Gym Etiquette

A few months ago a friend posted a status on Facebook stating how certain things that happened at his gym annoyed him.  People then chimed in and mentioned other things that happened at their gyms that annoyed them as well.  Some of his annoyances were legit, they are instances that are common place in the gym merely due to people's ignorance.  Ignorance is only an excuse for a limited amount of time and everyone should involve themselves in educating others who are ignorant to the rules of the gym, and life in general for that matter.  Here are a few dos and don'ts for the gym, learn them, apply them and educate others so that everyone can have a great gym experience.   

• DONT stay on a cardio machine for more than 30 mins or whatever the time limit is for cardio machines at your gym.  If you go to the gym at peak time, depending on the size of your gym, cardio machines are at a premium and often times people like to wait for a specific machine to get their workout on, be aware that others may be waiting and you should limit your usage to 30 mins. 
• But you're the one waiting for the cardio machine, DO make the most of your time and start your weight training or find another cardio machine to do your cardio on.  Often times, if the cardio machines are packed, the weight room is free to utilize for weight training.  Your weight training, should often feel like a form of cardio so you most likely won't miss a beat. 
• DONT stay on a weight machine and monopolize it.  It's almost impossible to do an entire workout at ONE machine nonstop.  Be cognizant of others and allow people to work in a set between your sets. Limit your usage of one machine to 10 mins.
•  DO other exercises between sets of a muscle group.  For example if you're doing chest and biceps and you are using the cable machine for flys, don't wait to do another set of flys, allow someone to work in while you do bicep curls.  It will cut your workout time by about 25% or more. 
• DONT be afraid to ask to work in.  People may not realize how long they have been on a machine so ask the person to allow you to work in.  They can acknowledge your request and they can deny, either way, go with the answer they give you.  If they  allow you to work in, you may have made a new friend.  If not, don't take it personal, find another exercise to work the muscle group you were planning on working.  There is more than one way to skin a cat. 
• DO put the weight back to where the person who is working in with you was using.  You can ask the person what weight to set the machine on, but be sure to be courteous and place the weight back to their specifications.  Usually what goes around comes back around. 
• DONT leave a machine without cleaning up after yourself.  You're sweaty and so is everyone else, but no one wants to workout in your sweat puddle.  Most gyms provide disinfectant spray or wipes, use them. 
• But the person before you left without cleaning up after themselves, DO wipe up without confrontation.  If you would like to complain, bring it to the attention of gym staff, let them be the ones to confront the member.  
• This last one is for your own personal good and time management.  DONT pay attention to what others are doing, focus on yourself.  Trust and believe, no one is watching or paying attention to what you are doing...unless they are interested in you, let this be your rule of thumb too.  Just know if someone is watching you, they can't be impressed with someone who is watching others workout too. 

Now you know, and knowing is half the battle...go out and teach someone through example!!!