2. OBJECTIVES:
At the end of the lesson, you should be able to:
• Discuss the proper etiquette and safety in using the
facilities and equipment in strength training.
• Perform the proper etiquette in using the facilities
and equipment.
• Display the proper behavior in using these facilities
and equipment.
3. When you engage in aerobic, muscles, and bone-
strengthening activities, you are likely to make use of
different equipment and facilities. These resources help
in your enjoyment and participation so you have to care
for them. As a courtesy to other individuals who also
make use of these equipment and facilities, you always
need to observe the proper or etiquette inside a gym.
4. Playing Court or Field
A playing court or field depending on the sport
can be indoors or outdoors. There are certain
sports that requires to set up their equipment
first, such as volleyball, tennis, badminton, table
tennis, taekwondo, judo, etc. However, there are
also sports that needs minimal setup for their
facilities like basketball, football, etc.
5. Playing Court or Field
Here are some of the common manners:
1. Throw away used supplies and waste materials to
designated trash bins in the facility.
2. Wipe off wet spots caused by drinks and sweat.
3. Check yourself such as proper hygiene and care.
4. Avoid using cigarettes while in the premises.
5. Be nice, as a general rule.
6. Dance Areas or Studios
These are either indoors or outdoors that are
surrounded with full-sized mirrors. Some
dance studios have wooden or metal railings
called barres. Also, there are speakers and
music players being installed or set up in
specific locations for easy access.
7. Dance Areas or Studios
Here are some of the expectation when using dance studios:
1. Important belongings should be placed in designated spots (i.e.
lockers, benches, tables).
2. Wipe off wet spots caused by drinks and sweat on the floor.
3. Keep the music at accepted volume in order not to disturb other
users.
4. Know the studio schedule to avoid time conflict with other users.
5. Wear appropriate clothes including footwear.
8. Gym or Weights Area
Strength training is an integral part of muscle building.
Most of its facilities are indoor with different types of
equipment like machine weights, free weights, balls,
mobility machines (e.g. treadmill, stationary bike, rower,
and stair climber), mats, bars, etc. They are properly
arranged to allow maneuverability and easy access for
people working out.
9. Gym or Weights Area
Here are some of the proper etiquette:
1. Take care of using the equipment and facilities.
2. Only use the equipment that you already know how to use. Do not
leave or pass on equipment that is in complete disarray and dirty.
3. Bring back all equipment in place after use.
4. In performing exercises and movement in general, practice good
form first.
5. Do not hug the equipment.
10. Gym or Weights Area
Here are some of the proper etiquette:
6. Wear appropriate clothes and do not take them off to look
at your body in the mirror.
7. Minimize grunting, refrain from yelling and using profanity.
8. Do not slam or drop weights.
9. Avoid monopolizing use of the equipment. Always share it
with others by taking turns in using them.
10.Lower volume of music or best wear earphones.
11. Some gyms or weight areas have their own rules,
make sure you are aware of it. Read them before
starting your workout routine so that you won’t be
reprimanded.
It is imperative to keep in mind the proper ways
of handling different gym equipment and observe
proper manners to avoid conflict and injuries.
12. Gym or court rules can vary depending on the venue
arrangements but always be mindful on the following:
1. Always ask.
If someone is using a machine or piece of equipment and
you need something nearby, ask if you can.
2. Put your weights back.
This should go without saying but it’s the number one rule
broken in the gym.
13. Gym or court rules can vary depending on the venue arrangements
but always be mindful on the following:
3. Keep the equipment where it belongs.
Don’t try to do any weightlifting movements anywhere except
the deadlift platforms or another designated area.
4. Be mindful of your surroundings.
Gyms can be dangerous places if you’re not alert. On busy
times of day in particular, you have to be super-mindful of the other
patrons; don’t start doing dumbbell kickbacks without checking behind
you, for example.
14. Gym or court rules can vary depending on the venue arrangements but
always be mindful on the following:
5. Bring a towel. Use it.
Gyms can be some of the most germ-ridden places you can go. So,
for both your own sake and the sake of other patrons, use that towel.
6. Clean up after yourself (and, if you have to, other patrons).
Related to the previous point, if you still manage to sweat through
your towel or for some other reason leave sweat on a piece of equipment,
grab some paper towel and disinfectant spray (hopefully your gym has some
around — if not, hassle them about it) to do your fellow gym-goers a solid.
15. Gym or court rules can vary depending on the venue
arrangements but always be mindful on the following:
7. Selfies: Try to be discreet about them.
The general rule of thumb here is: do what you
want — just don’t infringe on anyone else’s gym
experience.
8. Personal space: respect it.
Avoid congestion and conflict.
16. Gym or court rules can vary depending on the venue arrangements
but always be mindful on the following:
9. Don’t hog the equipment.
If you’re occupying a popular piece of equipment at a popular
time of day, don’t sit there on your phone checking Instagram,
oblivious to the waiting queue.
10. Avoid the chitchat.
The gym is a place of solace for many people and, although it
can be a great social setting, try to keep the gossip to a minimum.
Editor's Notes
Physical training and exercises are essential habits in maintaining a sound mind and a healthy body. We need to expose ourselves outside our comfort zone to avoid health risk such as gaining weight that often leads to obesity. In engaging to different muscle strengthening activities, you are likely to utilize several gym equipment and facilities. These resources will provide a guiding principle in observing proper etiquette and manners when you make use of them. Some facilities or venue have strict implementation on their rules, but these are among the most common etiquette and proper manners you should consider depending on the type of venue you are in.
Depending on the venue or facility, there is a specific decorum expected from those who use them. The following are the different venues with its commonly expected etiquette.
This will vary depending on the venue arrangements such as rented facilities but those who will utilize certain equipment are expected to maintain the cleanliness of the property, to properly fix, return and store the equipment after being use.
Like in playing courts and fields, there are certain manners and etiquette to be considered. Users of dance area or studios are expected to maintain the cleanliness of the studio, music players should be kept after use, the lights and ventilations should be turned off after use.
Always keep in mind that this training involves risk of injury, thus, you are expected to be on your best behavior to avoid some kind of accident inside the working area.
