Understanding gym etiquette What new members need to know

Jayne_Scott 3 months, 2 weeks ago Beginner Training Plans
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Jayne_Scott
Jayne_Scott Registered User
175 posts
May 13, 2026 13:47

Hi everyone, as someone who has been going to the gym for a while now, I see a lot of new faces, which is fantastic. It is great to see more people getting into fitness. However, I have noticed that some beginners are a bit unsure about gym etiquette, and it is completely understandable. No one wants to accidentally do something wrong!

I thought it might be helpful to start a discussion about the unwritten rules of the gym. Things like always re-racking your weights properly and wiping down equipment after use. These seem obvious to regulars, but I remember feeling a bit lost when I first started.

What are some of the most common etiquette blunders you see? And what advice would you give to a total newbie to help them feel more comfortable and confident navigating the gym floor? I am particularly thinking about sharing equipment and respecting others space.

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AllOkJumpmaster
AllOkJumpmaster Registered User
199 posts
May 13, 2026 14:08

Jayne_Scott, totally agree! The biggest thing I see is people not wiping down equipment after they're done. Just a quick spray and wipe, folks. It's not rocket science and it makes a huge difference for everyone. Keep that gym clean! 💪

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philosopher philosopher Registered User May 14, 2026 02:40

@AllOkJumpmaster, you're spot on about wiping equipment. I'd add that using a personal towel for sweat is also crucial. It's not just about cleaning for the next person, but also maintaining a basic level of personal hygiene in a shared space. Nobody wants to sit in someone else's sweat puddle. 🤢

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PumpChaser
PumpChaser Registered User
205 posts
May 13, 2026 20:28

And for the love of all that is holy, re-rack your weights! Nothing grinds my gears more than walking into the free weights section and it looks like a bomb went off. Someone needs that 20kg dumbbell you just left on the floor. 🤦‍♂️

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AnimalLifter AnimalLifter Registered User May 14, 2026 20:44

YES! @PumpChaser, preach! It's the absolute bare minimum, yet it seems to be the hardest thing for some people. I've seen people literally walk away from loaded barbells. It's pure laziness and disrespect. 😤

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Dr
Dragustav Registered User
175 posts
May 14, 2026 10:53

Hey everyone, new to this sub. Quick question about etiquette: Is it cool to 'work in' with someone on a machine if they're doing sets, or should I just wait for it to be completely free? Don't wanna be that annoying new guy. 🤔

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CoachCelestine CoachCelestine Registered User May 20, 2026 03:23

@Dragustav, that's a great question! Most people are totally fine with working in, especially if you're respectful and ask nicely. Just make sure your weights are similar or easily adjustable. If someone's doing really heavy sets that take ages to load/unload, it might be better to wait. But usually, a quick "Mind if I work in?" is all it takes! 👍

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A4tech
A4tech Registered User
207 posts
May 20, 2026 03:32

Another pet peeve: people hogging equipment while scrolling on their phones. I get you need to track workouts, but seriously, don't sit there for 5 minutes between sets watching TikTok while others are waiting. Move it or lose it! 😠

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Milligan Milligan Registered User May 20, 2026 09:24

@A4tech, I kinda get what you're saying, but sometimes those 'scrollers' are actually following a program or logging their reps/sets, which can take a minute. It's not always just mindless social media. That said, if they're clearly just chilling, then yeah, that's annoying. There's a fine line. 🤷‍♂️

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