Gym Etiquette: The Unwritten Rules Everyone Follows

Nobody hands you a rulebook when you join a gym, but there's definitely a code. Breaking it won't get you kicked out, but it will earn you dirty looks and frustrated fellow gym-goers.

Here are the unwritten rules that every regular follows—and now you will too.

Equipment Etiquette

Always Wipe Down Equipment

After using a bench, machine, or cardio equipment, wipe it down. Nobody wants to lie in your sweat.

• Gyms provide wipes or spray and paper towels
• Do this even if you didn't sweat much
• This is non-negotiable

Re-Rack Your Weights

When you're done with dumbbells, put them back in the right spot. When you're done with a barbell, strip the plates.

• Nothing is more annoying than hunting for the 25-lb dumbbells
• Leaving a barbell loaded makes others guess if it's in use
• If you loaded it, unload it

Don't Hog Equipment

Especially during busy times:

• Keep rest periods reasonable
• Let people "work in" (alternate sets) if they ask
• Don't do multiple exercises at the same station during peak hours
• Don't save equipment with a towel while you're elsewhere

The "Is Anyone Using This?" Protocol

Before using equipment:

• Look for a towel, water bottle, or phone nearby
• Ask anyone close by if it's being used
• Wait for a response before starting

If someone leaves equipment for more than 5 minutes without communication, it's generally fair game.

Space Awareness

Don't Block the Dumbbell Rack

Grab your dumbbells and step back. Don't stand directly in front of the rack doing your exercises—others need to access weights.

Don't Walk Between Someone and the Mirror

If someone is lifting while watching their form in the mirror, don't walk between them and their reflection. Walk behind them instead.

Give People Space

Don't set up directly next to someone if plenty of other space is available. This is just being considerate.

Avoid the Deadlift Landing Zone

If someone is deadlifting, don't stand close behind them. Bars can be dropped.

Sound and Phone Etiquette

Use Headphones

Your music, your ears. Nobody else needs to hear it.

Minimize Phone Calls

Quick call? Step away from equipment. Extended conversation? Go to the lobby or locker room.

Don't FaceTime in the Gym

Seriously. People don't want to be in your video.

Controlled Weight Drops Are Okay; Slamming Isn't

Heavy deadlifts that need to be lowered quickly are fine. Throwing dumbbells or dramatically dropping weights for attention is not.

Locker Room Rules

Don't Be a Naked Wanderer

Change and cover up. Extended conversations while fully nude make everyone uncomfortable.

Wipe Down Benches

Sitting on a bench? Wipe it before and after.

Don't Take Phone Calls in the Locker Room

Privacy concerns. Just don't.

Clean Up After Yourself

Paper towels go in the trash. Towels go in the hamper.

Social Etiquette

Don't Offer Unsolicited Advice

Unless someone is in immediate danger, don't tell people how to do their exercises. They didn't ask.

Respect Headphones

Headphones generally mean "I'm not looking to chat." A quick nod is fine; extended conversation attempts are not.

How to Ask for a Spot

"Hey, could you give me a spot?" is perfectly acceptable. Brief, clear, not demanding.

Don't Stare

People feel self-conscious. Keep your eyes on your own workout.

Peak Hours Consideration

During busy times (usually 5-8 PM weekdays):

• Keep workouts efficient
• Share equipment more readily
• Avoid circuit training that uses multiple stations
• Be extra mindful of time on cardio machines

Asking Questions Is Okay

Despite all these rules, gyms are generally friendly places. It's okay to:

• Ask someone to show you a machine
• Request a spot
• Ask if equipment is available
• Ask staff for help

Most people are happy to help a polite fellow gym-goer.

When You See Violations

Unless it directly affects you or is dangerous, let it go. Not everyone knows the rules, and gym staff can handle issues.

The Golden Rule

Be the gym-goer you wish everyone was: clean, considerate, and focused on your own workout. The gym community is generally positive—contribute to that.

The Bottom Line

Gym etiquette comes down to common courtesy: clean up after yourself, share equipment, respect people's space and focus, and be considerate of others. Follow these unwritten rules and you'll fit right in.