From time to time, we all find ourselves crammed into a busy gym with dozens of other trainers all anxious to use the same machines. This can be awkward and uncomfortable at times. However, by planning ahead and using proper etiquette, we can all get through this together!
Plan ahead
Keep an eye on the piece of equipment you wish to use next. When it becomes available, you should pounce on it. Most people use each machine for 3 to 4 sets, so you should be able to estimate the amount of time a machine will be in use, and plan your current sets accordingly. It always helps to ask the person on the machine if he can let you know when he’s done.
Leave your mark
Always leave a towel, cell phone, water bottle, or other objects on the bench when walking away for any reason. This will signify to others that the machine is still in use. Otherwise, misunderstandings can (and will) frequently occur!
Get to know names
Half of the battle in the gym when it comes to sharing equipment and waiting for turns in the communication aspect of it. Talk to others in the gym, get to know their names, and managing equipment turns will become much easier.
Train in groups
If you train in groups of 2 or 3, you’re far more likely to be able to snag an open bench or squat rack than when you’re training alone. You can even designate one guy to stand at each machine and wait for either to open up, then grab the first one that becomes available.
Don’t leave during sets
When you’re training during the day in a near-empty gym, you probably walk away form your training station many times with little to no fear of the equipment being grabbed by another anxious trainer. When you’re training at night, you don’t have that luxury. Any effort to grab a drink of water, use the restroom or just walk around to stretch your legs can result in a situation where a person can swoop in and begin using your equipment. This type of equipment thief is known as a ‘sniper’ and is common in every crowded gym. While their technique is shady, the fact remains that if you leave your spot, you may lose your spot.
Use equipment properly
In an empty gym, using a squat rack for barbell curls is ‘cheesy’ but not poor etiquette. When the gym is crowded, it’s in extremely poor taste to monopolize a major piece of equipment for your isolation training. Bigger muscle groups take precedence!
Don’t super-set
In an empty gym, the practice of jumping from machine to machine to hit biceps then triceps, or back then chest, is very common and useful. Training in this manner in a crowded gym is a recipe for confusion, misunderstandings, and frustration.
Patience
Remember that everyone else in the gym is suffering from the same problem of cluttered quarters. Work together to deliver the most productive training experience for everyone, and remember that you’re all equals, no matter how big or small your physiques may be.
