Gym Etiquette: Zero Egos Explained
Every gym has unwritten rules. The problem with unwritten rules is that nobody writes them down, so new people break them by accident, and then feel awful. So we're writing them down.
At FUSE our motto is "7 Locations. Zero Egos." Here's what that actually means on the gym floor.
1. Re-rack your weights
The golden rule. When you're done with dumbbells, plates or a barbell, put them back where they came from. Not on the floor. Not on the wrong rack. Not "for the next person". The next person is probably looking for them right now.
Bonus points if you strip the plates off the leg press or squat rack when you're finished. Someone smaller than you shouldn't have to unload your PB.
2. Wipe down your kit
Benches, mats and machine seats get sweaty. It's not a crime, it's a gym. Just give them a wipe when you're done. It takes ten seconds, and it's the difference between a gym you love and a gym you tolerate.
3. Share the kit at busy times
If you're doing several sets on a machine and someone's hovering, let them "work in": they do a set while you rest. If someone asks how many sets you have left, a friendly answer is all they need.
And if you're the one waiting: ask. "Mind if I work in?" is a perfectly normal sentence.
4. Don't camp
Using one bench for the dumbbells, one for your bag and a squat rack for your phone? We've all seen it. Use one station at a time where you can, especially at peak times.
5. Squat racks are for squatting (mostly)
Squat racks are often the busiest kit in the gym. If what you're doing can be done elsewhere, like curls, use the dumbbells or a cable instead and leave the rack free for the squatters.
6. Filming is fine, filming people isn't
Want to film your set to check your form or post your PB? Go for it. But keep other people out of your shot, and never film someone without their permission. Ever. Everyone deserves to train without becoming content.
7. Give people space
Don't stand right in front of someone's mirror view mid-set, and don't walk between a lifter and the mirror. Keep your bag out of walkways.
8. Unsolicited advice: think twice
Seeing someone with dodgy form is tricky. Unless they're about to hurt themselves, don't correct them out of nowhere. If you're worried, mention it to a coach. That's what they're there for, and they'll handle it kindly.
9. Noise: within reason
A grunt on a heavy lift? Fine. Dropping weights from overhead every set? Less fine. Use bumper plates if you're doing Olympic lifts, and lower dumbbells rather than dropping them.
10. Say hello
This is the one that makes FUSE, FUSE. Say hello to the people you see every week. Say well done when someone hits something big. A little bit of friendliness is what turns a room full of machines into a community.
11. Nobody is judging you (honestly)
If you're new, here's a secret: almost everyone in the gym is thinking about their own workout, their own form, or what they're having for dinner. Nobody is analysing your treadmill technique.
And if anybody ever makes you feel unwelcome at FUSE, tell a coach or the manager. That's not who we are.
12. Ask for help
Not sure how a machine works? Ask a coach. Every FUSE membership comes with a Day 1 induction, a personalised training plan and a nutrition blueprint, so you never need to fake it. If you like learning with others, the Foundations class teaches the basic movement patterns from scratch. See the classes page.
13. Phones: use them, don't live on them
Music, your plan, a timer: all great. Twenty minutes of scrolling while sitting on the only free bench: less great. If you need to take a call, step off the gym floor so you're not shouting about your weekend over someone's deadlift.
14. Class etiquette
Classes have a few extra rules of their own:
Arrive on time, or a couple of minutes early, so you can set up without a rush.
Tell the instructor about any injuries before you start. They'll give you options.
Put your kit back at the end: mats, steps, dumbbells and bands all have a home.
Cheer each other on. The best classes feel like a team, not a test.
15. Look after the changing rooms
Leave them how you'd like to find them. Take your stuff with you, don't leave towels on the floor, and keep showers quick at busy times.
Zero egos, every club
These rules apply at every FUSE Gym club:
FUSE Gym Artane, Dublin 5
FUSE Gym Blanchardstown, Dublin 15
FUSE Gym Smithfield, Dublin 7
FUSE Gym Bray, Co. Wicklow
FUSE Gym Newbridge, Co. Kildare
FUSE Gym Cork, Cork city centre
FUSE Gym Waterford, Tramore Road
Want to see it for yourself? Every club page has a free trial link, or see memberships, the 1 Day Pass and the 3 Day Pass.
Re-rack, wipe down, say hello. That's it. That's the whole secret.