You’ve finally got permission to go to the gym, but with a whole bunch of people around, do you really want to be that person, the one who leaves sweat all over the benches, or worse, the one who finishes a set and walks away leaving weights scattered all over the floor?

Just like any shared space, the gym has its own unspoken rules that keep everything running smoothly and respectfully. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned lifter, understanding basic gym etiquette is just as important as knowing how to use the equipment. Here’s a quick guide to help you avoid common mistakes and be a respectful gym-goer from day one.

Carrying deodorant

No one wants to smell your workouts, so carrying a deodorant can go a long way. This doesn’t have to be anything expensive, neither does it have to be sprayed after every set. A simple cheap deodorant sprayed once at the beginning and once when you’re done is more than enough.

Re-racking your weights

Seeing a whole bunch of weights scattered on the floor ruins every ones mood, and looking for the weight you actually need in that mess, is a nightmare. However, re-racking a set of dumbbells, for example, often implies that you’re done using them, so feel free to re-rack only once you finish your set. This doesn’t mean that you hoard a whole bunch of weights, but instead suggests that you keep the pair of dumbbells that you need and re-rack once your done.

Interrupting another person

NEVER interrupt a person mid set. If you do want to ask them about how many sets they’ve got or if you can hop in, always wait till they finish a set and are resting.

Carrying a towel

Using a towel to cover a bench or machine that you’re about to use is a great way to keep you from sweating all over the equipment. This not just creates a much more clean environment for others to work out in, but also keeps you safe from germs on the bench.

Working in with someone else

Alternating with someone else for the same machine is what gym goers call “working in”. When doing this, you’re expected to do single sets and take short breaks while the other person completes their set. It is also considered a good gesture for you to replace the equipment you’re using with what the other person needs when using equipment like the cable machine.

So that’s it, those are some tips to help you not stand out in the gym for the wrong reasons. Follow these simple rules and you’ll never be bothered by the people working out beside you. Now go out there and crush it.