If you’ve been around the fitness scene, you have probably heard about the rules at a normal big box gym, like wipe down your benches and re-rack your weights. But what about at a functional fitness gym? When there are no machines and people are doing complex movements, what are the social norms?

Here are some functional gym rules;

    1. Reserve your spot: The gym has a system for signing in for a reason. This lets everyone know if there is space to workout, and lets the coaches know if workouts need to be altered because of equipment.
    2. Respect the class: If you’re part of a group class, try your best to be on time and listen to coaching instructions. Everyone wants to have fun and catch up, but we are all there to get the workout in. There could possibly be a new member who doesn’t know as much as you, so don’t be distracting.
    3. Give everyone some space: People are doing all kinds of things from Oly lifts to gymnastics. Give everyone room to safely perform their movements, and try not to set yourself up in a manner that could be distracting or dangerous, like right in front or behind them.
    4. Don’t take other people’s gear: If somebody is doing a large circuit, they might have multiple pieces of equipment. Just because they aren’t using it right now doesn’t mean they won’t be soon. Make sure you ask before taking something you think might be in use.
    5. Put your equipment away: When you aren’t using something, put it away. Everything has its designated space so make sure it goes back there. Dumbbells go on the rack in numerical order by the way 😛
    6. Don’t drop things that aren’t made for it: Do not drop dumbbells from high heights and don’t drop empty barbells. When it is appropriate to drop things, remember bumper plates bounce so keep control of your bar.
    7. Clean it: If you get anything on a piece of equipment, clean it up. Nobody wants to grab a barbell with blood on it or a rower with butt sweat.
    8. Be Nice: We are all at the gym to get more fit. Be nice to each other, share equipment, and have fun.

These simple rules should help everyone have a good time while working out in a functional fitness gym.