Fitness // 6 Classic Gym Faux Pas to Avoid

This post may have affiliate links, which means I may receive commissions if you choose to purchase through links I provide (at no extra cost to you). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about these links in my disclosure policy.

If your New Year’s Resolution is part of the estimated 66% involving fitness goals this year*, there are a few things you should know about going to the gym. We all want to have successful goals and feeling welcome at the gym will keep you coming back in the long run. Here are a few faux pas to avoid:

Hovering.
Standing this close to a machine while you are waiting to use it? That’s just not cool. And it’s even worse to be the creepy hoverer staring daggers at the current occupant. The best bet is to wait your turn at a normal distance away… Or skip the machine and come back if it’s not busy. Just don’t nudge in on someone else.

Showing up late for class.
It’s annoying to have someone show up 10-20 minutes into a class. It’s even more annoying when they try to “slide in” and encroach on the claimed area of the room that you came early to class to score. If you’re going to be late, own it, and go straight to the front where there is plenty of room. Everyone already noticed you, so you might as well be polite about peoples’ personal space.

Not cleaning your machine.
Even if you don’t sweat or you just “glow,” please sanitize your machine when you move on. Whether there is visible sweat drip page or not, your germs are still there. It’s just not polite to leave it.

Talking on your phone.
Sometimes you can’t help it. But if you do need to take a call, at least take it to the hallway. It’s especially disturbing in the locker room to overhear someone is chatting super loud about Fluffy’s new litter box when you are just trying to get ready and get out of there… you don’t want to be that person.

Playing music without headphones.
So you forgot your headphones. Deal with it. No one else wants to listen to your Rad Run Mix because they are stuck next to you on the treadmill. (I can say this with complete confidence because I know my neighbor does not want to hear my JT/Tupac/Jack Johnson/Lumineers/Saving Jane/Shakira/Weezer/Styx mix. I know it’s ridiculous, but it works for me!)

Bringing a sick kid to childcare.
If your kid is too sick for school or you’re aware they have a bug, don’t bring them to the gym! Do your backup workout at home and keep the germs away. You were annoyed when your kid got a cold from the Y, so it stands to reasons that others will be, too.

I can’t guarantee you that your New Years resolution will stick, but if you avoid these faux pas, you may feel a little more comfortable at the gym. And at least no one will be staring daggers at you behind your back!

What are your pet peeves at the gym?