Sweat Management in the New Year - GWCC

Sweat Management in the New Year

January is a great time for a new beginning and new commitment to fitness. Whether you exercise regularly at a gym or have a home gym, there are etiquette guidelines that are important for you to know. There are so many etiquette tips for the gym, so here are the top five to help you start your New Year right!

Sweat Management

Sweat is a natural product of a good work out. It is important for you to manage all sweat output. Carry a towel and wipe down the mats, the bench, the weights or the grip of the equipment that you use. Sometimes it is appropriate to use a disinfectant spray during the wipe down. The wipe down’s goal is to clean up sweat, not merely spread it.

Weight Plates

When you lift free weights, the protocol is to get the plates and position them on the bar, secure the weights, then lift. When you have finished your set, this is when the etiquette comes into play. Remove the weights and return them to their proper holding station. Sometimes, those who can lift hundreds of pounds leave the plates on the bar and others who aspire to lift such weight are left trying to figure out how to remove such heavy plates.

Mirrors

A great tool during an exercise routine is the use of mirrors. A mirror gives us an extra set of eyes to confirm our form and often helps us with concentration. If you see someone in deep concentration, do not walk in front of them and distract them. Use a different route to get to your destination.

Showers

Many gyms have showers and it is polite to keep the areas that you use neat. Be aware of the culture of the gym and follow their protocol. If you are in doubt of the need of a shower after your workout, err or the side of smelling great.

Chatting

Sometimes we meet friends and workout together. Other times we build a rapport with those who we see often at the gym. Chatting is fun and socializing may be a part of your workout plan. The etiquette to follow at a gym is to make sure your chatting and socializing does not distract others or hold up the use of equipment.

Wishing you all a Happy and Healthy New Year!

Joan R. Stokely (jrs@thesocietyofdiplomacy.com) is the President of The Society of Diplomacy, Inc., a protocol and etiquette consulting firm. Joan develops and delivers custom etiquette programs to meet the needs of businesses and schools.

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