The gym is not exactly a public place where everyone can go in. You have to pay a certain fee that gives you the privilege to come in and use the equipment at any time you desire. But this privilege does not exempt you from doing annoying things that may irritate other gym goers. What are the little things that you do in the gym that may bother the people around you? Read on and find out.
Hogging up the Equipment
While gyms like Gold’s Gym and Curves have many equipment available for the use of its members, there will always come a time when these gyms are crowded. Full-house gyms can limit the amount of time that a member can use equipment like treadmills, elliptical machines and stationary bikes. The same goes for free weights and cable machines. Making matters worse is the presence of some insensitive gym members who hog up the equipment as if they own these items.
The unwritten rule in most gyms is for a member to use just one piece of equipment at a time and to finish using the machines at a reasonable time frame. Now if you set up camp on the cable machine or treadmill for half an hour, then expect a handful of other gym members to get irritated. Be sensitive to the needs of the people around you. After all, you are not the only one paying membership fee.
Not Wiping Down the Equipment
Mot gyms like Gold’s Gym and Curves provide their members with disinfectant wipes and anti-bacterial sprays to avoid the spread of viruses and bacteria. These gyms encourage their members to wipe down any equipment after use. It is considered impolite not to wipe down the equipment with disinfectant wipes after using it.
If you think that this is just a pet-peeve by many gym goers, then think again. Scientists agree that germs thrive on warm and moist environment which is characteristic of most gyms. In fact, one infection called methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has been documented to break out among athletes especially those who share equipment. Other germs that may be transmitted through shared gym equipment are E.coli, fungus, urinary tract infections and the human papillomavirus that causes genital warts.
Aside from wiping down any piece of equipment you have used, you can also prevent the transmission of germs by covering your mouth when sneezing. Or you should just stay home if you are sick.
Being Noisy
Yes, the gym is not a library where everyone is expected to keep silent. But it does not mean that you can shout anytime you want, or play your music loudly. Most gym rats go to the gym not just to keep themselves in shape but also to relax after a stressful day in the office or school, so they surely won’t find it relaxing to hear you yelling or playing loud music. Likewise, some gym goers find it difficult and even impossible to focus on their workouts when someone noisy is around the area. So keep your mouth shut and just concentrate on the task at hand—completing your weight-loss exercises.