff around. I would say don't stare at people (it's ok to watch someone to figure out how to use a machine but don't just sit and stare at people the whole time lol), try not to grunt with every single rep, keep your music to yourself (headphones!), and exercise general respect and you'll be crushing it!
good luck! very excited for you starting this journey.
posted by mrk021 at 8:55 AM on October 10, 2019 [1 favorite]
I think take a deep breath, because everyone has been in your exact same position at least once (and then every time the try a new gym!) It's always better to smile and ask a question or ask permission than to just assume.
Definitely wipe down equipment when you're done (unfortunately, not everyone does this, but you can do your part!)
What should I do or remember to fit in?
It is always better to have a plan -- before I go to workout, I write the exercises I'm going to to with the set number next to it down on a note in my phone
ex:
Back and Biceps
Warm Up:
Stretches + Mobility
Wide Grip Lat Pull Down 3x5
Under Hand Pull Down 3x5
Pull Up 3x5
Chin Up 3x5
Main Set:
Single Arm Curl 3x10
Barbell Curl 3x10
Hammer Curl 3x10
etc. etc. etc. I find it a lot easier to refer to things as descriptively as possible in my notes instead of by their actual names because when I'm in the gym I'm the only one who needs to actually be able to understand!
What should I bring with me for the locker room?
This kind of depends on you! What will make you feel comfortable and clean?
- towel
- brush/comb
- shampoo / soap / lotion / etc.
- shower shoes (flip flops / crocs )
- change of clothes
Also, can I bring a lock to use on one of the lockers, and is it bad to leave anything in a locked locker overnight
Definitely bring a lock, you may be able to work with the gym staff to figure out an alternative to carrying your gear back and forth, most gyms have policies regarding removing your belongings from the locker at night but they might make an exception!
If I want to use the showers, what are the unspoken rules so I'm not a social pariah?
No unspoken rule that I know of! Just leave the place as clean as you found it (don't leave hair, trash, or soap in the showers)
I'm not very good at social interactions, I'm an introvert probably on the spectrum somewhere, so offer advice that you think everyone should already know because I probably don't.
Just be confident in yourself and your training. This is your time and space. Be respectful of the other folks in the gym but you'll notice that people don't really care what anyone else is doing as long as they're not making a lot of noise or leaving stuff around. I would say don't stare at people (it's ok to watch someone to figure out how to use a machine but don't just sit and stare at people the whole time lol), try not to grunt with every single rep, keep your music to yourself (headphones!), and exercise general respect and you'll be crushing it!
good luck! very excited for you starting this journey.
posted by mrk021 at 8:55 AM on October 10, 2019 [1 favorite]
If you use a razor in the shower, dispose of it afterwards.
Do not shave in a gym shower, this is a seriously discourteous thing to do and many gyms will even have signs that it isn't allowed; other people's hair isn't something most of us want to shower with. Gym showers are just for cleaning the sweat from yourself.
When you are using the gym, don't try to claim multiple pieces of equipment at one time. It's unfair to other users. Try not to spend more than 10 minutes at a time resting/ lounging on a particular machine without using it. This is also unfair to other users.
posted by windykites at 9:05 AM on October 10, 2019 [7 favorites]
Do not shave in a gym shower, this is a seriously discourteous thing to do and many gyms will even have signs that it isn't allowed; other people's hair isn't something most of us want to shower with. Gym showers are just for cleaning the sweat from yourself.
When you are using the gym, don't try to claim multiple pieces of equipment at one time. It's unfair to other users. Try not to spend more than 10 minutes at a time resting/ lounging on a particular machine without using it. This is also unfair to other users.
posted by windykites at 9:05 AM on October 10, 2019 [7 favorites]
At my gym everyone has their phones out, including in the locker room, and I've never really thought twice about it! I walk around like a baboon in the locker room, but you will definitely find varying levels of modesty and nobody really cares or pays any attention.
I'm a nonathletic dweeb so definitely felt a little bit of "How do I act? What do I do?" when I first started going to a gym but I promise you that you will be fine. I get a sort of corny "up with people" feeling at the gym because it's rare to be in a space where everyone is just doing their own thing, minding their own business, and trying to improve themselves.
posted by cakelite at 9:06 AM on October 10, 2019 [1 favorite]
I'm a nonathletic dweeb so definitely felt a little bit of "How do I act? What do I do?" when I first started going to a gym but I promise you that you will be fine. I get a sort of corny "up with people" feeling at the gym because it's rare to be in a space where everyone is just doing their own thing, minding their own business, and trying to improve themselves.
posted by cakelite at 9:06 AM on October 10, 2019 [1 favorite]
Lots of good points, but some others.
- Mobility, I've seen people come in with wheeled duffelbags to enable carrying everything. All of the gyms I've been to cut any locks leftover at night and move items to lost+found while having a small number of monthly rental lockers. But definitely ask the staff about any such policies.
- Don't offer help/pointers to someone unsolicited. This is *really* hard for me when I see someone with the treadmill at max incline clinging to the front/top of the treadmill going for their daily pull.
- Related, if you ask someone about the "correct" or optimal way to use something most are either really happy to offer help, or at worst will have a "I'm not terribly sure, someone else might have better advice" reply.
- Don't hang your towel outside an unoccupied shower, and then go use the sauna/hot tub. If you do, don't get upset when someone "steals" your shower, rather than stand waiting in front of an unoccupied shower while all others are in use.
posted by nobeagle at 9:10 AM on October 10, 2019 [2 favorites]
- Mobility, I've seen people come in with wheeled duffelbags to enable carrying everything. All of the gyms I've been to cut any locks leftover at night and move items to lost+found while having a small number of monthly rental lockers. But definitely ask the staff about any such policies.
- Don't offer help/pointers to someone unsolicited. This is *really* hard for me when I see someone with the treadmill at max incline clinging to the front/top of the treadmill going for their daily pull.
- Related, if you ask someone about the "correct" or optimal way to use something most are either really happy to offer help, or at worst will have a "I'm not terribly sure, someone else might have better advice" reply.
- Don't hang your towel outside an unoccupied shower, and then go use the sauna/hot tub. If you do, don't get upset when someone "steals" your shower, rather than stand waiting in front of an unoccupied shower while all others are in use.
posted by nobeagle at 9:10 AM on October 10, 2019 [2 favorites]
Ask about the rules for kids in locker rooms of the opposite gender and plan on them being enforced. They should havr family rooms too but if not practice with your kid at home so he's comfortable getting dressed alone.
You need to shower or rinse off before getting in the pool. If you have hair products in rinse then out, wipe lotion or body oil off as best you can too. If you are sweaty or dirty do a proper wash. Same for the hot tub or steam room or sauna. Clean bodies only! For swimming you will all likely want goggles. Long haired adults should be in a swim cap, kids usually are allowed to be bare headed though (all those hairs gunk up the pool). Dont shave, color your hair or whatever in the showers. Do rinse the shower out and pick up your hair from the drain. I always wear shower shoes btw. If the gym provides towels they will have a place to put the dirty ones, locate that and use it and make sure your kid does too. Use as many towels as you want btw, they have hundreds.
posted by fshgrl at 9:24 AM on October 10, 2019 [3 favorites]
You need to shower or rinse off before getting in the pool. If you have hair products in rinse then out, wipe lotion or body oil off as best you can too. If you are sweaty or dirty do a proper wash. Same for the hot tub or steam room or sauna. Clean bodies only! For swimming you will all likely want goggles. Long haired adults should be in a swim cap, kids usually are allowed to be bare headed though (all those hairs gunk up the pool). Dont shave, color your hair or whatever in the showers. Do rinse the shower out and pick up your hair from the drain. I always wear shower shoes btw. If the gym provides towels they will have a place to put the dirty ones, locate that and use it and make sure your kid does too. Use as many towels as you want btw, they have hundreds.
posted by fshgrl at 9:24 AM on October 10, 2019 [3 favorites]
Do not shave in a gym shower, this is a seriously discourteous thing to do and many gyms will even have signs that it isn't allowed
Equinox actually supplies free razors and shaving cream, so...clearly customs differ. (To be fair, those showers are cleaned much more frequently than your average showers.)
posted by praemunire at 9:56 AM on October 10, 2019 [2 favorites]
Equinox actually supplies free razors and shaving cream, so...clearly customs differ. (To be fair, those showers are cleaned much more frequently than your average showers.)
posted by praemunire at 9:56 AM on October 10, 2019 [2 favorites]
At my gym everyone has their phones out, including in the locker room, and I've never really thought twice about it!
My gym has a phones-only-in-the-lobby rule, which people massively disregard. Please obey whatever phone rules your gym has, and I think it's obnoxious to have phones out in the locker room, where people like me will hope to god you are not taking pictures.
posted by FencingGal at 10:10 AM on October 10, 2019 [5 favorites]
My gym has a phones-only-in-the-lobby rule, which people massively disregard. Please obey whatever phone rules your gym has, and I think it's obnoxious to have phones out in the locker room, where people like me will hope to god you are not taking pictures.
posted by FencingGal at 10:10 AM on October 10, 2019 [5 favorites]
If I want to use the showers, what are the unspoken rules so I'm not a social pariah?
If your gym has the kind of showers that are spigots sticking out of the walls in a room without dividers, it's probably best to leave an empty one between yourself and the next person, until the room fills up so that isn't possible.
(Similarly with swimming lanes for laps, don't share a lane until all the lanes have one swimmer. Speak with the swimmer already in the lane about how you will divide the lane.)
posted by SandiBeech at 10:36 AM on October 10, 2019 [2 favorites]
There is no rule against shaving in my gym shower.
Use as many towels as you want btw, they have hundreds.
My gym actually sent an email to the members requesting that they limit their towel usage, as "people later in the day would like to have towels, too". Apparently they only launder once a day. I usually take three, one for the pool and two for the shower. I figure they've gotten enough of my money over the years even though I don't go that often, and also I don't use the laundry service that comes with the locker I rent so they can wash me a damn extra towel. Anyway, I think that was more aimed at the guy who uses like 6 towels to fashion himself a bed and blanket situation by the hot tub.
posted by Serene Empress Dork at 10:50 AM on October 10, 2019 [1 favorite]
Use as many towels as you want btw, they have hundreds.
My gym actually sent an email to the members requesting that they limit their towel usage, as "people later in the day would like to have towels, too". Apparently they only launder once a day. I usually take three, one for the pool and two for the shower. I figure they've gotten enough of my money over the years even though I don't go that often, and also I don't use the laundry service that comes with the locker I rent so they can wash me a damn extra towel. Anyway, I think that was more aimed at the guy who uses like 6 towels to fashion himself a bed and blanket situation by the hot tub.
posted by Serene Empress Dork at 10:50 AM on October 10, 2019 [1 favorite]
Oh, yeah... my gym does offer locker rental. It's $25 a month and includes laundry service if you want them to wash your gym clothes. I only use my membership for swimming, so I don't use the laundry service for my bathing suit, after my first suit got ruined from them throwing it in the boiling hot industrial size dryer.
posted by Serene Empress Dork at 10:53 AM on October 10, 2019
posted by Serene Empress Dork at 10:53 AM on October 10, 2019
Flip flops/shower shoes aren't for etiquette. They are for avoiding athlete's foot, which I found more irritating than the commercials make it appear.
If someone is sitting/leaning on some equipment, and not immediately using it, there are two questions you can ask, both of which should be asked in good faith:
1. How many more sets do you have left?
2. Do you mind if I work in with you?
The second question is about the two of you alternating sets on the piece of equipment. If you do this, make sure to bring a towel to wipe up the equipment after every set, and if you have crazy equipment settings, try to set them back to something that the other person can deal with (eg: don't leave a squat bar with 300 pounds on it if the other person can't remove the weight without difficulty).
If you don't politely ask the person, they might just spend the next 30 minutes browsing Instagram or talking to their friends, and you'll be annoyed and have wasted your time at the gym. This was a problem before smartphones and I imagine it's even more of a problem now.
posted by meowzilla at 11:03 AM on October 10, 2019 [1 favorite]
If someone is sitting/leaning on some equipment, and not immediately using it, there are two questions you can ask, both of which should be asked in good faith:
1. How many more sets do you have left?
2. Do you mind if I work in with you?
The second question is about the two of you alternating sets on the piece of equipment. If you do this, make sure to bring a towel to wipe up the equipment after every set, and if you have crazy equipment settings, try to set them back to something that the other person can deal with (eg: don't leave a squat bar with 300 pounds on it if the other person can't remove the weight without difficulty).
If you don't politely ask the person, they might just spend the next 30 minutes browsing Instagram or talking to their friends, and you'll be annoyed and have wasted your time at the gym. This was a problem before smartphones and I imagine it's even more of a problem now.
posted by meowzilla at 11:03 AM on October 10, 2019 [1 favorite]
My gym rents a locker which is a thing you'd do if you were going to use a locker for longer than your gym session. It's seriously helpful if you have mobility impairments. As you can see, some of this stuff varies a lot. I go to a gym that is for the public but also at a small college. In my gym...
- there is one big locker room for each gender and a "family" locker for parents with kids (or anyone who wants to use it). There are rules about how old is "too old" for opposite gender kids to be in a locker room (in my gym it's six). People are usually chill about this and no one gender polices. If you are shy and change in the toilet stall make sure you clean up the water afterwards (if you were swimming)
- there is one big shower room in each locker room (i.e. no separate stalls) and people shave their legs in my gym and most though not all people shower naked. Usually there are a few showers that are better than others. It's worth having a shower caddy so you can bring all your stuff in to the shower area with you from the locker. I am not a flip-flop wearer, others are.
- what I have in my locker: shampoo, conditioner, soap, two towels, gym clothes (sports bra, underwear, shorts, socks, tank top, swim suit) something to put my hair up, moisturizer and limp balm and a few bandaids in case I have a blister or a cut (the gym also has these). I usually bring my clothes home to wash them every 2-3 gym sessions or earlier if they smell (ymmv)
- there are no smartphone rules in my gym but I try hard to be very clear I am not taking pictures that might include anyone.
- rules for the gym: no grunting! do not talk to people actively using machines, wait patiently if you want to use one, don't hog the machine, you can ask how long they'll be if they are resting, wipe down machines after you use. I usually bring a water bottle in with me and an ipad or my phone, catch up on videos or podcasts. If the music is screamingly loud, I might ask for it to be turned down (If I can't hear my headphones over it, this is unusual but it's ok to do in some cases). Be polite but firm if someone's trying to chat you up, that's really not what the gym is for. We have a lot of non-neurotypical people at my gym so chatting will sometimes happen and it's okay to not continue a conversation if you don't want to.
- rules for pool: go to empty lane if there is one. Ask to share if all lanes are full and try to find someone who is going about your speed if possible. Usually at my gym if two people are in a lane they just split the lane in half and each take a side. If there are more than that, people "circle swim" and all go the same way in a loop. There are often kickboards and stuff available, ask the lifeguard. Ours is mostly for lap swimming so I don't know most other pool rules except the obvious (no running, roughhousing)
- I am in medium to less-great shape and I am always someone at the gym silently cheering on people who are clearly less experienced gym goers, so if you're someone who tends towards negative self-talk about being out in public and feeling awkward, know that there are likely other people who have your back even if they're quiet about it.
I don't know how old your son is but there are rules about swim diapers and that kind of thing, worth asking about if he's really young. Often times kids at the pool will play with each other but sometimes parents can be a little checked out, so it's okay to keep an eye on everyone's kids and say something if it looks like there's a problem or a kid may be playing too rough with your kid. Have a good time, gyms can be a good place to have low-key "hi howareyou" interactions without having to have a whole bunch of other interactions and I think I like them for that reason. Hope you find it enjoyable.
posted by jessamyn at 12:27 PM on October 10, 2019 [1 favorite]
- there is one big locker room for each gender and a "family" locker for parents with kids (or anyone who wants to use it). There are rules about how old is "too old" for opposite gender kids to be in a locker room (in my gym it's six). People are usually chill about this and no one gender polices. If you are shy and change in the toilet stall make sure you clean up the water afterwards (if you were swimming)
- there is one big shower room in each locker room (i.e. no separate stalls) and people shave their legs in my gym and most though not all people shower naked. Usually there are a few showers that are better than others. It's worth having a shower caddy so you can bring all your stuff in to the shower area with you from the locker. I am not a flip-flop wearer, others are.
- what I have in my locker: shampoo, conditioner, soap, two towels, gym clothes (sports bra, underwear, shorts, socks, tank top, swim suit) something to put my hair up, moisturizer and limp balm and a few bandaids in case I have a blister or a cut (the gym also has these). I usually bring my clothes home to wash them every 2-3 gym sessions or earlier if they smell (ymmv)
- there are no smartphone rules in my gym but I try hard to be very clear I am not taking pictures that might include anyone.
- rules for the gym: no grunting! do not talk to people actively using machines, wait patiently if you want to use one, don't hog the machine, you can ask how long they'll be if they are resting, wipe down machines after you use. I usually bring a water bottle in with me and an ipad or my phone, catch up on videos or podcasts. If the music is screamingly loud, I might ask for it to be turned down (If I can't hear my headphones over it, this is unusual but it's ok to do in some cases). Be polite but firm if someone's trying to chat you up, that's really not what the gym is for. We have a lot of non-neurotypical people at my gym so chatting will sometimes happen and it's okay to not continue a conversation if you don't want to.
- rules for pool: go to empty lane if there is one. Ask to share if all lanes are full and try to find someone who is going about your speed if possible. Usually at my gym if two people are in a lane they just split the lane in half and each take a side. If there are more than that, people "circle swim" and all go the same way in a loop. There are often kickboards and stuff available, ask the lifeguard. Ours is mostly for lap swimming so I don't know most other pool rules except the obvious (no running, roughhousing)
- I am in medium to less-great shape and I am always someone at the gym silently cheering on people who are clearly less experienced gym goers, so if you're someone who tends towards negative self-talk about being out in public and feeling awkward, know that there are likely other people who have your back even if they're quiet about it.
I don't know how old your son is but there are rules about swim diapers and that kind of thing, worth asking about if he's really young. Often times kids at the pool will play with each other but sometimes parents can be a little checked out, so it's okay to keep an eye on everyone's kids and say something if it looks like there's a problem or a kid may be playing too rough with your kid. Have a good time, gyms can be a good place to have low-key "hi howareyou" interactions without having to have a whole bunch of other interactions and I think I like them for that reason. Hope you find it enjoyable.
posted by jessamyn at 12:27 PM on October 10, 2019 [1 favorite]
many equinox branches have locks installed in the lockers. idk about other gyms
posted by brujita at 3:46 PM on October 10, 2019
posted by brujita at 3:46 PM on October 10, 2019
In my experience: If there are any two random people in the locker room, their lockers will somehow inevitably be right next to each other. Be polite but not chatty, keep your eyes to yourself and go about your dressing business.
posted by Gray Duck at 4:44 PM on October 10, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by Gray Duck at 4:44 PM on October 10, 2019 [1 favorite]
I think the people wiping down equipment are talking about those "selectorized" machines where you put a pin into a hole to pick your resistance. Wipe down the pads. Please don't try to wipe down the free weights. The knurling will shred your wipe and it'll be a mess.
A few ways in which my gyms have deviated from the norms described in previous answers:
- It is completely acceptable to ask, "Can I work in with you?" or "Can we alternate sets?" or "Can we share the ___?" if someone is resting. People will typically agree, and you should too, unless it would somehow be inconvenient. For example, great difference in height, great difference in weight on a barbell, already three people sharing. But mostly people agree.
- There may be music. You are not aiiowed to choose or complain about the music or its volume. Bring earplugs or headphones if you want less noise or your own music.
- It's fine to drop the weights or make noise if you're failing. Definitely don't risk injury in order to hold on to a bad lift. But also, go easier on your next set. What annoys people is when it starts to look like you're planning on screaming through every set (and you're not an international champion holding three times his body weight over his head).
- If someone holds up his fist in a context where you might otherwise expect to slap high five or shake his hand, he wants you to tap your fist against his with about as much force as when toasting with wine. I think this is because people can have chalk or sweat or whatever on their hands, but I don't really know. It's just a gym thing.
The most important thing: If you have had bad experiences with grade school gym class, know that adult gym-goers are mostly nice people who want to do their thing, let you do your thing, and get on with their lives. I think I've literally never seen anyone get teased or bullied at an adult gym. I've seen some (sometimes ill-judged) flirtation, and some micro-aggressions against minorities, and some super awkward interactions with fat people, but people seem to have grown out of that thing where the big guy just comes up and starts making fun of how little you're lifting.
posted by meaty shoe puppet at 10:00 PM on October 10, 2019 [1 favorite]
A few ways in which my gyms have deviated from the norms described in previous answers:
- It is completely acceptable to ask, "Can I work in with you?" or "Can we alternate sets?" or "Can we share the ___?" if someone is resting. People will typically agree, and you should too, unless it would somehow be inconvenient. For example, great difference in height, great difference in weight on a barbell, already three people sharing. But mostly people agree.
- There may be music. You are not aiiowed to choose or complain about the music or its volume. Bring earplugs or headphones if you want less noise or your own music.
- It's fine to drop the weights or make noise if you're failing. Definitely don't risk injury in order to hold on to a bad lift. But also, go easier on your next set. What annoys people is when it starts to look like you're planning on screaming through every set (and you're not an international champion holding three times his body weight over his head).
- If someone holds up his fist in a context where you might otherwise expect to slap high five or shake his hand, he wants you to tap your fist against his with about as much force as when toasting with wine. I think this is because people can have chalk or sweat or whatever on their hands, but I don't really know. It's just a gym thing.
The most important thing: If you have had bad experiences with grade school gym class, know that adult gym-goers are mostly nice people who want to do their thing, let you do your thing, and get on with their lives. I think I've literally never seen anyone get teased or bullied at an adult gym. I've seen some (sometimes ill-judged) flirtation, and some micro-aggressions against minorities, and some super awkward interactions with fat people, but people seem to have grown out of that thing where the big guy just comes up and starts making fun of how little you're lifting.
posted by meaty shoe puppet at 10:00 PM on October 10, 2019 [1 favorite]
On the basis of my gym, the use of phones is an etiquette battle-ground. Everybody has them but nobody wants to appear in a surreptitious picture taken by another - nor do they want their workout disturbed by a neighbour’s noisy conversation. So in general: no photography and be as silent as possible. But fine to carry your music, help with fitness tracking or to relieve urgent messages.
posted by rongorongo at 2:09 AM on October 11, 2019
posted by rongorongo at 2:09 AM on October 11, 2019
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