JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas –
When at the gym, do you have to wait awhile to use equipment? Does it annoy you when people are conversing and not working out?
Employees from the fitness centers here have the same concerns that you have, and provided advice on how to maintain proper gym courtesy toward fellow gym users.
Consider these guidelines before you enter the gym pumped to put in a vigorous workout.
Don't drop the weights
Gently put down those 50-pound dumbbells after use. Don't throw them down after using them intensely for 10 repetitions because the weights themselves could break.
You also disrupt the workouts of other individuals.
Clean the equipment
The wipes available at the fitness centers "kill 99.99 percent of the bacteria" left on the equipment after a workout, according to Mike White, Gateway Fitness Center trainer. Wiping down can also thwart the MRSA virus.
Re-rack the weights
Employees agree that re-racking the weights after use should be the No. 1 priority for patrons.
Maurice Jenkins-Day, Chaparral Fitness Center trainer, said that putting the weights back where you got them is the "be all, end all" of gym etiquette.
Limit your time on the treadmill Exercise on the treadmill for no more than 30 minutes if the gym is packed and people are waiting to use it.
Don't scream
Some people like to prove how strong they are by screaming or groaning loudly when lifting weights.
Nancy Talbot, Gillum Fitness Center trainer, insists that they use good breathing techniques instead. "Focus on breathing better instead of screaming and scaring everyone away," Talbot said.
Don't stand around
Do not stand around and have conversations with other people around equipment. When the gym is crowded, there will be people who want to use the squat machine, leg press machine, etc.
Wear headphones while listening to your own music
Not everybody is into Tim McGraw, Jay-Z or any other artist that you prefer. "You can disrespect someone by blasting music they might not approve of," said Talbot.
Wear a towel in the sauna
Show common courtesy by covering yourself when relaxing in the sauna after a workout.
When following these guidelines, you make things easier not only for the fitness center employees but for your fellow gym rats as well.