gym etiquette?

[robinw]

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RobinW, lots of my friends are too shy to go to the gym, and just make excuses for not going. Just go, as SueW says, no-one will be very interested in you/what you're wearing/whatever size you are or anything.... most people are too busy with their own thing. I'm sure that they will have people there to show you how to use the equipment and plan a sensible workout for you, and then review it every few weeks or so, until you feel happy enough to get by on your own. Go for it, you will feel much better.

From my experiences (observation only, of course) at our local gym, I'd suggest that you refrain from eyeing the talent in a lubricious fashion, and remember to wear supportive, properly fitting pants under your gym kit. But, robinw, you're a woman, so are unlikely to inflict this gross behaviour on your fellow exercisers.

My gym asks users to bring in a towel with them, which I think is a very good idea - I use mine to cover up the digital display on the exercise bike which forces me to stay on longer - watching the timer makes it so boring and long. It's also a good idea for the sometimes very sweaty gents who positively drip on the machines - I suppose they can't help it, but with a towel they can wipe up after them (urrrrgh). I don't use the machines straight after a really 'wet' user though - can't bear to. My tip for keeping going is to get there first thing in the morning, now family circumstances allow. Everyone is still in bed in my house when I go, and just getting up when I get back - that's my exercise out the way for the day and I feel virtuous! I could never go in the evening - too knackered by then : )

I love my gym because it's got a bar (of the booze serving variety) that's really the only reason why I joined as I'm not keen on the exercise part!

Of course every gym should have a bar! You need somewhere to rehydrate after a strenuous sauna hotoil session.

Regularly check the crotch of your legging for wear and tear.

Remember, if you are in a spinning class you are not really out on the open road, so no clearing your nose into the hedgerow sans hankerchief.

There's a note by the jacuzzi/steam room/sauna at my gym telling you that you must not eat, drink or SHAVE when using them. Knocked on the head my plan to shave my legs whilst having a champagne picnic, as you can imagine! Well, Peter Stringfellow does it...........

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