Depending on how you handle yourself in the gym will affect your attitude toward working out, your abiltity to get a spot when you need it and others offering you encouragement to spur you on to work harder.

I have been in the gym for over 30 years and frankly the gym has a lot more to offer than just equipment. This article will help you get more from your gym.

If you are like me, you attend the gym the same time daily on schedule. As a result, gym faces become pretty familiar and interacting with the other jocks will make difference so let me provide the do’s and don’t of gym etiquette.

Do’s

• Speak to others and be friendly. Gym jocks don’t necessarily have to become your best friends but being friendly will make for an atmosphere of cooperation. Being on a first name basis will open the door to a spot and encouragement when you need it. If you don't even acknowledge others exist until you need a spot, that seems pretty self centered.
• Be cognizant of the routine that others are doing. If they look intense and are in the "zone" avoid conversation other a simple “hey how’s it going”.
• Offer a spot to someone close by. You need not run all over the gym, but a simple spot offer to guy at the next bench is appropriate.
• Ask for spotting preferences when you do spot. Does he want a “keep me moving spot” or “let me grind it out on my own”. Don’t guess at it during the set. You might also ask how many reps he intends to get to anticipate the point to help
• Encourage during the set. Say things like “you can do it”, “let’s get one more”, or “come on let’s push it”.
• Compliment at the end of the set. Simply “Nice set”.
• Compliment others that have made some gains. Everybody needs it and you do too. Set at atmosphere!
• Allow others to work in if you are using a machine and have enough rest time to insert their set.
• Refuse “work ins” courteously when you are in the zone working fast. Say, “I have only X sets left and am moving quickly. Can I let you know when I finish?”
• Deflect extended conversation to later. Let them know “I’m really into it right now, can we talk later after I am done?”
• Wipe down the equipment after your use if your a sweater.

Compliments of Repetrope Muscle Videos

Don’ts

• Don’t start conversation that require long answers especially if it does not pertain to bodybuilding. You are not at the gym to catch up on a person’s weekend or situation at least not during a workout. This is not the time to ask for lengthy advice either.
• Don’t correct or offer advice to others unless asked. Unless something is clearly unsafe, you probably will come off as jerk with your unwanted advice.
• Don’t answer “I just started”. Here's a pet peeve of mine. Ever asked someone “how many sets they have left” on a piece of equipment and answer “I have just started”. What the heck does that mean? Do you have 3 or 33 sets to go? Give 'em idea for crying out loud. When people say I have just started that means to me they have no idea how long they are going loiter around that machine. Get serious guys and move through your routine with forethought and a drive to complete. If you can’t, get out of the way.
• Don’t ask for a spot on weight that you know you can’t do even 1 rep. Pet peeve number 2. I spotted a guy once on bench. He asked for a lift off and a spot. He didn’t even come close to budging the weight off his chest. About 5 minutes later, he asked for another spot but this time he increased the weight by 20lbs. What is point? I kindly expressed my position and refused to spot him at that heavier weight.
• Don’t yell or grunt so the whole gym knows it. I know grunting is normal but try to hold down the decibels. The noise is distracting.

These are mine, but if you have some that should be included, please write me at scott@bodybuildingprogramzone.com

 

Sweat eventually hardens to Muscle".....Scott

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