Modern Manners Guy here, and I was thinking that recent years have seen an increase in folks rushing out to the gym to get fit-- at least in the first few months after our New Year’s resolutions. We witnessed the rise of a form of running called jogging, something called Pilates, and any number of other new-fangled workout programs. We've also seen an increase in the number of folks wearing more and more awkward clothing at the gym, but I'll get to that and more right after a word from our sponsor.

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Appropriate Workout Attire

These days you can exercise in private gyms, office gyms, public gyms and even just the great outdoors. There are a few things that we need to keep in mind when heading out to any of these places to burn off the calories and build up those biceps.

The first issue we need to look at, or rather NOT look at, is some of the outfits that folks are wearing to the gym. There is a certain safety issue with wearing something too baggy, but that's not what I'm thinking about. I'm more concerned about things that are inappropriate and distracting for other gym patrons.

Frankly, there are some workout clothes that absolutely should not be worn by anyone. Anything see-through (especially when sweaty) or too revealing should be covered by at least one more article of clothing. There are folks that go to the gym to see and be seen, but that's not what a gym is for. A gym is a place to get fit, and it has lots of heavy or complicated equipment. The last thing anyone needs is to be distracted by your attire while trying to navigate the machinery.

I understand being proud of yourself if you have spent many hours in the gym getting in shape. You should not, however, keep anyone else from getting into shape by getting their fingers chopped off because they were checking your clothes instead of watching their weights.

Etiquette for the Gym Machines

The next thing we need to look at are the rules around using the gym machines. Most gyms have a policy for how long you can use each treadmill, bike, or other piece of equipment at a time—especially during the busiest hours.

Please follow these rules. If you have a workout that requires more time on a treadmill, make sure no one is waiting for you to finish before you start your time back over. If there is someone waiting, quickly move off the machine and find another one. You might have to wait for a bit, but that is part of being a responsible member of civilization. If you've waited your fair share of time, try to get the errant person's attention and say something like, “Hi. I know you're zoned in and all that, but your time is up, and I've got to get moving so I can get home (or wherever).” Should you be flatly ignored by this patron, promptly head over to management and request their help. Be careful with this one since it will create a bigger rift between you and the machine hog. However, it will make your point.

If you perspire a lot when you exercise, you might be prone to leave little puddles at each workout location. This tip is for everyone, whether you are using the stair master, the weight machines or benches, or even aerobic equipment like mats.

Clean up after yourself. The vast majority of gyms provide towels for your convenience. Please use them to wipe up anywhere you have created your own little lake. Even if you haven't dripped a lake out on the gear, you should still check around where you were sitting or lying or where you placed your sweaty hands.

Not Socially Networking

Now, what about the social aspect of a gym? Save all the chit-chat for the few minutes before and after something like an aerobics class or for the parking lot.  Most folks either can't talk while doing the treadmill or don't want to talk because they are focusing on lifting weights and getting results. Just be sensitive to those who are serious about their workouts and save your conversation for outside the gym.

Someone might approach you and try to strike up a conversation. If you aren’t really interested or are just focused on making it through your workout, politely acknowledge the person, and then be firm but sincere when you say, “I’m sorry. I would like to catch up, but it’s tough for me to focus on my workout and a conversation at the same time. Can we chat later?”

When using the weights, it is appropriate to ask to work into a set or to offer a spot. Just be ready to accept it if someone refuses. And if you are the one being asked, consider that allowing someone to work in will give your muscles the correct amount of rest time before your next set. And should you be offered a spot, accepting is appropriate but you don't have to. "No, thank you" is just fine.

Here's a special note about offering a "spot." That's when someone is lifting a heavy free-weight and needs a little help finishing a rep. Don't do all the work. You need to let the person who is supposed to do the work actually do most of the work.

Locker Room Etiquette

There's one last stop on the list at the gym. Many folks need to clean themselves up after working out, but one of the most awkward places on the planet, like it or not, is the gym locker room.

This is yet one more part of the trip that should probably not be a social event. Though there are folks who can handle locker room conversation in stride, most folks find it mortifying, especially if they suddenly run into someone from the office. Just be sensitive to the fact that not everyone wants to have a meet-and-greet in their unmentionables.

And if someone approaches you in the locker room with intent to chat, feel free to let them know that you are much more comfortable conversing when everyone is fully clothed.

Administrative

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