Gym culture is usually a case of live and let live. You should be able to get along with even the most intense exercisers, as long as you’re not getting in their way or hogging a piece of equipment they want to use.
But there are a few niceties of gym etiquette that might escape you if you’re just getting started or never took the time to think about them, such as not walking in front of someone who’s using a mirror to check his lifting form, or learning how to handle barbells and dumbbells the right way.
Barbells
Step 1
Position the bar on the rack over the bench or floor space where you intend to lift it. Make all necessary adjustments to the rack or equipment, such as adjusting a weight bench or moving the racking pegs on a squat rack, before you put weight on the bar.
Step 2
Load the appropriate size and number of weight plates onto a barbell. Load the weights evenly on both ends of the barbell, and secure the weights with a collar on each end.
Step 3
Check to make sure that you have enough clear room to lift the barbell. Other exercisers may be in the way because they’re oblivious or don’t know what you’re about to do. If necessary, ask them politely to move.
Step 4
Perform your desired number of sets and reps, then re-rack the barbell. You can leave the weight plates on if you intend to do another set immediately. Otherwise, you should remove the weight plates, returning them to their appropriate places on the weight tree.
Dumbbells
Step 1
Adjust the weight bench, if you intend to use one, before picking up the dumbbells. Drape your towel over where your head will rest on the bench. This protects the bench from your sweat, protects you from other peoples’ sweat and notifies others that this bench is in use.
Step 2
Collect the dumbbells you need for your next exercise from the weight rack. Move away from the weight rack so that others have room to access the weights.
Step 3
Sit, lie or stand as appropriate for the exercise you’re doing. If you must sit or lie down, keep the dumbbells close to your pelvis as you shift positions.
Step 4
Lift the dumbbells smoothly through a controlled range of motion. If you have to jerk or swing the dumbbells to get them moving, you’re using too much weight. Once you’re done lifting, don’t drop the dumbbells. Instead, walk them back to the weight rack and put them back in the appropriate position.
Tips and Warnings
- You’re not expected to disinfect every weight you touch after every use, but it’s considered polite to do so if you’ve generated a lot of sweat. Most gyms offer bottles of spray sanitizer and cleaning rags stationed throughout the workout areas for exactly this purpose.
Things You'll Need
- Gym towel
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