Gym Etiquette 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Not Being That Person

Walking into a gym for the first time can feel overwhelming.

New equipment. New faces. Unspoken rules no one explains.

If you’ve ever wondered “Am I doing this right?” or “What if I mess something up?”—you’re not alone.

This guide breaks down gym etiquette for beginners in 2026 so you can walk in confidently, train effectively, and avoid the most common beginner gym mistakes.

1. Always Re-Rack Your Weights

One of the most important gym rules for beginners and veterans alike. Nothing is more frustrating than searching for an item in it’s clearly marked space and finding it empty or worse - the wrong thing in it’s place.

If you use it, you put it back where it belongs…even if you found it somewhere else!

This applies to:

• Dumbbells

• Barbells

• Weight plates

• Kettlebells

• Bands and attachments

  Re-racking keeps the gym safe, organized, and respectful for everyone. If you’re unsure where something goes, ask staff—it’s always appreciated. I was raised to always return something better than how you found it, the gym is no exception.

2. Wipe Down Equipment After Use

Yes, even if you “barely sweat.” I can’t be the only person who leaves a little butt sweat on a bench after demoing a move for less than 1 second. It’s gross. Wipe it down. Even in 2026, gyms are cleaner and better ventilated than ever—but wiping down equipment is still standard gym etiquette. It’s not above and beyond, it’s the bare minimum. Most gyms have various stations throughout the weight floor with disinfectant spray and towels, it’s easy to find and easier to use. Don’t be THAT girl.

Always wipe:

• Benches

• Machines

• Mats

• Cardio equipment

This simple habit shows respect for the shared space and the people training after you. And let’s be honest, this is one golden rule you want to live by.

3. Respect Personal Space

Gyms can get crowded, especially during peak hours; usually early mornings and after work.

Good beginner gym etiquette includes:

• Not standing or walking directly in front of someone lifting

• Leaving space between stations when possible

• Giving lifters room during squats, deadlifts, and lunges

• Never step on a squat platform while someone is lifting (This is my personal pet peeve & it’s just plain dangerous!)

If you can smell the person next to you—take a step back. Space is always appreciated.

4. Phones Are Tools, Not Furniture

Using your phone as:

• A timer

• A workout guide

• Music control

= Totally fine.

What’s not ideal:

• Sitting on equipment scrolling insta for long periods

• Filming others without consent (still can’t believe this happens - yikes!)

• Taking phone calls on the gym floor

If you’re resting (as you should be) time yourself, and be efficient.

If you’re filming, be respectful: Filming your lifts is a fantastic way to check your form (or send to your coach for feedback) so I do recommend it, but with a few caveats:

• Ask others if they are okay with you filming if they are in your shot

• Make sure your tripod is not in a main walking path

• Use it for your progress, not your posts. Film your lift, move on. Save the posing routine for the bathroom.

5. Ask to Work In (Don’t Hover)

If someone is using equipment you need:

• Ask how many sets they have left (NOT mid lift. Wait til they are resting)

• Or politely ask to work in

Most people are happy to share. Silent hovering is far more uncomfortable than asking.

6. Skip Unsolicited Advice

I have been a trainer for 15 years and I only once have offered unsolicited advice to a member of my gym for safety reasons. I felt unsafe lifting near them so I spoke up! However, unless someone asks—or you’re a hired coach—do not correct another person’s workout. Another golden rule moment; unless you want people to come up to you mid set and correct your form without knowing WHY you are lifting that way, best to just keep your opinions to yourself.

• This is one of the most important gym etiquette rules, especially for beginners.

• What feels “helpful” can easily feel judgmental. You have no idea WHY someone is lifting that way. Maybe they are recovering from an injury, or training for a specific event.

• Everyone is learning. Everyone starts somewhere.

7. Go Easy on Strong Scents (or any scents for that matter…)

Heavy perfume or cologne doesn’t belong in the weight room. When you are working up a sweat the scent will only be intensified more, whether it’s good or bad.

Stick to:

• Clean clothes (Dirty clothes can still have a strong scent, trust me)

• Deodorant, please

Strong scents in enclosed spaces can make training uncomfortable for others.

8. Use Equipment for Its Intended Purpose

To keep things moving smoothly:

• Avoid curling in squat racks

• Don’t stretch in lifting platforms

• Don’t reserve multiple stations at once

Using equipment as intended helps everyone train more efficiently.

9. You Belong Here (yes, even as a beginner)

You don’t need:

• Perfect form

• Expensive outfits

• To know every machine

You belong in the gym because you showed up.

Confidence comes from consistency—not perfection.

Final Takeaway

Gym etiquette isn’t about being perfect.

It’s about respect—for the space, the people, and yourself.

Learn the basics, stay aware, and trust that everyone started exactly where you are now.

Happy Lifting!