Last Updated on November 25, 2023
The great thing about being an adult is that there are certain situations that are now just expected of you. For example, going to the gym and working out should be no different than heading to your favorite coffee shop or book store. After all, how else are you supposed to stay in shape? However, even though these activities are no longer awkward for us geeks, many people still feel uncomfortable at the sight of a stranger sweating it out in public. And if that wasn’t enough, many regular people don’t even know the proper etiquette for visiting a gym. That doesn’t mean you need to stress about it either! Here’s everything you need to know before going to the gym as an adult geek.
What is Gym Etiquette?
Gym etiquette is the set of rules, customs, and practices that govern the behavior of people in gyms. The main purpose of gym etiquette is to maintain a safe and comfortable environment so that you can get the most out of your fitness experience.
The most important thing to remember is that people are Made for Sport not from it. That means no one is there to judge you for getting sweaty or out of breath. Everyone is there for themselves and the rules of the gym are there to create a comfortable and supportive environment for those people. If a person is performing a certain action in the gym, they are not doing it to show you how you should be, they are doing it for themselves. Remember, you are there to do the same.
Be prepared before you go
Before you head to the gym, be prepared. You should have your gym bag ready with your workout clothes, deodorant, a towel, toiletries, your wallet with cash, and your phone. You should also be wearing comfortable clothes. You might also want to bring a blanket or extra clothes if the gym you go to has a locker room. This will allow you more freedom while working out and not have to worry about changing in the middle of your workout.
Be aware of your surroundings
When you walk into the gym, take a moment to see where you are, who you are with, and what is going on around you. This will prevent you from bumping into others and falling or having your personal space infringed upon. You are in a public place, so be respectful of other people and their space.
As you walk around the gym, it is important that you take note of your surroundings. This will allow you to notice any potential hazards or dangers that may be present in the gym. For instance, is there an uneven floor that could cause you to trip? Does the gym have equipment that you could be unsafe around? This will prevent you from walking into these potentially dangerous situations and falling or getting hurt.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
A lot of people are afraid to ask for help when they are in a new environment. This is unfortunate because it could potentially help you avoid dangerous situations. When you are first walking into the gym, ask the staff where the nearest bathroom is. This simple request could prevent you from needing to go to the bathroom in the middle of your workout.
Another thing that you should never be afraid to ask for is assistance with lifting or pushing a heavy object. This could prevent you from needing to ask for help from others as you could be able to lift an object on your own.
Stay hydrated
There is nothing worse than getting into the gym and not drinking enough water. This will not only make you feel worse, it could also make you light-headed and unable to concentrate. This is especially important for geeks who sit or are on their computers for a long period of time.
Try to drink half a gallon of water an hour before you get to the gym and drink a full one while you are working out. This will help keep your body hydrated and prevent cramps, rashes, and other nasty side effects of dehydration.
If you don’t like water, try using a sports drink instead. They have electrolytes in them that help with muscle cramps and dehydration. Plus, they taste way better than water!
Learn the lingo
If you are new to the gym, or if you are visiting a new gym, you should familiarize yourself with the lingo used in the gym. You should be able to tell if you are in the right place and what equipment is available.
The lingo used in the gym can be a bit confusing to someone who is new to it, so you should try to learn it. Once you know the lingo, you will be able to use it to get the equipment you want and ask the correct questions when you are unsure of how to do something.
Conclusion
Many people feel awkward being at the gym because they feel self-conscious or don’t know what to do. As an adult geek, you can relax and be yourself while you work out. Remember, the people in the gym are there for the same reasons you are and should be afforded the same respect. Follow these tips and you will enjoy working out even more!
Be courteous in the locker room. Do not dump a pile of toilet paper in the toilet. Flush after using the toilet. Do not leave dirty tissue in the sink area and clean up the sink area after use, your janitor will love you for it. Do not stare at other members. Do not take up 2 or more lockers. Keep the benches clear. Do not take long showers. Do not scatter your things all over the locker room. Be considerate on where you put your things. Don’t put your big gym bag on the bench – the bench is for sitting, not for a gym bag.
Communicate with the staff and management. If you’re not sure how to work a machine, get help from a trainer on duty. This will save you from having an embarrassing incident in the gym. If something bothers you in the gym, it most likely bothers others as well. Let the manager know about the problem so that it may be fixed. Other members will appreciate it.
