Gym Etiquette in the New Year: The Do’s and Don’ts

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Gym Etiquette in the New Year: The Do’s and Don’ts

Lifestyle & Fitness Expert Offers Advice for Those New to the Gym

The holiday season is filled with family, laughter, and a lot of unhealthy food. In fact, people gain more weight from October to January than any other time during the year…combined. Cue the New Year’s rush at the local gym.

Come January 2nd, you’re likely to fall into one of two buckets: the gym regular who’s slightly annoyed that she can’t get on a treadmill, or the eager newcomer who’s a little lost and a lot anxious. But worry not, because trainer and lifestyle guru Joey Thurman has some tips for how to practice good gym etiquette in the New Year.

“I’m always surprised by how many people are in the gym in January,” says Thurman. “But the key to success is to realize that you’re not going to create your ideal birthday suit in one marathon session. And you’re not going to make any friends if you don’t know the many unwritten rules of the gym.”

Below are Joey’s top 10 do’s and don’ts for hitting the gym in the New Year.

DO deodorize, before and after: Everyone knows that you should pile on the deodorant after a healthy sweat, but it’s also simple etiquette to do so before the gym. Small odors from the workday can grow exponentially while you work out, and nobody wants that. Especially the girl next to you.

DON’T wear cologne or perfume: Avoid wearing heavy amounts of perfume or cologne when working out. The smells will radiate as you work up a sweat and may cause nausea among your fellow gym goers. And if you think wearing your commercial body spray will have the ladies lining up, you are sorely mistaken!

DO wash your workout clothes. Everyday: See point one. Even if you don’t notice odors on your clothes post-workout, as soon as those materials are exposed to perspiration again, they will release a foul odor. Buy a few back-up items and rotate between visits.

DON’T hit on fellow gym goers: The gym is not an appropriate place to pick up a date. Most people hate working out and do so for health reasons, so they’re understandably focused on themselves. Don’t try to strike up a conversation with someone wearing headphones.

DO be discreet with makeup: Whether you’re joining the “most exclusive” gym in town, you’re there for one reason only – YOU. Don’t dress like you are going to the club. Leave the glitter and makeup at home.

DON’T be a know-it-all: Just because you’ve read the latest issue of Men’s Health or have been practicing the newest weightlifting trend does not mean you are an authority on working out. Do not offer help or advice unless someone asks you. Don’t even offer to spot someone.

DO sanitize your equipment: There's nothing worse than putting your face down on a gym mat and lying in someone else’s sweat. Same goes for putting your hands on an elliptical handle and being met with a slick surface. Always utilize the gym’s sanitizing spray before and after using any equipment that isn’t your own.

DON’T be noisy: Grunting, singing, rapping, or yelling across the gym are major faux pas. Not only is it blatant attention-seeking behavior, it’s extremely annoying. Keep your earphones at a reasonable level and your grunting to a minimum. If people are staring, it’s not because they think you’re cool.

DO be courteous with equipment: While you shouldn’t necessarily cut your workout short, be mindful of those around you waiting for their turn on the machines. Everyone’s paying for a gym membership, so don’t be an equipment hog. Sharing is caring.

DON’T walk around naked: While it’s not the biggest gym blunder, it can make others uncomfortable. Changing in the locker room is one thing, walking around in your birthday suit and sitting on the benches is another. There are towels for a reason.

Whether it’s your first time in the gym (good for you!) or you’re a seasoned veteran, utilizing these tips will ensure you’re a positive influence in the gym and are contributing to an environment of health and fitness!

About Joey Thurman: Joey Thurman is a fitness, lifestyle and nutrition expert, FITchef, celebrity trainer, cover model, television personality, published fitness author, owner of Morph Personal Training, and creator of The Lifestyle Renovation. Joey has appeared on CBS, FOX, WCIU and ABC and has been published in BodyBuilding.com, Racked, TimeOut Chicago, RedEye, and American Global Traveler. As a fitness expert for nine years, Joey has helped numerous celebrity clients including Celebrity Chef Art Smith, Professional Female Wrestler Lisa Marie Varon, and many others, make internal changes for continued success in life and achievement of their aesthetic goals. Joey is also a fashion model who has landed covers on Healthy for Men, TimeOut Chicago and has worked for companies such as Abercrombie, Jockey, Kohl’s, Sears, Kmart, Carson Pirie Scott, Neiman Marcus, and more. Joey has a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies from South Illinois University at Edwardsville (SIUE), is a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) with the American Council on Exercise, and is a Fitness Nutrition Specialist (FNS). For more information, please visit www.thelifestylerenovation.com.