10 unwritten rules of the gym

There are not only written rules in the gym, but also unwritten ones, and these are ignored by many people every day. What are they?

1) Greetings

Even as young children, we were taught that it was polite to say hello when we arrived somewhere. Why is it that more and more people forget this when they enter a gym? Don't wonder if others are younger, older, etc, just say hello when you arrive, that's all. If it's your first time somewhere and you're not sure whether gym-goers are nodding or waving, always say hello to older people, check out how things are done in a particular gym and arrange yourself accordingly.

2) Don't exercise your biceps at the squat rack

This rule is quite often part of jokes, I'm sure you yourself have come across someone using a squat rack for biceps lifts. And what's wrong with that? The squat rack is simply designed, as the name suggests, for squats with a large barbell. Respect other gym-goers and only use the equipment for the exercises it's designed for, that way you won't block those who are about to destroy you with the sets of squats that are intrinsic to a leg workout. You may well find yourself in their shoes one day, and you would be uncomfortable if someone similarly prevented you from training.

3) Don't invade the personal space of others

Some may be particularly sensitive to it when you exercise in close proximity to them. It is a natural human trait to not allow individuals we don't know into our personal space. Besides, some exercises require more space, and if you bench too close to someone else, you may make it impossible for them to perform the exercise properly and completely.

4) Don't be a pig

Figuratively speaking. Pigs are known to be very clean animals, despite popular belief. How to understand this point? Use a towel and never leave behind a sweaty bench, don't wear the same sweaty clothes all week, and don't neglect hygiene. It seems like a triviality, but you know examples of those who do not respect this unwritten rule and make your training unpleasant.

5) Be respectful of gym equipment

While dumbbells are just pieces of metal, that doesn't change the fact that they are someone else's property that you are borrowing. Don't throw the dumbbells away, it's not proof that you're a strong monster, but that you're a lout who doesn't respect other people's property that you've loaded beyond your means. The exception to this is exercises like the deadlift, where you place the barbell on the choke plates. Put the unibars back in their places and the discs in their racks, nobody likes a mess and you never know if you'll be followed by a woman or a beginner on the leg press, for example, who will find taking the weights off very complicated.

6) Don't stare at others

A good number of women exercisers feel very uncomfortable when someone is watching them while they workout. If you ask someone before their first visit to the gym what their concerns are and why they didn't start sooner, they will most often reply, "Everyone will be staring at me!" So you'd better save the stares, this applies not only in the gym but also in the changing room and shower, many people might interpret them in their own way and misinterpret them, even though you might just admire their form.

7) Don't talk to others unless they want you to

Disturbing someone during exercise is not only rude, but dangerous. Some people should realize that they primarily go to the gym to work out, not to talk. The time before and after the workout can be used for debating. Against the inveterate chatterboxes, you can "arm" yourself with earphones, thus letting them know "I don't want to be disturbed".

8) Leave your cell phone in the locker room

The gym should be a place for you to escape from the reality and worries of everyday life, so leave your mobile phone switched off in the locker room so you are not disturbed by work calls etc. You might argue that you use your mobile phone to listen to music, but even so, consider whether it's worth investing in a cheaper mp3 player that doesn't risk distracting you from what you came to the gym for - exercise.

9) Don't be selfish

Keep in mind that the gym doesn't belong to you (with a few exceptions of our readers who are actual gym owners), be considerate of others. Don't take up one machine for an hour when you see others standing around nervously wanting to work out. At peak times, don't make up a circuit workout of eight stations if possible, choose it so that you can easily rotate with others. Others look forward to their workout as much as you do, allow them to get a good workout in too. When you are sick, don't go to the gym to infect others, take it easy and come back when you are healthy and at full strength.

10) Put your ego away before entering the gym

The most important rule. Someone is losing weight, another is gaining, one is a rookie, another is a veteran, yet in the gym we are all equal. We are all striving to be a better, healthier, happier version of ourselves. Never patronize anyone, never mock anyone, the learned did not fall from the sky. No matter how long you've been doing fitness, you can never know everything, you are always learning.

[Image and information sources: lifehack.org, dojodrifter.com, health.com, grippedfitnessaudio.com, istockphoto.com]