My first attempt at physical fitness many years ago was jogging at a field near my then place of work. I quickly learned that I couldn’t run to save my life, and therefore I quit.

When I joined the gym much later, I had fear that it was going to flop. So I made a commitment by paying for three months’ subscription so that I stay the course for at least the paid duration. Since I have never exercised at the gym before, I had questions; how will I use all the scary equipment? what if I fall off the treadmill? what if I make a fool of myself?

Luckily I met gym instructors and trainers who were very patient with me and I never had any scary or embarrassing.

However, there are things that I found uncomfortable from the some gym users;

• Comments about your deemed inappropriate gym wear. Your shoe in not fit for jogging and further recommending kind of shoe, where to buy and their preferred brand.
• Unsolicited advice on the workout form. You’re doing it all wrong, that’s not how to do push-up. Without asking, they went ahead to demonstrate
• Comments about someone’s body form. You have a fantastic body; why do you need to work out. There are many reasons why people workout not only to lose weight.
• Prying into people’s privacy at the changing room. At the changing rooms, comments from strangers about the beauty products (I don’t like that brand of lotion, I prefer blah, blah, blah), dressing (that dress is a bit short, or you wear shoes before you put on a dress?), make-up (let me see that your make-up kit, where did you get it from?)
• Too much or too loud talking during work out or making unwelcome small talk in the changing room.

WHAT TO DO INSTEAD

1. Note that gym workout or any form of exercise is not a competition. Everybody is in their own journey, don’t be a distraction
2. Do not make unwelcome comment about someone’s showering, dressing or make-up routine. To some people, that is a sacred moment
3. DO NOT comment about somebody’s body size or shape
4. Do not behave in a way to make others feel uncomfortable. Showing-off like you have been there longer and therefore you’re better or you know better than someone who just joined
5. Do not ask why someone is in the gym or is exercising. For some;

• The person maybe diagnosed pre-diabetic who wants to stay off medication and avoid diabetes
• A working professional who want to preserve the energy to sustain a demanding career
• As a healthy outlet to manage stress
• Ageing adult to avoid osteoporosis and reduce risk of serious fall injury
• To remain active
• May be going through a rough patch in their life and wants to let off steam
• For fun

6. Avoid being chatty, some people prefer exercising in silence
7. Unless someone asks, do not offer unsolicited help or opinions.
8. You never know what struggles people are going through. Some are recovering from surgeries, injuries, trauma, loss, heartbreak etc.
9. Mind your own business

#fitness

#fitnessgoals

#workout

#wellness

#gymetiquette