Be Lean and Mean, but Keep the Gym Clean!

You Can be Lean and Mean.....but PLEASE keep the gym clean!

You're probably thinking, why did I post a picture of a man in a fresh pink suit on my blog....It's because he's clean cut! Ha ha, minus the cigar. But, in all seriousness, after you use a piece of equipment in the gym make sure you clean it. Wipe down the equipment because more often than not, you're sweating and the last thing someone wants to do is sit in your pile of perspiration.

Also if you don't wipe down the machine there is a chance to spread germs. The last thing the gym staff and its members want, is to get sick because of your negligence. Just remember to stay clean, will ya?!

TELL SOMEONE ABOUT BROKEN EQUIPMENT IN THE GYM

IF THE EQUIPMENTS BROKEN....alert someone on the gym staff , don't just leave.

 

 

When I come into the gym, I expect that everything is going to be working right and in order. One thing that drives me mad, is when people are on a machine, not knowing the proper way to use it. Then, almost like clockwork, they break the machine by letting the weights down out of control. But wait....it only gets better. After knowing full well that they broke the machine, they get up and walk about like a hit and run accident.

This is WRONG! As a responsible gym member, make sure you let the gym staff know that the machine or other piece of equipment is broken. If you don't alert that staff member, another gym goer runs the risk of getting injured. In the event that you don't know how to use a piece of equipment, don't be shy, just ask another member for assistance. In most cases other gym goers don't bite, and if they do....it's time to switch from your current gym inhabited by vampires!

Stay classy my fellow gym jammers,

CMR

Lounging is for couches, PLEASE don't do it at the gym!

Nap time is over, lets do some work!

When you're exercising your blood should be pumping, your heart racing and your pores dripping with sweat! If you're taking excessively long breaks on the equipment, or worse just lounging around, then it's time to wake up. Most of the time when you're taking a nice long break between sets,(which people love to do at the sit up bench) you should realize that you're not the only person in the gym, and other people are waiting to use that very same equipment.

If you're power lifting and need to take a break between sets, 35-55 seconds is acceptable. If you're taking part in a high intensity work out, (cardio) breaks of no longer than 25 seconds are acceptable. Just remember kids, you can be in your own little world while training, but be mindful of those around you.

Get Fit!

CMR

Stop staring in the gym! It's workout time.

STOP STARING IN THE GYM!

 

 

        When you go to the gym, your focus should be on exercising, NOT staring at other members. This goes for both men and women. When you're a woman that wears skin tight yoga pants or scantily clad clothing, what do you expect? The truth is the gym is not a fashion show, it's a place to exercise and get in shape. When you lose focus of this you become distracted, and when you're distracted you don't exercise properly.

        As a guy in the gym, you also have some guidelines to follow. When you're wearing shirts showing so much skin, that you're nipples are visible,or super short shorts there is a problem. There are mirrors around the gym and other people will notice you. Also mirrors benefit you because you can see what your outfit actually looks like.

     There are some people that do go to the gym to stare and pick up partners, but for me I get in and get out, everything else is a distraction.

Wear deodorant in the gym!

 

If you exercise, naturally you sweat. So why would you want to smell bad while exercising? I can't figure this one out for the life of me, but at my gym there are a good portion of people who STINK, and quite frankly it’s distracting. I don't know whether or not it's an ethnic thing for people to not wear deodorant, or some folks just don't want to take care of themselves, but in the end its personal hygiene.

If you go to the gym, at some point or another you have probably smelt another member’s body odor. Don’t fret; just set a good example in the gym by practicing good hygiene and wearing deodorant. Hopefully taking care of one’s body will eventually catch on, until then….. Keep on sweating!

 

Gym Etiquette 101- Put your cell phone down, and for godsake RE-RACK THE WEIGHT!

Put your cell phone down, and for godsake RE-RACK THE WEIGHT!!!

If you’re able to talk easily on the phone while exercising, then you’re not putting in enough effort into the workout. Put the phone down and be respectful of others, do not use a cell phone while in the gym. I cannot tell you how many times I have seen this happen, and it’s simply wrong. Other people are waiting to use equipment and individuals are gabbing away or texting. When using a cell phone during a workout, you’re also risking the chance of personal injury. If you pay more attention to your phone then the exercise, you can easily drop the weight on your feet or even your head.

                My ultimate gym pet peeve is when people leave weights out on the gym floor. For starters, weights left out act as booby traps; if someone trips over them they can get seriously injured. It is also just part of being responsible. When you were a kid, most likely your parents told you to put your toys away after you played with them. The same rules apply in the gym, once finished with the weight re-rack it. It’s just as easy to take the weight out as it is to put it back. The most striking part is the loading and unloading of the weight before and after the exercise. This adds to your workout, so why wouldn’t you want to maximize your lift by completing this rudimentary step?

Unwritten Rules of the Gym

So lets’ dive into the unwritten rules of the gym, shall we? When you’re using a piece of equipment and in the middle of the exercise, most likely you’re sweating. Don’t leave the equipment sweaty, it’s disgusting and unsanitary. When finished use a paper towel to clean the spot where you were or just bring a towel.

                If you find yourself sitting on a machine after you have completed a set, and you’re resting to catch your breath, look around. More often than not someone else is waiting to use the machine you’re on, and if that’s the case be sure to ask them if they would like to work in. If you’re sitting on the machine waiting to do the next set, and you’re resting for over 3-5 minutes without getting off the equipment, you my friend are in the wrong. Keep in mind that Limiting rest time is better for your heart rate.

              I also would like to respond to some of the comments about the gym left by some of my followers. To the comment left by Billy: cell phones are completely obnoxious in the gym. When you come to exercise you need to focus on exercise. To the comment left by dan, I couldn't agree more with you, specific equipment is meant to be specific for a reason. Stick to your exercise area and respect others.