| The
unwritten code of the gym is often a mystery
to the inexperienced trainer, though advanced
trainers have been known to experience lapses.
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If
you have ever wondered what the unwritten
code of the gym is, you have come to the
right place. They are many and not always
what you'd expect. |
1.
Talking during a set
Do
not talk to someone in the middle of a set.
This is very distracting and they are probably
not listening to you anyway. Don’t be offended
if and when they ignore you. Wait until they're
done.
2.
Excessive talking
Don't
talk excessively to people during their workout.
They are (usually) at the gym to work, not socialize.
Socialize after the workout.
3. Through the
looking glass
Walking or standing
in front of someone during a set interferes
with their concentration. People rely on the
feedback from the mirror to help their balance
and keep track of form, especially during overhead
presses, squats, deadlifts, etc.
4. Working
in with others
Always ask
before you work in. It is very rude to
just sit down on a machine or bench the
instant someone gets off. Don't ask to
work in on a machine or bench if the other
person is using a lot more or a lot less
weight than you as it may take too long
to change weights in between sets. Just
wait until they're done or find something
else to do.
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5.
Working in with you
By
the same token, it is rude not to let someone
else work in with you. The exception to this
is when it would interfere with your own workout,
e.g. lots of weight changing or very short rest
periods.
6.
Bench hogs
Don't
hog benches or machines (unless it's quiet and
nobody else wants to use them).
7.
Rolling, rolling, rolling
Don't
let your dumbells or barbells roll away from
you as they can cause injury in others.
8.
Water, water everywhere…
Don't take too long at the water fountain. This
includes filling up your water bottle. If someone
is behind you, let them drink then resume filling.
Don't ever spit or blow your nose in the fountain,
either.
9. Captain
Safety strikes again
Don't automatically
jump in and spot someone the instant they
look as though they're having trouble.
The hard reps are the most productive
and you may screw it up by jumping in.
Get into position and be ready if they
ask but don't assume.
10. Abusing
your spotter
Don’t ask
someone to spot you if you can’t lift
the weight yourself in the first place.
If your spotter gets a lower-back workout
while you are bench pressing then you
need to reevaluate the amount of weight
you are using.
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11.
Too close for comfort
Don't
move your bench too close to other people's
benches. Some exercises require room to execute
than others and you might just be in the way.
12.
Resetting machines
If
you work in on a machine, reset it back to where
the other person had it after you've done your
set.
13. Be
nice
It's not
nice to laugh at other people just because
they can't lift as much as you. Remember,
there is always someone else who can lift
more than you.
14. Spotting
If someone
asks you for a spot, give it to them.
If you don’t feel comfortable spotting
them, e.g. they are using a very heavy
weight, let them know.
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15.
The hills are alive…
Try
not to yell and scream unnecessarily. This can
distract other gym members. Sometimes it is
necessary but if you scream during a set of
wrist curls, something is wrong.
16.
Dropping and banging
Don't
drop weights or bang them together unnecessarily.
Not only can you hurt your joints by banging
and dropping weights, it is very distracting
to others.
17. Too
much information
Don't hold
loud, in-depth conversations around people
while they are doing a set.
18. Bullseye
If you tend
to spray spit when you lift (it happens),
make sure there is no one in the target
area.
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19.
Pepe La Pew Part 1
Don’t
wear excessive cologne or perfume to the gym.
It can be very unpleasant for others who are
breathing heavily.
20.
Pepe La Pew Part 2
Bathe
regularly. ‘Nuff said. Heat and more sweating
tends to INCREASE odor, not get rid of it.
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