Q: I am really happy that a lot more people are working out but can you go through that one list you always do at the beginning of the year?
A: I believe you are talking about the ěFitness etiquetteî list. I love to re-write ěthe listî and lets add locker room and bathroom etiquette.
Wear comfortable clothes. However, make sure they cover all that needs to be covered. Men and women, make sure all your parts are covered, top and bottom. Oh, and women should wear a bra or sports bra.
Athletic shoes are highly recommended. If you donít have them, make sure you wear closed shoes. Flip flops, open-toed shoes are a no-no. That includes muddy boots.
Please wear deodorant, just because you donít smell yourself does not mean we donít smell you.
Flip side of that, donít wear excess perfume or aftershave. If we can still smell you after youíve left, you are wearing too much.
Please put bags and/or coats out of other peopleís way. (the locker room is a GREAT place to put them) Dropping it where you work out is not an option.
Donít hog the equipment. Shorter, intense workouts will get you to your goal sooner and everyone will get along.
Donít sing along with your iPod/MP3 CD player, etc., please. Enough said.
We really can hear everything you are saying when you are on the phone. Do you really want all of us to know your personal business?
Donít put gum or anything that comes out of your nose in or under anything except for the garbage cans.
Wash your clothes after each workout. Just because you took them out of the gym bag and they dried does not mean they are clean; ějust dryî will not get the smell out. If you wear workout gloves, check them, they might need to be washed, too, or just thrown away.
Please wipe the machines down after you are done.
Re-rack your weights when you are done. Your mother doesnít work here.
Not everyone wants to talk while working out. If they donít talk back, it is a good indicator they are not interested.
It is all about respect, isnít it?
Bathroom etiquettes
Bathroom is not a changing area.
Please flush after your business.
Wash your hands, but please turn faucets off.
Put trash in trash can (amazing, right?).
When you ětinkleî on the seat, please wipe up.
We can still hear everything you say on the phone behind that closed door.
Do not flush anything else other than one, two and toilet paper, please.
Locker room etiquette
LOCK all your valuable belongings. Just because you hide them does not mean they canít be found.
In sauna and/or steam room, have towel wrapped or bathing suit on.
There will be some nudity in the locker room when you are changing your clothes. However, prancing around nude is not something we want to see. And when you finally do sit down, please sit on your towel.
Do not color your hair at the YMCA (or any other fitness center or gym). We are here for everyone but not for everything.
Please do not shave in the steam room. I know it is nice and moist, but definitely the wrong place to do it.
Just because we have great water pressure and you are not paying the water bill does not mean your shower should be endless. Water shortage and drought ring a bell?
Group exercise class etiquette
No, ěyourî spot is not just reserved for you.
Taking a class means someone is instructing you. Your talking throughout the class is really disrespectful, not only to the instructor but also to the other class participants.
Donít go in the room when the other class is still in session or is trying to clean up to get out.
When you run in late or have to leave early, please do so quietly with the least amount of disruption.
Please turn your cell phone off. If you need it on, please pick it up immediately and walk out of the room to talk.
If at all possible, clean your mat after you use it.
Take a class within your fitness abilities. Going too intense will increase your risk of injury. And not being able to keep up can put you and other class participants in danger of getting hurt. Class descriptions are available.
I know I just touched the tip of the iceberg. But keep this in mind: Be respectful, honest, responsible and caring in all the things you do and everything will be all right.