Gym Etiquette

For this week, i decided that instead of me writing all the time, i got one of my friends Azmy (who is also been a big fan and supporter of Fitness Malaysia and our initiatives) to write a post for Fitness Malaysia. Thought i would take a little break. If you are wondering who he is, well here is a brief intro.

Azmy Mohamed is a certified trainer by the National Fitness Council of Malaysia and also holds a Core Certification by FISAF, & currently a Graduate Certificate holder in Exercise Science.He is a freelance instructor at various fitness centres all over Klang Valley. Apart from that, he is also a part-time Personal Trainer.

A Kuala Lumpur native & previously obese, Azmy is aspiring on becoming a Weight-Loss Specialist in the near future. His all-time mission & vision is to make Malaysia an obese-free nation, or at the very least, close to it.'

So guys, hope you enjoy Azmy's post and of course... keep your comments coming in as usual.

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For those who frequent the gym all the time, or even those who step into the gym once in awhile, you should be aware that every type of gym/club has unwritten rules on etiquette. These rules include how you should behave and interact with others in the gym. Call it a kind of culture if you will, but those who are new to the gym, should be aware of this culture and adapt to it, or end up looking like a �foreigner� in a matter of speaking.

What exactly are the rules that make up this culture? Let me lay out some tips on how to act more responsibly and more respectably in the gym so you get accepted faster:

1) If someone else is using the machine that you want (esp. in peak hours), do suggest whether you can alternate with him/her. There�s nothing wrong here, it�s perfectly fine. Who knows, he/she might be receptive to your idea. And please bear in mind that nobody, & I do mean nobody, has the right to �own� that a particular machine for an hour or so.

But again, it�s kinda awkward if you have to readjust the machine settings most of the time if you do that. In so, another better alternative would be to skip to another machine until the person is done.

2) as vice versa, if someone is already standing behind you and waiting for that machine that you are using on, You may also suggest that person to work with you. Again, it�s totally fine & nothing wrong here. OR, if you are the shy type, a better (& perhaps more polite) way is to let the person know when you�ll be done. Give him/her a hint like: �I have 2 more mins on this treadmill. Then it�s yours.�

3) Please do yourself a huge favor. At any point of time, in case you need help in machine adjustment, or on how to use a machine for that matter, do seek help from a personal trainer or any gym staff. All you have to do is to ask nicely.

4) If you want to learn an exercise from someone (that is, a fellow gym member), please find an appropriate time to ask. The best time is when that person is taking a break in between sets. In most cases, people are more than happy to help. Not only that, some might even feel flattered about it..

5) Bear in mind that safety comes first. If at any point of time, you are facing difficulty in completing a certain exercise, DO ask someone to support you. This is called a �spotter�.

6) If somebody or someone across the floor is �hitting� on you & the chemistry is not there, then you have every right to tell them politely to bugger off. Of course this applies more for the ladies than the guys. But guys, if you are the one hitting on someone and have proven track record, please let me know� J

Happy workout, everybody!

Azmy