Lift Like a Man... Act Like a Lady!!!

I had every intention of writing about something completely different here tonight but my workout this evening left me no choice but to change my entry!!  I am somewhat baffled by the barbaric behavior that I witness at my gym on a daily basis and the sad news is, it isn't only the men that are to blame!  I have seen some things that sincerely make me scratch my head and say to myself "what in the heck is she thinking?!?!"

I appreciate that we are a group of sweaty people, in a small space and not everyone is going to be as mindful of their surroundings as others but come on now... our parent's did teach us something didn't they???  There isn't a "proper manners" manual that accompanies your gym membership so for anyone that needs a refresher course or if you are new to the gym and don't really know what is expected... read on:

• Put Things Back Where You Found Them - This means weights, mats, medicine balls, cables, jump ropes, resistance bands, etc... you get the idea.  No one wants to have to search all over the gym for something because the last person that used it didn't put it back!
• Clean Up After Yourself - WIPE THE MACHINES DOWN WHEN YOU ARE DONE!  Really this is very frustrating for me to watch!  If you are dripping sweat, wiping your face off with your hands then placing them back on the cardio machine not only are you wiping germs all over your face but it is disgusting to hop off and not even wipe it down for the next person!  It takes 2 seconds and would be appreciated!
• Share the Machines - During peak hours at the gym, no matter how much equipment there is, there tends to be a wait, especially for cardio machines.  If you are working out during peak hours be aware of this and keep your workout to 30 minutes max if possible if you see other members waiting for equipment.  If you are lifting weights, let someone else "work in" during your rest period.
• Strip Down the Machines - Take the weight off of the machine when you are done with it.  This is especially important for the man that leaves 4,000 pounds on the leg press!  It is polite and courteous but also lets the other members know that you are actually done with the machine.
• Don't Sit on Benches/Machines to Rest - During your resting period, don't sit down on an empty bench or machine if the gym is busy.  Many times other members will assume you are using it and move on to something else or worse yet, wait for you to get up.  Try to stick close to whatever equipment you are using.
• Maintain Some Personal Hygiene -  Wear deodorant.  Don't wear your gym clothes for a couple days in a row without washing them.  If you are sick (coughing and sneezing) cover your mouth and wipe the machines down very well!
• Wear Clothes - Even if you look like Jillian Michaels, wear some clothes!  Unless there is a photo shoot going on while you are at the gym working out, it is best to cover up at least a little!  Shorty shorts that expose your rear or tiny tank tops without much else screams "trying too hard!"  You will look just as attractive in a slightly longer pair of shorts and a top that is appropriate and will support you during your workout!
• Don't Chat on Your Cell Phone - We don't need to hear all of your personal business, we don't need to listen to you chat it up with everyone under the sun during our workout and we most certainly don't need to try to turn our music all the way up so that we can drown out your conversation.  You should be working out... not on your cell phone.  I promise whatever gossip you need to be updated on can wait for an hour.  You're not challenging yourself enough during your workout if you can talk on your cell phone to your friends the whole time either.  Hang up!
• Share the Water Fountain - If you are filling up your gallon jug, check to see if anyone is waiting behind you to get a quick drink and let them go first.  Don't spit in the water fountain OR use it to dispose of your gum.  Yes, this does happen!
• The Locker Room is NOT Your Bathroom - Again, no matter what shape you are in, no one wants to walk into the locker room to witness someone completely naked standing in front of the mirror applying make-up, drying their hair, whatever.  Cover up... if only with a towel even!

Really, for the most part, just respect the people around you. Follow any posted rules that your gym may display.  If you see someone blatantly breaking the rules then mention it to the front desk employee quietly so they can speak to the member without causing a scene.

Enjoy your workouts and be mindful that others are trying to enjoy theirs as well!