Tips to Avoid Becoming a Dirty, Smelly, Rude Gym Rat

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

13 Mar 2009 10:42 PM

Yesterday I used this blog to vent about a particular member of my gym, who constantly hogs the TV remote, and forces other cardio equipment users to watch reruns of "Everybody Loves Raymond." (P.S. I despise Raymond almost as much as I do his biggest sweaty fan.) Now that I have shared my frustrations and purged my system of all resentment, I'm back with some constructive advice for my gym's TV remote hog, and other like her, at fitness centers around the world.

Tip #1--Wash Your Gym Clothes

When your gym clothes are standing erect inside your locker and people scatter like flies when you walk up to a piece of exercise equipment, then it's a good sign that it's time to switch out your sweats. Experts recommend washing your workout clothes everyday... I'm with them.

Tip #2--Use Deodorant

If you tend to sweat profusely, it wouldn't hurt to put on some extra deodorant before hitting the elliptical machine. Also, don't try to mask body odor with heavy perfume and cologne-it only intensifies the stench.

Tip #3--Don't Be an Equipment Hog

Be mindful of the posted time limits on the cardio machines, and allow others to work in on the weight machines between your sets.

Tip #4--Put the Weights Back

Practice weight control. If you are dropping hundreds of pounds of weights at the end of a set, then perhaps you should go lighter. Throwing weights around doesn't impress anyone. Also, when you are done with your sets, strip down the machine and put the weights back where you found them.

Tip #5--Be Quiet

Your presence will be embraced at a gym if you don't blast your music, sing, grunt, scream, belch, or talk loudly on your cell phone.

Tip #6-- Clean Up

Ideally, all gym members would wipe down equipment with sanitizer when they were done. However, if you are in a hurry, at the very least, soak up the pond of sweat you left on the cardio machines with a towel, or wipe off the sweat imprint of your back from the weight bench.

Related Articles:

Are You a Dirty, Smelly, Rude Gym Rat?

Gyms Catering to Members with Health Issues

How Often Do You Use Your Home Gym?

Bad Things Happen When You Stop Going to the Gym

Getting Fit: No More Excuses

Exercise and Music

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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