Don’t Be That Person: Gym Etiquette You Need to Know

gym equipment at gym

More than 60 million Americans have a type of gym membership, and whether you’re new to your local fitness center or getting back into the workout groove, knowing the proper code of conduct is essential. As a shared space, you should do your part to keep your gym pristine, peaceful, and productive. Wondering how to behave at the gym and what not to do at the gym? Follow our top tips for proper gym etiquette to ensure you’re minding your gym manners!

How to Behave at the Gym: 9 Workout Etiquette Rules

1. Follow your gym’s rules.

Every gym has its own rules and regulations. Before stepping on a treadmill or grabbing a pair of dumbbells, read up on your favorite fitness center’s policies and learn the gym dos and don’ts. Some gyms won’t let you deadlift. Others might say no to using chalk or shoeless workouts. Check out gym rules online or find them in person to keep the peace and avoid consequences.

2. Mind your hygiene.

No one wants to exercise in a smelly gym! Bring a towel to wipe off your sweat after each exercise and keep your workout area as dry as possible. Wear clean clothes, avoid wearing strong perfumes or colognes, and reapply deodorant before getting started.

happy woman on treadmill following gym rules

3. Don’t hog equipment.

Gyms can fill up fast, and you must be mindful of how long you use weights or a machine. Odds are, someone is waiting to step in as soon as you’re done, and they don’t want to see you wasting time stretching or scrolling on your phone. Only take equipment or hop on a machine when you’re ready to use it, and once you’re finished, clean up and make room for the next person. Thirty minutes should be enough time for a standard cardio or strength workout—usually three to five sets of five to 15 reps.

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4. Put things away.

A simple, respectful gym behavior is to put things away. After you’ve finished lifting weights, put them back correctly, re-racking them exactly how you found them. Other items, like mats, accessories, or towels, should also be returned to their rightful place.

5. Wipe down when done.

Don’t walk away from your workout area immediately after you’re done. Proper gym etiquette includes making sure the space is ready for the next person to use it, too. Use sanitizing wipes to wipe benches, mats, and buttons to eliminate germs left behind.

man following gym rules and wiping down weights

6. Respect personal space.

Gyms can get crowded, but that doesn’t mean you need to crowd the people around you. Maintain an appropriate amount of distance from fellow gym-goers, especially when you’re using heavy equipment. Don’t squeeze yourself into tight spaces; instead, give everyone enough room to complete their routines peacefully, avoiding distractions or making people feel uncomfortable.

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7. Keep phone use to a minimum.

A common gym mistake is being on your phone too much. Using your phone to binge-watch a TV show or catch a game while on the treadmill is fine, but you’ll want to be conscious of your usage in other areas of the gym. Similar to using your phone while driving, the distraction can endanger you or someone else. Avoid looking down at your phone when walking near heavy equipment, and try not to lose focus by scrolling. The more you can stay away from your phone, the more productive your workout will be.

8. Be kind.

When it comes to respectful gym behavior, kindness goes a long way. New to the gym? Don’t be afraid to ask for help setting up equipment or using a machine. Have years of experience? Be nice to new members and help however you can—you were once in their position. When people feel comfortable working out at the gym, they’re more likely to come back and keep working.

9. Limit noise.

Being loud at the gym is not only disruptive to your fellow gymgoers, it’s also in poor taste. Use headphones to listen to music or watch TV, don’t talk loudly on your phone, and keep conversations quiet. When using equipment, don’t grunt, yell, or drop your weights. Heavy weights hitting the ground create a loud bang, unnecessarily startling others and potentially creating a safety hazard to boot.

three women laughing at gym

Gym Manners and At-Home Options

These gym etiquette tips will help you respectfully navigate a busy fitness center. However, if you’re more of a homebody ready to step up your fitness routine, check out our “At-Home Fitness” guide. In it, you’ll find seven workouts you can do from the comfort of your front room. Everyone’s fitness journey is unique. Find the location and workouts that work best for you, and go from there. You’re sure to conquer more as you strengthen your drive.