Don't Forget Gym Etiquette

As you know from that time you waited a half hour for the elliptical, or got into a staring contest over a machine, the gym is a public space with limited resources. Even members of the biggest and most comprehensive gyms have issues. Do your part by following the athletic code of conduct – written and unwritten – and ignoring the jerks who don’t.

1. When in Rome… - Adhere to all the gym’s policies and procedures. Got a problem? Instead of griping about it or breaking the rules, consult the management.
2. Keep it clean - We’re not just talking about towels so you don’t sweat all over the equipment. This also applies to your language, your attitude, and you!
3. Be flexible - The gym offers plenty of opportunities to practice flexibility, and they’re not all physical. Let’s say you come in every day at 6 AM and start your workout on a specific machine. One day, you come in at 6 AM and someone else is on your machine. It can be stressful to have our daily routines altered, but the best response is to take a deep breath and let it go. Don’t let this minor change upset the balance of your whole day. Find a new machine and move on!
4. Minimize P.D.A.K. - Keep “Public Displays of All Kinds” to an absolute minimum. Singing along to your jams might fly in the shower, but definitely not in the gym. And if you’re chatting away on your phone while you’re spinning or jogging, are you really getting the stress release you need?

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