Gym Etiquette and Rules

Rules of gym etiquette to follow

Aug 25, 2025 • By GymLogTrack

Last Updated: Aug 25, 2025

    General Courtesy

  1. Be respectful to everyone in the gym.
  2. Follow posted gym rules.
  3. Greet staff politely.
  4. Don't interrupt others' workouts unnecessarily.
  5. Avoid loud or offensive language.
  6. Don't make fun of beginners.
  7. Respect people of all fitness levels.
  8. Be patient with staff and trainers.
  9. Don't stare at others.
  10. Avoid flirting or making others uncomfortable.

    11. Equipment Use

  11. Wipe down benches, machines, and mats after use.
  12. Always re-rack weights and dumbbells.
  13. Return plates to plate racks.
  14. Don't drop weights unnecessarily.
  15. Don't sit on equipment between sets if others are waiting.
  16. Let others “work in” if you're resting.
  17. Don't monopolize multiple machines at once.
  18. Respect cardio machine time limits.
  19. Don't remove equipment from one area to another without returning it.
  20. Use clips or collars on barbells for safety.
  21. Don't lean plates or bars against walls or mirrors.
  22. Return resistance bands, mats, and accessories to racks.
  23. Don't misuse machines in ways that may damage them.
  24. Don't adjust settings on a machine someone else is using.
  25. Don't steal someone's equipment mid-set.
  26. Use deadlift stations and mats for performing deadlifts if available.

    27. Hygiene & Cleanliness

  27. Bring and use a towel or grab a towel if it's part of your membership.
  28. Use deodorant before workouts.
  29. Avoid strong perfumes or colognes.
  30. Wear clean workout clothes.
  31. Don't come to the gym sick.
  32. Wash hands before and after workouts.
  33. Don't spit on the floor.
  34. Don't leave trash around.
  35. Use hand sanitizer if provided.
  36. Keep sweat under control-wipe benches and yourself.
  37. Shower after workouts if necessary.
  38. Wear proper footwear (no muddy shoes, no barefoot on gym floor, deadlifting shoes for deadlift day).
  39. Don't eat messy foods in workout areas.
  40. Don't leave water bottles everywhere.
  41. Keep hair tied back if long.

    42. Personal Space

  42. Respect others' workout zones.
  43. Don't crowd someone lifting weights.
  44. Don't block mirrors.
  45. Give people room to finish their sets.
  46. Don't hover impatiently over equipment.
  47. Wait at a safe distance when spotting an exercise.
  48. Don't interrupt someone's focus with chatter.
  49. Respect stretching/yoga areas.
  50. Don't stand in walkways holding equipment.
  51. Be mindful when carrying weights through crowded areas.

    52. Phones & Electronics

  52. Keep calls short or step outside.
  53. Follow posted gym rules.
  54. Greet staff politely.
  55. Use headphones for music.
  56. Don't play videos/music out loud.
  57. Don't sit on equipment scrolling endlessly.
  58. Don't block traffic taking selfies.
  59. Don't film others without permission.
  60. Be discreet if recording your own workout.
  61. Don't FaceTime in workout areas.
  62. Keep headphone volume low or only use one headphone so you are aware of your surroundings.
  63. Don't hog outlets with chargers.

    64. Safety

  64. Ask before taking weights someone is using.
  65. Offer spotting only if asked.
  66. Use a spotter for heavy lifts when needed.
  67. Don't lift beyond your capability recklessly.
  68. Always use safety pins/bars when squatting or benching heavy.
  69. Don't run or horseplay on the gym floor.
  70. Don't block emergency exits with bags or weights.
  71. Keep walkways clear.
  72. Report broken equipment to staff.
  73. Warm up properly before lifting heavy.

    74. Group Classes and Shared Areas

  74. Show up on time for classes.
  75. Don't walk in late and disrupt.
  76. Follow the instructor's directions.
  77. Don't talk loudly during class.
  78. Put away props after use.
  79. Don't reserve spaces with towels or bags.
  80. Respect yoga/meditation areas as quiet zones.
  81. Don't invade group workout circuits.
  82. Share communal equipment fairly.
  83. Don't hog mirrors in stretching zones.

    84. Locker Room Etiquette

  84. Keep conversations low.
  85. Don't hog showers.
  86. Don't occupy multiple lockers.
  87. Keep nudity discreet.
  88. Don't leave towels or clothes on the floor.
  89. Don't use hair dryers for body drying.
  90. Don't shave outside designated areas.
  91. Don't play music on speakers.
  92. Keep your belongings inside your locker, not scattered.
  93. Leave the locker room as clean as you found it.

    94. Respect for Others

  94. Encourage others politely, don't criticize.
  95. Don't laugh at others' form or effort.
  96. Don't judge people's body types.
  97. Don't compete aggressively with strangers.
  98. Respect trainers' instructions with their clients.
  99. Don't hog popular equipment during peak hours.
  100. Keep grunting controlled and not excessive.
  101. Don't intimidate or crowd smaller gym-goers.
  102. Respect gender-neutral or women-only spaces if available.
  103. Be supportive-create a positive gym culture.