So today I worked out not once, but twice! I went by myself mid-afternoon and again later with my mom when she got back from her meetings. I can’t remember the last time I was this motivated!
I am seriously loving this gym, but it’s almost too nice. Yesterday I started questioning if I was displaying proper fitness manners. Now that I’ve done a little research, I feel like I can behave appropriately while becoming a Four Seasons’ fitness center regular. Even though I found that I was following a majority of the rules, a refresher course is always helpful. Here are a few etiquette tips for the gym:
Dress appropriately: A lot of people don’t realize that there is a certain dress code at the gym. This is not the place for ripped shirts, dirty shoes or too tight clothing and, dear god, save the jorts for a jarty (jean shorts, jean party). Wear a clean outfit, free of holes, and make sure it fits appropriately. I may write a more detailed post about dress code once I get back to Champaign. There are, for obvious reasons, many more violators at the ARC than there are at the Four Seasons.
Don’t hog equipment: Again, not a problem at the Four Seasons since most people are busy attending conferences, gambling, drinking, eating and not worrying about fitness. But! If a fitness center is crowded it is important to share with other gym-goers. Limit cardio machine use to 30 minutes and don’t dilly-dally with the weight machines.
Clean up after yourself: When you use a machine, use the sanitizing stuff to clean it off. When you use a mat or weights or medicine ball or whatever, put it back where it belongs (even if it isn’t where you found it). When you use any equipment that requires you to put weights on, take them off. If I ever felt inclined to actually use one of those machines and someone left their weights on it, it’s likely that I wouldn’t be able to lift them off, which would likely make me very annoyed. I’m sure others would have a similar reaction.
Use proper form: This one is a bit of a problem for me, since I lack a lot of fitness knowledge, but I learned a few things today. Don’t swing weights around — I usually don’t, but I’ve seen it happen — and don’t drop or throw weights down. I’m sure there are a bajillion other form tips that I’m leaving out, so maybe I’ll consult a certified personal trainer and write a more detailed blog later.
Keep your sweat in control: I fortunately do not sweat profusely, but many people do, especially while working out. This has a very simple remedy: Bring a towel. Nothing is more disgusting than walking up to a treadmill or machine with a large pool of sweat on it. By dabbing yourself dry while working out, you save everyone the trouble and yourself the embarrassment.
Keep noise to a minimum:Don’t listen to music so loud that others can hear it from your headphones. Do not gab away on your cell while on the elliptical. If you’re working out with a buddy, save the gossip for the locker room. And do not grunt. No matter how loud you’re grunting, I don’t believe that whatever variation of a sit up your doing requires so much physical exertion that you need to make such primal noises. Yes, I get that you’re trying hard — but try harder to be quiet.
Most of these require little knowledge beyond common courtesy and common sense, but in my experiences at Xsport, Bally’s and the ARC, more than a few people have missed the memo. While I already follow most of these rules, there are still a few things I need to work on (mainly proper form). If you have any tips about form, tweet them at me! @SamGetsHealthy
Hoping this motivation sticks with me forever,
Samantha