Even at a gym — a place where the tiniest tank tops, profuse sweating, and even mild grunting are perfectly acceptable — rules of etiquette should be followed.
The unspoken change-room code of conduct:
- Cover up While the naked female form should be celebrated and is nothing to be ashamed of, there is a breed of gym-goer who feels it’s OK to apply her make-up, dry her hair, call her best friend to discuss last night’s party… all while completely naked. Cover up to make the change room a comfortable place for all users.
- Don’t take a marathon shower, especially at lunchtime, when every minute is accounted for. With the exception of sweat, what you take into the shower should come out with you when you leave.
- Space is limited Can’t decide what to wear? Don’t spread your clothing over the entire bench and take up three lockers. And don’t leave your belongings in lockers overnight — this is not allowed.
While the change room, with its full-length mirrors, power shower heads and handy hair dryers may feel like your personal bathroom, it isn’t — so certain rituals are just best done in private. These include shaving, waxing, dry-brushing and colouring your hair (yes, it happens)!
On the gym floor:
- Don’t hog the equipment Most gym goers are on a tight schedule; and there are timers on treadmills and other cardio machines to limit use to 20 minutes per person per session at peak hours for exactly this reason. And no, throwing your towel over the display doesn’t mean you can ignore the timer!
- Wipe down Look for the disinfectant spray bottle and paper towel used for cleaning the machines. Wipe down the machines after use, sweaty or not — it’s the right thing to do.
- Be prepared to share Weight equipment is considered communal property, so don’t sit on a machine while you rest between sets. Especially not if you’re reading a magazine or talking on your cellphone. Instead, let a fellow gym member alternate sets with you. The same rule applies if you’re using a pair of dumbbells. When you complete a set, place the weights on the floor so someone else can use them while you rest.
- Leave no trace It’s common courtesy to remove your weights from the leg press machine or barbells. Whether you’re lifting 10kg or 200kg, clear the equipment of all weights when you’re done.
- Put weights back where you found them When you complete your dumbbell sets, return the weights to their designated spot on the storage shelf. Never leave dumbbells or barbells on the floor — someone may trip over them. If you leave dumbbells on the floor between sets, criss-cross them so that they can’t roll away.
I know it’s a drastic situation and you have to think on your toes, but you will surely die if you do what you’re thinking of doing.