Gym basics and etiquette

Nobody is watching you as closely as you think. Put things back, share, and you’re a good gym member.

What to bring

• Clothes you can squat in and flat, stable shoes. Running shoes with thick soft soles make squats wobbly.
• Water and a small towel.
• Your program on your phone, or the printed log.

More detail, including shoes and protecting your knees: What to wear and bring.

The rules that matter

• Put weights back where they came from, every time.
• Wipe down benches and handles after you use them.
• Share. If someone is resting on a machine you need, ask “How many sets do you have left?” or “Can I work in?” Both are normal.
• Don’t hover right in front of someone mid-set, or stand between them and the mirror.
• Phones: fine for your program and a timer. Don’t sit on a machine scrolling between sets when it’s busy.

If you don’t know how something works

Ask staff. That’s part of their job. Or pick the dumbbell or bodyweight version of the exercise; every exercise page lists them.