Opinion

Unwritten Rules of the Gym

Alex Spiridellis and Max Kabjian • October 18, 2023

Whether you’re a seasoned gym bro or fresh into the world of fitness, it can be a daunting and unruly place. With hordes of tank-top-wearing prepubescents and middle-aged women milling around, there is a lot to track. And with a 3.6% increase in the number of gym memberships in 2021 according to IHRSA, a global fitness non-profit, gyms are only getting busier. With this increase in activity, it appears basic etiquette has rapidly deteriorated in many commercial gyms. Benches lay slick and sweaty, and bars are adorned with unracked weights. It seems time for a refresher on the unwritten rules of the gym.

Hygiene and cleanliness are a central component of gym etiquette, and perhaps the most neglected one. When equipment is left unkempt and unclean, it creates an unpleasant experience for future users. Generally, equipment should be wiped and sanitized after use, no matter the duration. This is not solely a matter of cleanliness but a matter of respect; cleaning your equipment shows diligence in keeping the shared space clean. Personal hygiene is also a vital part of the protocol. Do your peers a favor by ensuring you wear clean clothes and deodorant. We all sweat, but pungent-smelling gym goers make it a worse experience for everyone.

Another critical but often ignored rule is to share the equipment with others when you are not using it. Failure to let others “work in” creates tension and unnecessary wait times for benches, free weights, or machines. While resting is an essential component of exercise, it is imperative that you are conscious of your environment and respectful of the time and needs of others. This means asking others if they’d like to use the equipment between sets if you’re accustomed to more extended recovery periods. This serves to dramatically increase the efficiency of the gym.

While it is customary to make a bit of noise while lifting, excessive grunting, shouting, or dropping weights unnecessarily can be very disruptive. Be aware of the sounds you make, even if that means turning off your noise-canceling headphones to be more mindful during your set.

After you finish your workout and head to the locker room to grab your things, maintain personal space and privacy. If you want to pose in front of the mirror to admire your pump, make sure that you are not disturbing others. The locker room can be a vulnerable place and it’s vital to ensure that everyone is comfortable.

To end the article, let’s address a few personal gripes. These might not be universal rules, but they do personally offend the writers at the Owl. We feel that a balanced physique is important, and skipping legs is a cardinal gym sin. No one wants to be shaped like the letter “T”, so don’t skip legs! And finally, you don’t need an entire gallon of water, hydration is important, but a Nalgene will certainly suffice.

About the Contributors

Alex Spiridellis, Business Manager

Alex Spiridellis is a senior at Boulder High School and the Business Manager of The Owl newspaper. Outside of school, he is the founder and Co-Chief Executive Officer of High Schoolers 4 Hire, a shift leader at Emergency Family Assistance Association’s food bank, an intern and volunteer for The Well Church, a soccer player, and a self-proclaimed bodybuilder. He is the oldest of three siblings and two poorly trained golden retrievers. As a person with morals, Alex is an avid purple grape hater and enjoys snacking on the sweet and sour green grape while reading a book or hanging out with friends. This is his first year with The Owl Newspaper, and he looks forward to the many opportunities presented.

Max Kabjian, Editorial Editor

Max Kabjian is a senior at Boulder High School and an Editorial Editor for The Owl. In the classroom, he loves history, economics, and writing and is an active participant in a number of clubs such as FBLA, ethics bowl, and debate. When not drowning in hours of homework, Max enjoys going to the gym and then instantly regaining those burnt calories in the kitchen. He also enjoys writing, (largely non-fiction and poetry) as a means of escape from the stresses of the day. This is his first year in Newspaper, though he’s been voicing his opinions, often rather loudly, for years. Max’s topical interests span vastly, from global politics and law, to the arbitrary and silly; there is little that he won’t try to make sense of. His favorite food is an absolute tie between pasta and sushi, but he will accept either as a token of admiration. Max is often described as a very spirited elderly man by his friends, as his afternoons often consist of “old people music” and chess. Though he is Italian, and thus loves red wine (the main ingredient in the beverage being red grapes), there is nothing quite like a firm, green grape.