By: Christin Everson, MS

For the fitness professional, gym etiquette is something we likely don’t think about very often. It’s part of the standard operation for us and our members.  But for new exercisers, this unspoken expectation of behavior can create barriers to participating in fitness environments. Etiquette may seem inconsequential to participation, but it is not. The knowing or not knowing of required actions in these spaces can drastically impact a new exerciser's feelings of self-efficacy and belonging.

What is Etiquette

Etiquette is “a set of rules or customs that control accepted behavior.” In fitness environments, this shows up as collectively assumed guidelines for all participants to follow. Essentially, gym etiquette is unspoken yet required behavior.

Examples may include:

• Cleaning equipment

• Appropriate use of chalk

• Sharing equipment: Working in, not resting on equipment, etc.

• Ensuring the safety of yourself and others: Using collars on barbells, not dropping your weights, spotting others, etc.

• Taking calls outside of movement spaces

• Generally, cleaning up after yourself

• Stowing your belongings

• “Proper” attire

• The proper use of specific equipment

If we’re leaving new participants to guess all of these actions, we’re not creating a successful experience for them or a successful experience with our business.

The Current Model is Lacking

For a new exerciser, not being aware of gym etiquette is one element that can make participating for the first time scary. New exercisers already have feelings of fear associated with fitness spaces (lack of knowledge, experience, fear of judgment, fear of embarrassment, etc.). In addition, the element of required behaviors being understood by others, not by them, feels exclusive and othering. Making just one more barrier new exercisers must overcome to participate in physical activity. The idea that “everyone knows what to do but me” can be daunting.

The fitness industry continues to focus most of our educational efforts on those who are already active; hence the traditional element of communicating etiquette to a new exerciser is: “watch and learn.” And sure, if their self-efficacy is high enough or they have social support, maybe it wouldn’t feel as scary. But are we willing to risk the experience of a new exerciser and the growth of our business to ask them to figure it out on their own? If this usually unspoken behavior is only known by trial and error or observing others, how do we ensure new exercisers feel educated, informed, and included in gym environments?

Be Proactive

Here are suggestions for how to be more proactive in welcoming new exercisers to your facility as it relates to etiquette.

Identify your Policies

Etiquette is just an unstated set of policies. First, consider the behavior you want to allow in your facility. This is the foundation for creating belonging. Next, consider the specific policies that create your desired environment and support your community: physical and emotional safety and ease of function in the facility. Be as clear as possible. These create the feelings people have in your facility and about your business.

Intentionally Communicate

With new exercisers in mind, more clearly communicate the desired behaviors of participants. Please do not assume they know or will figure it out. It’s the job of fitness professionals to dictate the environments we want to create. Have etiquette and policies available and easy to find on the website, posted in the facility, demonstrated via video on your social media, and most importantly, discussed one-on-one as part of the onboarding process for new participants. When exercisers are informed about the elements of their participation, they’re more likely to have a positive experience.

Enforce Policies

The most well-written policies mean nothing if you don’t enforce them. Enforcing desired behaviors is not just about curbing the behavior of one person, but it also demonstrates to all members that you are caring for their safety and holding a standard. So, first, you need a plan for monitoring and evaluating participants' behaviors. Then a plan of action for notifying participants when policies are broken and how you will engage with them to share that information. Finally, a plan that allows you to take further action if they continue with the undesired behavior.

We need to stop asking vulnerable new exercises to “figure it out” and instead provide them with clear communication, guidance, and support to help them succeed in our fitness environments. To many, etiquette may seem obvious, but to new members or new exercisers, it isn’t. This is a crucial step to ensure their belonging and enhance their self-efficacy.