How To Practice Good Health Club Etiquette
Health clubs are commonly regarded as not just a place for getting fit, but as a hub for social interaction, as well. Exercise releases endorphins, or “happy hormones”, and people with high levels of this hormone tend to experience feelings of euphoria.
These feelings are conducive for socialization, and that’s why it’s no wonder health clubs could sometimes be filled with chatter and laughter, especially if the people there are fairly acquainted with one another.
No happy hormone, however, could excuse poor etiquette. If you want to exhibit good health club etiquette, just remember that basic courtesy and good manners are keys to this.
Know the rules at your health club
Being familiar with the guidelines at your health club is the best way for you to start. These rules have been set up to ensure every client’s safety, hygiene and peaceable use of the health club facilities.
Plus, if you take the time to read up on the rules you just might find one or two unadvertised ways to score discounts on your membership.
Don’t be a machine hog
This is basic. Find out the guidelines for the maximum amount of time a person could use a single exercise machine.
Train yourself to be more aware of what’s happening around you: if you see that people seem to be standing around as if waiting for you to finish with the machine, and if your time is almost up, anyway, graciously give them their turn.
Be sanitary and have good hygiene
Of course everybody sweats in the health club, but nobody wants to have anybody else’s sweat on their body! Always bring a large, clean towel with you, and a small one to wipe away your sweat when needed.
Bring a second small towel, so you could quickly wipe down exercise machines before and after you use them.
Avoid overly loud talk
Maybe you’ve had a long, full day at the office that you want to share with your friend exercising beside you. Go ahead and share it with her, but be sure to keep your voice moderate.
Your voice should be background noise, and not the primary sound that the other people can hear.
Wear proper clothes
Your exercise outfit should adequately fit you so you can be as comfortable as possible. Wear an outfit that will help you stay cool throughout your exercise routines.
There is a difference, however, between comfortable and skimpy. Try to avoid being a distraction because of your clothes (or the lack of it). Yes, this guideline applies to both women and men.
Avoid staring at people
If somebody at your health club happened to skip reading the guideline posted above, be disciplined enough not to openly stare at him while he runs in the treadmill.
Even if the guy whose abs are practically screaming “look at me!” is your crush, keep your own sense of decency and focus on what you are there for: to keep fit and healthy.
But by all means, go ahead and ask for his number if you are so inclined; you might be able to get to know each other better at a more appropriate setting.
Practicing good health club etiquette is actually a manifestation that you are truly healthy, not just physically but emotionally and mentally, too. Of course, it doesn’t stop at the health club: aim to practice good etiquette no matter what the setting you’re in.