Gym Etiquette Part 2

So you’ve been going to the gym for a while and realized that you might not be the best training partner or gym goer. Don’t worry. The first step to fixing your problem is admitting you have one. So, say it with me “I am a jackass and bad training partner”. There, now that you have admitted your problem you can start to fix it.

In part one we covered the three big gym etiquette rules that are broken. After writing the first article I didn’t feel like I had adequately covered all the rules that are commonly followed in a gym setting. So I decided to write a part two so that I could expand on some of the rules that are less significant but still important to maintaining a supportive and competitive gym atmosphere.

So lets get started.

Rule #4

Music choice. With the ability to stream music on your phone and most gyms having speakers that are Bluetooth capable I notice lots of different music being played during training. In our gym I choose and control the music the majority of the time. In many other gyms the person who controls the music changes on a daily basis or each session based off of who arrives first or who manages to plug/ connect their phone to the speaker first. Who ever is the DJ has a major influence on the vibe and energy in a training session. If the DJ chooses to play a genre of music that is not popular it can have a very negative effect on the training session. Certain genres should be avoided at all times. If your gym is a gym that allows different people to control the music throughout the day and you happen to be one of the lucky people with the responsibility of picking the music you should picking music that is popular among the group.

In some cases gyms don’t allow music to be played at all or the music that is being played is not your cup of tea. In which case the use headphones are a normal route to take. I personally don’t like headphones to be used during training unless it is during strength work or during conditioning. Headphones create a barrier between an athlete and a coach to effectively communicate. This communication is very important especially during the competition lifts because it is the time that a coach can communicate any quick technic changes that need to occur. I believe that a lifter must earn the right to use headphones during a training session, so I don’t allow any beginners to use them at all.

Rule #5

Supporting your fellow lifters. This rule should go without saying but I’m going to list it anyways. One of the easiest ways to keep a training environment positive and productive is by cheering for your fellow lifters. You don’t have to watch or cheer for every single rep that each person in the gym does but it is important to show respect to your fellow lifters when they are attempting heavier (ie 90% or greater) lifts. Showing respect is a simple as stopping whatever your doing and waiting until your teammate is done with their attempt. If you want to cheer and help motivate them, you should. If you want to just stand and catch your breath after your heavy attempt then you can do that also. Showing respect and supporting your teammate during a heavy attempt is as simple as allowing them the ability to focus on what they are about to do and not have any additional noises or distractions occurring around them.

Rule #6

Create a welcoming environment. This rule is one that I feel is not followed nearly enough. Weightlifting is the type of sport that can be used and admired by anyone. Race, age, gender, nationality, sexual preference or political opinion don’t matter. You can be deaf, blind and be missing a limb but can still compete and train to become a stronger version of yourself. Often times people who want to immerse themselves into weightlifting are those that feel that they are not welcomed by more traditional sports for whatever reason that might be. Because of this I find it to be very important to create an environment that is welcoming to everyone. Weightlifting has a bad rep of being a sport that only those who are extremely athletic and strong can participate in. But if Crossfit’s use of the Olympic lifts has showed us anything it is that everyone just wants to be stronger.

Until next time, stay strong and stay good.