16/09/2026
My 14 year old son has been coming to gym with me this holiday. He has never been in a public gym before and it’s been such a great opportunity for me to teach him Gym 101 Health, Safety and Social Etiquette.
Here are some of the things I have taught him…
1️⃣ Put your phone away, unless it’s to change your playlist or track your weights. This is YOUR time, and you don’t need to go down a social media rabbit hole. It’s also selfish if someone is waiting for your machine & you’re having a laugh on TikTok.
2️⃣ A sweat towel is compulsory. Do I need to elaborate?
3️⃣ Be fair regarding time on a machine. People who take 20 mins on the one and only leg extension machine are selfish and unaware. Do what you need to do and move on.
4️⃣ Time your rest periods in between sets. Both for your own progress, as well as for point 3 above. 60-120 secs is enough, depending on the lift.
5️⃣ If you don’t listen to point 1, then at least wear bloody AirPods - nobody wants to hear your videos/music/FaceTime with your buddies!
6️⃣ Wear deodorant. I don’t mind if you smell after your workout. But arriving with body odour is unacceptable.
7️⃣ Do your teeth if training in the morning. No one likes morning mouth - especially if you’re running next to someone on the treadmill. Again, socially unacceptable.
8️⃣ Unrack your plates and pack away your dumbbells. Keep your station “tidy.” Not doing this is plain lazy.
9️⃣ Wipe down your mat after using it. Every gym has a sanitiser spray and wipes.
What would you add to help my little man? ⬇️
