For many, the gym isn’t just a place for working out: goals are conquered, minds are eased and relationships are made between treadmills and dumbbell racks. The people we see at the gym can greatly impact our overall experience–whether it be good or bad.
Here are some of the green and red flag behaviors I’ve picked up on during my time at a gym; maybe this list will help you decide what type of person you’ll ask to spot you the next time you’re on the bench press.
Green Flag Number One: Wiping Down Equipment
It sounds simple, but some people don’t understand this common courtesy. Nobody stays clean or sweat-free during a workout, so when I see someone take the time to thoroughly wipe down the machine they just finished using, I appreciate it.
Not only is this act polite, but it signals that you care about the quality of the gym and the experience of the other patrons there.
Green Flag Number Two: Acknowledging People You Know
I, like every person who goes to the gym, am guilty of ignoring this particular green flag. If you go to a gym in your community, especially during a busy time, you’re bound to run into people you know.
Most of the time, we ignore people who aren’t in our immediate circles. But this only creates a sense of awkwardness for everyone. People like being recognized and remembered, so the next time you see that kid who sits behind you in English by the squat racks, don’t be afraid to say hello.
Green Flag Number Three: Hygiene
It’s just as important to keep yourself clean as it is to wipe down equipment. The worst thing is getting stuck next to someone who smells like they left their clothes in a gym bag overnight.
When everyone smells fresh, working out becomes a lot more enjoyable. Just make sure you’re putting on deodorant before entering the gym and shower when you’re done exercising.
Red Flag Number One: Crocs, Birkenstocks and Slides
When I see someone wearing anything other than gym shoes while they’re working out, I want to scream. It’s unsafe and bad for your feet to do physical activity in Crocs, and it certainly doesn’t make you look cool.
Gym shoes are made for the gym, so help keep my blood pressure down by choosing appropriate footwear for working out.
Red Flag Number Two: Obsessive Phone Users
At my gym, I almost always have to wait for a bench to open up before I use it. So the most aggravating thing is when I see someone do five lifts and then proceed to scroll on their phone for ten minutes before starting their next set. I get that you need breaks during a workout, but ten minutes is excessive and disrespectful to the people who want an efficient gym trip.
If your muscles need that long to recover between sets, I suggest seeing a doctor or choosing lighter weights to lift. Most likely, you’re just addicted to your phone and need to look at reels on your own time.
Red Flag Number Three: Showoffs
If I see someone being a showoff at the gym, I immediately stay away. People who need to boost their egos in front of strangers aren’t worth my time.
Examples of showing off include purposely slamming weights on the floor to make a noise that alerts everyone you were just lifting something heavy, admiring your muscles in the mirror and taking an obnoxious amount of selfies that are carefully angled to include your abs.
The gym acts as a sanctuary for some people, so don’t ruin the workout experience for others with these red flags. Everyone will be happier and stronger if instead we all adhere to the green flags of the gym community.
