You’ve made it to the gym! I will be the first to admit just getting there is an accomplishment in itself. Although I praise those who are making an effort to develop a healthy lifestyle, there is no better entertainment than watching those few who haven’t learned the rules of gym etiquette. Everyone knows whom I am referring to, the ones who leave you wondering why he or she even came in the first place. After countless hours of meticulous observation, compulsive angry tweets and shameless eye rolling, I have chosen my favorite and most irritating things to stray away from before becoming “that guy” at the gym.
1) Leave the B.O at home
There is no bigger buzz kill and end to your workout high than being on an elliptical next to a sweaty Italian sub. There have been numerous times I have had to switch machines because it was too foul to try and ignore (sometimes I’m not even sure its just their armpits ). Always add extra deodorant or a quick body wash if necessary, just for the sake of others as well as your own humility.
2) Don’t talk on your cell phone
This one really baffles me. Really, I admire your multi-tasking abilities but I’m not so interested in hearing about how your roomie ‘Ashley ate all of your Special K bars and how she’s changed ever since she went abroad’. Are you even sweating?
3) PLEASE! Don’t wear:
Jeans.
Tight long sleeve v-necks.
Sophie shorts
Jeans.
Bathing suit shorts (Yes, I’ve seen this).
Polo shirts (no)
Jeans.
Regular bra with a tight camisole (why)
Jeans.
Your hair down (I’ve never understood this one)
Jeans.
Just don’t do it.
4) Don’t pretend you’re actually reading
Being at the gym takes a lot of focus, especially if you are trying to accomplish something. I question those who bring thick novels or 20 pages of handwritten notes for your exam the next day. Focusing on your body is what makes you work harder and sweat more!
5) No personal concerts, plz
As much as I would love to hear your spot-on rendition of Beyonce, I would much rather be able hear my recently made pump-up playlist. You may be having a great time but not everyone else around you is…
6). Clean up after yourself
There is nothing more irritating than those who leave their sweat all over the machine they were just on. Not only is this unsanitary, it’s extremely inconvenient for the person who goes on after you. I have enough of my own sweat, thank you. All it takes is a quick spray and a swipe!
7) Don’t take gym selfies
There is a time and place for selfies…and it is not at the Whit in the girl’s bathroom mirror. You’re at the gym to workout, not get Facebook likes.
8) Don’t hog the mats
With such little space to do your sit ups or stretches at the gym, it isn’t fair to the rest of the gym to have a powwow with your friends on the mats. Do what you have to do then move on and we can all live in flexible harmony