Gym Etiquette 101 - The Guide to Not Being “That” Person

Alright… let’s be honest - the gym can either be a great vibe or a total nightmare, depending on how people act. If you’re here to exercise, level up, and not accidentally make someone rage-quit their membership, this guide’s for you.

Let’s talk gym etiquette - the dos, the don’ts, and the stuff that keeps the gym from turning into chaos.

1. Don’t Be an Equipment Hog

Gym equipment isn’t your personal throne. So when you’re done, put your stuff back where it belongs. Nobody wants to play a game of “find the dumbbell” because you left it somewhere random. And for the love of gains, please stop dropping weights - it’s noisy, and it wrecks the floors.

At our gym, here’s a couple guidelines on this:

  • Return everything to its proper place. Don’t make people hunt for a kettlebell like it’s a lost treasure.

  • No dramatic weight-dropping unless you’re trying to make enemies (spoiler: you will).

Keep it clean, keep it functional - simple!

2. Wipe It Down (Seriously)

Sweat happens. That’s great - it means you’re putting in the work. What’s not great? Leaving a puddle of sweat on a machine for the next person. Gross.

Use the cleaning sprays and wipes provided and take 10 seconds to tidy up after yourself. Bonus: people will actually want to work out near you.

Tip: Don’t spray directly on screens unless you’re into breaking expensive stuff. Spray onto a cloth or tissue instead.

3. Sharing Is Caring (And Basic Decency)

The gym isn’t your home gym - it’s a shared space. If it’s peak hours, don’t hog a machine. Be as quick as possible, be efficient, and if someone’s waiting, offer to share or wrap it up. Easy.

Specific to our gyms:

  • Be mindful of others during busy times - don’t camp out on a machine.

  • Avoid turning the equipment area into a social club. Catch up with your friends somewhere else.

4. Dress the Part

You don’t need to dress like a fitness influencer, but you do need to wear stuff that’s safe and appropriate. Proper shoes are a must (no, sandals and Crocs don’t count), and your outfit shouldn’t be a hazard. Nobody wants a wardrobe malfunction mid-squat.

Here’s what’s expected at our gym:

  • Trainers only. Flip-flops are for the beach, not the bench.

  • Keep bags and coats, etc. out of the fitness area - tripping over someone’s gym bag is not the cardio anyone signed up for.

5. Keep Your Noise to Yourself

We’re all for hyping yourself up, but blasting music from your phone without headphones? Nope. Same goes for yelling into your phone while someone’s trying to PR their deadlift. Use headphones, keep it chill, and let others focus on their workouts.

6. Respect Other People’s Space

No one wants to feel like they’re on someone’s Instagram story without permission. Keep your phone usage respectful - that means no sneaky pics or videos of other people.

And if you’re having a conversation, keep it low-key.

7. Don’t Be That Person

If a staff member asks you to follow the rules, just do it. They’re really not trying to ruin your day - they’re just making sure the gym stays safe and welcoming for everyone. Antisocial behavior won’t be tolerated here, so please leave the drama at the door.

The Rules Specific to Our Gym

Here’s some extra stuff to keep in mind while you’re at our gym:

  • Don’t crowd around equipment. If you’re not using it, please move along so someone else can.

  • Always clean equipment after you’re done. It’s basic respect!

At the end of the day, gym etiquette is about making the space work for everyone. Be considerate, be clean, and be respectful.

As always, thanks for being part of our community - now go and smash that workout!




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Rob Dufty, New Centre Manager at Droitwich Spa Leisure Centre