Contrary to what some believe, there is a certain way in which you should conduct yourself when you are working out around others in a gym environment. The reason behind this is pretty simple and obvious: there will be other people who might not be able to put up with the way you conduct yourself. This will go a long way in ensuring that you remain a classy member of the health club and people will appreciate you for that. Here are the top 5 rules.

1) Safety

The general feeling is that the health club is a very safe environment, but there are risks everywhere, both for you and for the people around you. Take the example of you using a skipping rope. If you don’t ensure that there is sufficient space around you to use the rope, you might actually hit someone and cause harm. Treadmills are placed next to each other and when you accidentally fall, you might drag the person next to you accidentally with you. These are minor concerns but when it happens, you get hurt with the others. So, always ensure that safety is the top priority.

2) Clean Up Your Sweat

There is nothing you can do about sweating, considering you are going to the health club to sweat it out. However, what you can do is to ensure that your sweat does not cause inconvenience to other members of the club. For example, if you use the bench press after an intense cardio session, you will be sweating already and to avoid bothering others, you should use your towel. Spread it on the bench before you lie down. This way, you will not be affected by the sweat of others on that bench and you will also not cause inconvenience to other members. Also, if provided, be sure to use sanitation wipes after use of the equipment.

3) Take Care of Personal Hygiene

It is very important that you take a lot of care to ensure your personal hygiene in the health club. Be sure to use deodorant and wear fresh gym clothes daily as the previous day’s workout clothes will accumulate a stink due to the sweat. Avoid perfume and cologne as this may trigger asthma or other related breathing problems in others that are working out in close proximity to you.

4) Wear Appropriate Clothing

Although you might be comfortable with what you wear, other people might find that highly offensive. It’s not that you should take a lot of care while dressing for your workout. Just ensure that you don’t take a lot of liberty while choosing your attire. Make sure you have a proper top and tracks on. Just some things to be cognizant of like wearing jeans can ruin leather seat padding and work boots can ruin floor padding as well as cardio equipment. Also, it’s not a good idea to walk around in flip-flops. Always make sure that your feet are covered in appropriate footwear…even in the showers.

5) Wait Your Turn

Do not try to fight with the other members for a turn on one of the equipments. For example, if you are waiting for a turn in the treadmill, make sure that you mention it to the others that you will engage in another activity till the treadmill is free. This way, you can prevent disputes for your turn on the equipment. On the contrary, if you know that someone is waiting to use a piece of equipment be efficient and timely in your workout routine. Do not stall or take a phone call or text message in the middle of a set.