6 things you should never, ever do at a gym

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Walking into a gym can feel intimidating enough, especially when you are still figuring out the machines, trying to get your form right or wondering whether everyone around you knows something you do not. The last thing anyone needs is someone making an already unfamiliar space more uncomfortable.Gym etiquette is not complicated, but some habits can quickly get on other people’s nerves. From treating shared equipment like a personal possession to turning a workout into a social media shoot, these little things can make a difference to everyone’s experience.Here are six things you should never do at a gym.Images: Canva (for representative purposes only)

Resting between sets is a normal part of working out. Sitting on a machine for 15 minutes while scrolling through Instagram, however, is frustrating for someone waiting to use it.This becomes particularly annoying during peak hours, when even finding an available bench can feel like a workout in itself. If you need a longer break, step away from the equipment and let someone else use it.

Nobody expects you to finish a workout looking fresh. Sweat is part of the process, and there is nothing embarrassing about it.Leaving a bench, machine or mat soaked in sweat is another matter. Wipe down the equipment after using it, especially if your gym provides cleaning supplies. The next person should not have to clean up after you before starting their own workout.

Watching someone struggle with an exercise might tempt you to step in, particularly if you have been training for years. But not everyone wants a stranger correcting their posture, commenting on their weight or suggesting a different routine.For someone who is new to the gym, unsolicited advice can make an already nerve-racking experience even more uncomfortable. Unless someone asks for help, avoid turning their workout into an impromptu training session. If you are concerned about an immediate safety risk, approach them politely or alert a qualified trainer.

There is a difference between safely completing a heavy lift and deliberately slamming weights onto the floor to make an impression.Repeatedly dropping dumbbells can startle people nearby, disturb their concentration and damage equipment or flooring. It can also be dangerous if someone is standing too close.Use weights you can control, follow your gym’s rules and avoid turning every set into a performance for the room.

Recording your own workout can help you track progress or check your technique. But the gym is not a film set, and other people have not automatically agreed to appear in your content.Someone may be uncomfortable having their face or body uploaded online, even if they are only visible in the background. If you want to record yourself, frame your shots carefully, respect other people’s privacy and follow the gym’s filming rules.

You might be training with a friend, practising in front of a mirror or moving between exercises, but it is worth noticing how much space you occupy.Standing directly in front of someone who is checking their form, spreading your belongings across a walkway or continuing a long conversation beside equipment that others are waiting to use can make a shared space unnecessarily frustrating.You do not have to work out in complete silence or avoid interacting with people. Just be aware of your surroundings and give others enough room to exercise comfortably.