Whether you’re walking into a gym for the very first time, returning after a long break, or simply keeping up with your routine, one thing never changes: how people behave matters just as much as how they train.

Gym etiquette isn’t just about avoiding the obvious (like not hogging the squat rack for an hour). It’s the little things—how you share equipment, how you clean up, how you respect other people’s space—that make or break the whole environment.

Here’s the essential, updated guide to being the kind of gym-goer everyone actually wants to share the floor with.

1. Stay home if you’re sick.
If you’re coughing, sneezing, or nursing a stomach bug, skip the session. No one wants to share germs along with the dumbbells.

2. Do a sniff test.
Deodorant is non-negotiable. Toss some wipes in your bag and refresh before hitting the floor, especially if you’re coming straight from work.

3. Read the room (and the rules).
Every gym has its own dos and don’ts—like whether chalk, barefoot lifting, or dropping weights is allowed. Follow the posted guidelines, not what “that one guy” is doing.

4. Be smart with filming.
Checking your form? Fine. Running a full TikTok shoot on a packed floor? Not fine. Never record others without consent, and never in the locker room.

5. Don’t be late to class.
Rolling in after warm-ups disrupts everyone. If you’re more than five minutes late, have a backup workout plan.

6. Keep phones away during class.
Yoga with background notifications = instant bad vibes. Leave the phone in your locker.

7. No calls on the floor.
Even with headphones in—it’s distracting.

8. Re-rack properly.
Put weights back where they belong. A 20-pound dumbbell in the 60-pound slot isn’t “close enough.”

9. Wipe it down.
Sweat on benches, handles, or mats? Wipe everything you’ve touched. Every time.

10. Respect personal space.
If there are 10 open treadmills, don’t take the one directly next to someone. Same goes for lifting spots—don’t block the mirror view.

11. Move your workout away from the rack.
Don’t hog space right in front of the dumbbell stand. Carry your weights elsewhere.

12. Don’t hit on people.
The gym is not a dating app. Period.

13. Treat all bodies equally.
No backhanded compliments. No assumptions. People in larger bodies aren’t “brave” for being at the gym—they’re just working out, like you.

14. Respect gender-nonconforming folks.
Locker rooms are shared spaces. Everyone belongs. Keep it respectful, keep it moving.

15. Don’t touch equipment mid-set.
If someone’s squatting or benching, wait until they’re finished to swap plates or grab gear.

16. Stop lurking.
Want a machine? Politely ask how many sets are left or if you can work in. No hovering.

17. Skip the unsolicited advice.
Unless you’re their trainer, don’t correct a stranger’s form. If it’s truly unsafe, get staff involved instead.

18. Don’t monopolize prime equipment.
If your gym has one stair-climber or one squat rack, don’t camp out for an hour. Share.

19. Rest responsibly.
Texting between sets? Fine. Watching full YouTube videos while others wait? Not fine.

20. Don’t “save” multiple stations.
Supersetting? Great. Claiming three machines at once with a towel or water bottle? Nope.

21. Bottom line: Don’t be an asshole.
Respect the space, respect the people, and maybe—just maybe—smile or nod at a fellow lifter. A little friendliness goes a long way.

 
The Takeaway
The gym is a shared space, not your personal domain. Follow these etiquette basics, and you’ll make the environment better for everyone—including yourself. Work hard, respect harder.