Nobody gives you a handbook when you join a gym. You’re just expected to somehow know all the unwritten rules that everyone else seems to follow. But how are you supposed to know if nobody tells you?

Well, I’m telling you. This is your complete guide to gym etiquette – what’s acceptable, what’s annoying, and how to not be “that person” everyone moans about.

Some of this is universal gym etiquette. Some is specific to being a woman in a gym (because sadly, we have extra considerations).

Equipment Etiquette

Sharing Equipment

If equipment looks unused: “Are you using this?” or “Is anyone on this?”

If someone’s clearly using it: “How many sets have you got left?”

Working in (sharing equipment): “Can I work in?” = alternating sets between you

• Change weights/settings back for them
• Rest while they do their set
• Be friendly and considerate

Don’t:

• Hover awkwardly nearby
• Take equipment that’s clearly in use
• Get annoyed if someone else got there first

Re-Racking Weights

THE MOST IMPORTANT RULE:

Put. Weights. Back.

• On the rack
• In the right place
• Properly (not just dumped)

Why it matters:

• Safety (someone could trip)
• Courtesy (others shouldn’t have to hunt for weights)
• Everyone appreciates this
• Makes you NOT the person everyone hates

Barbell etiquette:

• Strip weight plates off after use
• Put them back on storage
• Leave bar on rack/floor appropriately

Wiping Down Equipment

After use, wipe down:

• Benches
• Machine seats/pads
• Handles
• Anything your sweat touched

Spray and paper towels usually provided.

Why it matters:

• Hygiene (nobody wants your sweat)
• Common courtesy
• Takes 10 seconds

Don’t Hog Equipment

If gym is busy:

• Don’t sit on equipment between sets
• Don’t take up multiple pieces at once
• Rest between sets standing nearby, not sitting on bench
• Be mindful others are waiting

If gym is quiet:

• Fine to use multiple things
• Still re-rack and wipe down

Don’t Reserve Equipment

Don’t:

• Leave towel on bench and walk away
• “Reserve” multiple pieces
• Expect people to wait while you faff about

Do:

• Stay near equipment you’re using
• If you need to leave briefly, ask someone nearby to watch it

Space and Personal Boundaries

Respecting Others’ Space

Give people room:

• Don’t stand directly in front of someone lifting
• Don’t walk in front of mirrors if someone’s using them
• Allow 2-3m space around someone doing movements

In busy gym:

• Sometimes tighter spacing unavoidable
• Just be aware and considerate

The Mirror Situation

Mirrors are for:

• Checking form
• Watching yourself during lifts
• Not for posing for Instagram (unless gym is dead quiet)

Mirror etiquette:

• Don’t block someone’s view
• Don’t walk between lifter and mirror during their set
• Don’t hog mirror space for selfies in busy gym

Using Your Phone

Fine to use for:

• Tracking workouts
• Timing rest periods
• Following workout videos
• Music

Not fine to:

• Sit on equipment scrolling Instagram
• Facetime during workout
• Take up space while not working out
• Film others without permission

If filming yourself:

• Be discreet
• Don’t get others in shot
• Don’t take up excessive space
• Move if gym gets busy

The Weights Section: Extra Considerations for Women

You Belong There

Remember:

• You have as much right to be there as anyone
• It’s not a men-only space
• Don’t apologise for existing

If someone makes you uncomfortable:

• Report to staff
• That’s harassment
• You deserve to feel safe

Dealing with Unwanted Attention

Sadly, this happens sometimes.

The staring:

• Usually not malicious, just looking
• Headphones help
• Focus on your workout
• If excessive/creepy, report to staff

Unwanted advice: If genuinely helpful:

• “Thanks!” (if you want it)

If mansplaining/patronising:

• “Thanks, I’ve got a programme I’m following”
• “I appreciate it but I’m good”
• Headphones back in
• Walk away if persistent

Hitting on you:

• Gym is not Tinder
• Polite but firm: “I’m here to work out”
• Don’t feel bad for saying no
• Report if it continues

If you feel unsafe:

• Tell gym staff immediately
• That’s what they’re for
• Any decent gym takes this seriously

What to Wear

Wear whatever makes YOU comfortable:

• Leggings are fine
• Shorts are fine
• Sports bra is fine
• Baggy clothes are fine

Ignore:

• Comments about your clothing
• Suggestions you’re “asking for” attention
• Dress codes unless explicitly stated by gym

Your comfort matters most.

Social Etiquette

Headphones = Leave Me Alone

Universal gym signal:

• Headphones in = don’t interrupt
• Headphones out = open to chat
• Respect this

If you need to ask something:

• Gesture first
• Wait for them to remove headphones
• Be brief
• Thank them

Making Friends vs Being Antisocial

Both are fine!

Want to chat:

• Between sets is okay
• Keep it brief
• Read body language
• Don’t interrupt workouts

Want to be left alone:

• Headphones in
• Brief responses
• “Sorry, focused on workout”
• Totally acceptable

Group Workouts

If training with friends:

• Don’t take up excessive space
• Don’t block equipment others need
• Keep volume reasonable
• Still follow all etiquette rules

Classes and Studio Etiquette

Arriving on Time

Arrive:

• 5-10 minutes early
• Get spot set up
• Don’t disrupt class by arriving late

If you must arrive late:

• Sneak in quietly
• Set up quickly
• Don’t make a fuss

Taking Your Spot

Don’t:

• Save spots for friends (unless explicitly allowed)
• Spread out taking multiple spaces
• Move someone’s stuff

Do:

• Take one reasonable space
• Set up efficiently
• Be considerate

Following Instructor

During class:

• Follow instructor’s cues
• Don’t do your own thing
• Ask questions after, not during
• Respect other participants’ space

What’s Actually Annoying (Don’t Do These)

Top gym annoyances:

❌ Not re-racking weights (THE WORST) ❌ Hogging equipment ❌ Not wiping down after use ❌ Excessive grunting/noise ❌ Dropping weights unnecessarily ❌ Taking selfies in peak times blocking equipment ❌ Perfume/strong scents (triggers allergies, lingers) ❌ Leaving belongings everywhere ❌ Having loud phone conversations ❌ Staring at others

What’s Perfectly Fine (Don’t Worry About These)

Things that are totally okay:

✓ Using “beginner” weights ✓ Not knowing what you’re doing ✓ Asking for help ✓ Resting between sets ✓ Taking breaks ✓ Filming yourself (discreetly) ✓ Using any equipment (you paid for membership!) ✓ Grunting occasionally during heavy lifts ✓ Wearing whatever’s comfortable ✓ Working out in women-only section if available

Peak Time Etiquette

5-7pm gyms are BUSY.

During peak times:

• Be extra considerate
• Don’t superset using 3 pieces of equipment
• Keep rest periods reasonable
• Offer to let others work in
• Don’t spread belongings everywhere
• Move quickly between exercises

Or:

• Train at off-peak times
• 10am-3pm usually quiet
• After 8pm often quieter
• Early mornings (6-8am) varies

Asking for Spotters

When you need help: “Could you spot me please?”

Most people will say yes.

What to communicate:

• How many reps you’re aiming for
• When to assist
• Lift-off help if needed

After: “Thanks!” = sufficient

Don’t:

• Expect strangers to watch your form for multiple sets
• Ask same person repeatedly (unless they offer)

The Changing Room

Basic courtesy:

• Don’t stare
• Give people space
• Use lockers for belongings
• Don’t spread stuff everywhere
• Keep conversations reasonable volume

Showers:

• Don’t take forever if people waiting
• Wear flip-flops (hygiene)
• Clean up after yourself

When Rules Don’t Apply

Empty gym:

• Most rules relax
• Still re-rack and wipe down
• But can use multiple pieces
• Take your time

Home gym:

• Your rules
• Nobody to annoy
• Still good habits to maintain

Gym Staff

They’re there to help:

• Inductions
• Equipment questions
• Safety concerns
• Harassment issues
• Maintenance problems

Be nice to them:

• They’re usually paid poorly
• Deal with a lot of nonsense
• Appreciate politeness

The Bottom Line

Key rules:

1. Re-rack your weights (NON-NEGOTIABLE)
2. Wipe down equipment
3. Share equipment nicely
4. Give people space
5. Headphones = don’t disturb
6. You belong in weights section
7. Report harassment
8. Be considerate

Remember:

• Most people are friendly
• Everyone’s focused on own workout
• Occasional mistakes are fine
• Just be considerate and aware

You’re not overthinking this:

• These rules exist for good reason
• Following them makes gym better for everyone
• You’ll feel more confident knowing them

Now go forth and be a considerate gym member!

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What gym etiquette do you wish more people knew? Share in the comments! x