Ah, gym etiquette. For many people, the gym is the one sanctuary they come to several times a week, if not every day, to get some good needed respite, physical and mental release from the strenuous barbarism of everyday life. Some people see it as a social hub for conversation, others prefer complete peace and quiet. But either way, we all (hopefully) know that there is a standard of proper gym etiquette, for both men and women.
We asked around – personal trainers, gym novices, guys and girls of all ages – and here are the do’s and don’t’s of gym etiquette.
Biggest Pet Peeves
“No uninvited form checks! Unless someone is in serious danger of hurting themselves, keep your coaching tips to yourself” – Jeremy Gwyer, a personal trainer based in Dubai. “Use your phone to track lifts, not to text or scroll through Instagram.”
“Do not talk to me or interrupt me when I’m working out, especially if you’re going to flirt. It’ll only make me mad.” – Disa, 27
“There is nothing I hate more than when I ask someone how much longer they have left on a machine, and they say ‘a few more sets’ and then just sit on the machine, hogging it, endlessly scrolling through their phone. There should be signs that that isn’t allowed! Some gyms even do have signs like that. Hurry up!” – Khalad, 22
“Guys who come into the gym in a group of, like, ten people, and then just sit on the machine, not working out, just loudly talking. And then if you ask how much longer they have, they just glare at you and resume talking.” – Alex, 22
“Some guys will come in the gym wearing sunglasses and keep them on the whole time. What the hell are you doing? Do you think you look cool? You look ridiculous.” – Mo, 30
“People, especially guys, who scream as they’re working out. You’re not impressing anyone by screaming, especially not any girls.” – Tara , 22
“The other day, a guy I’ve been said hi to maybe twice came up to me, dripping in sweat, and asked if he could drink from my water bottle, practically reaching for it before I could even respond. That’s disgusting, and a definite no-no.” – Tom, 28
“Some guys are clearly there to intimidate, especially if it’s someone younger and much scrawnier than them. That’s extremely discouraging, and should never be tolerated. If someone is skinny and clueless, good for them. Working out is a massive undertaking in your own wellbeing, and people whose one goal is to make the inexperienced feel unwelcome should be kicked out.” – Joey Swoll, bodybuilder and gym influencer.
“If the machine you’ve used is covered in your sweat, please please please wipe it off. Its unsanitary, disrespectful, and gross. ” –Sara, 26
Is flirting in the gym ever okay?
“It depends on how they approach. If they randomly come up and start trying to give me advice, I already hate you. But if it’s nice, friendly, and not intrusive, it may be okay.” – Jess, 35.
“No. It’s not okay. Gym is where I’m supposed to feel unobstructed and safe. Even if guys say they don’t care that I’m sweaty, I care, and that’s what matters.” – Sarah, 30.
“The gym itself should be a sanctuary, but if we’ve seen each other a few times, smiled at each other, and then, if we happen to leave at the same time or we take the elevator together, that’s fine. Then you can strike up a conversation, but not inside the gym.” – Gurpreet, 27.
Worst Gym Experience
“Last week, I accidentally drank from someone else’s water bottle. They stopped me right as I was taking a sip. It was so embarrassing.” – Sara, 28.
“There’s this really skinny, yet clearly arrogant, dude who struggles to lift weights much heavier than him. His form is terrible and its hard to watch, so once I tried to offer my help, to which he basically told me to f*** off because he knew what he was doing. Five minutes later he dislocated his shoulder, screaming in pain, and got picked up in an ambulance.” – Gabriel, 30.
“Once I loaded up the leg press for a client and about 4 reps in, he ripped a massive fart just as the music paused in the gym. I think 75% of people heard it, and immediately looked over at us.” – Jeremy Gwyer.
