The Kenyon Athletic Center (aka the KAC) can get pretty crowded during this time of year. Whether it’s spring athletes gearing up for the new season or students who are still desperate to fulfill their New Year’s Resolution, the first few month or so of the spring semester at the KAC is pretty busy, despite having to trudge down there in the snow. But sometimes, KAC patrons are unaware of how to behave properly while working out. If you’re a workout newbie or a KAC veteran who may have forgotten some of the rules during winter break, read on to learn about some basic KAC etiquette that everybody should abide by.
1. Wipe down your machines when you’re done with them. This is the big one, guys. If you come away from this article with nothing else, just remember this. Wipe down your machines. Please. It takes about two seconds, and squirt bottles and rags are generously dispersed around the KAC for this very reason. Nobody wants to jump onto an elliptical that’s already covered with fresh sweat. Wipe down your machines.
2. Re-rack your weights when you’re done with them. There’s already a huge sign in the KAC that explicitly states this. If you’re strong enough to lift them, you’re strong enough to put them away exactly where you found them. And, while you’re at it, why don’t you wipe down your weights, too.
3. Don’t put your snow-covered boots inside the cubbies. This tip is extremely prevalent this time of year. Nobody wants to trudge down to the KAC in the snow while wearing nice running shoes, so most people wear boots to the gym and then change. The problem is that salt particles that help melt the snow on the roads find their way onto your shoes. These particles can seriously damage the wooden cubbies. So just place your boots neatly on the floor.
4. The KAC generously provides mats for patrons to use while they are stretching or working their abs. Please place your mat at least a few inches away from the nearest person. Nobody likes to do crunches while almost touching somebody else.
5. If you’re using on of the weight machines, make sure that your weights don’t clank together every time you finish a rep. Not only is this bad for the machines and disturbing to other people, but it also means that you aren’t doing your workout correctly. Make sure to take the time to be safe when using weights!
6. And last but not least, please wipe down the machines when you’re done with them.
Hopefully you’re more informed for your next trip to the KAC! And remember, you know, to wipe down the machines when you’re done with them, of course. Have fun, sweat hard!