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Gym etiquette isn’t just about being polite. It’s the secret sauce that makes everyone’s workout better than fufu and egusi soup. Let’s break it down, shall we?
Ever walked into Planet Fitness and felt like you stepped into a minefield of unspoken rules? You’re not alone. For Africans in the diaspora, from Liberians in Houston to Ghanaians in London, navigating Western gym culture can be as tricky as explaining to your aunties why you’re not married yet.
The Dos of Gym Etiquette
Here are some gym etiquette dos:
1. Wipe it down, champ!
Your mama taught you to clean up after yourself, right? The same applies here. Sweat is great on you, but not so much on the leg press machine.
Grab one of those blue paper towels and the spray bottle. Give the equipment a good wipe after use. It’s gym etiquette 101 and keeps germs at bay.
2. Put it back where you found it
Remember the frustration of stepping on your little brother’s Legos? That’s how others feel when you leave 45-pound plates lying around.
Return dumbbells to the rack, organized by weight. Your gym buddies will thank you, and you’ll avoid the gym staff giving you the same look your mother did when you tracked mud into the house.
3. Respect the bubble
Personal space is key, just like at an African wedding buffet. Don’t hover over someone mid-squat. It’s creepy and breaks gym etiquette. Wait your turn or politely ask, “Excuse me, how many sets do you have left?” It’s not a village meeting; keep it brief.
4. Headphones are your best friend
Love your Afrobeats playlist? Great! But not everyone wants to hear Burna Boy at full volume. Use headphones. It’s a simple gym etiquette rule that goes a long way. Save the dance party for home.
5. Share the love (and the equipment)
See someone eyeing the only functioning cable machine? Offer to let them work in between your sets. It’s good gym etiquette and a great way to make gym friends. Who knows? You might even find someone to spot you on the bench press.
The Don’ts of Gym Etiquette
Here are some gym etiquette don’ts:
1. Don’t be an equipment hoarder
Using the squat rack, leg press, and three different sets of dumbbells at once? Nope. That’s a big gym etiquette no-no, worse than putting pineapple on jollof. Focus on one thing at a time.
2. Easy on the dramatics
Dropping weights like they’re hot peppers? Stop it. It’s noisy, dangerous, and terrible gym etiquette. Control your weights, protect the equipment, and keep the peace. The gym isn’t your village square on market day.
3. Unsolicited advice? Keep it to yourself
Unless someone’s about to snap their spine doing deadlifts, keep your tips to yourself. Offering unsolicited advice breaks gym etiquette and can make people more uncomfortable than when Aunty asks about your love life. Let the trainers do their job.
4. The gym isn’t your office
Taking calls or having loud chats about last night’s football match? That’s a gym etiquette failure. The gym is for working out, not working your phone. Save the Premier League debates for after your workout.
5. Eyes on your paper
Staring is rude, period. It makes people more uncomfortable than eating pounded yam with a fork. Focus on your workout. If you need to watch someone’s form, look up videos online later.
Conclusion: Navigating Gym Etiquette
Remember, good gym etiquette isn’t just about following rules. It’s about creating a space where everyone, from the Kenyan marathoner to the Zimbabwean powerlifter, feels comfortable to sweat, grunt, and transform. It’s about respect, consideration, and community – values we already know well from our cultures.
So, next time you hit the LA Fitness or Virgin Active, keep these gym etiquette tips in mind. You’ll not only make friends faster than you can say “chin chin,” but you’ll also enjoy your workouts more.
Now go forth and conquer that gym. Show them how we do it in the motherland – with strength, style, and impeccable manners.
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