STORY TIME: Why Are Gyms So Manner-less? 🏋️‍♀️

STORY TIME: Why Are Gyms So Manner-less? 🏋️‍♀️

Dear Readers,

I won’t lie - this newsletter might be more of a personal rant. But in the name of good manners, I’ll try to tone it down :-)

Picture this: You’re at the gym, ready to use your favourite machine, but it’s drenched in someone else’s sweat. Not very ladylike, right? Unfortunately, I encounter this scenario way too often. It has gotten so bad that the first 10 minutes of my workout could be described as “vigorously rubbing the machine with disinfectant’’. Despite being a space shared by many, gyms often seem to lack basic manners.

Over the last few years, our society has become hyper-individualistic, with “me-time” trending both online and offline. While there’s nothing wrong with focusing on our well-being (even through the benefits of exercise), we somehow tend to forget that our actions don’t go unnoticed. Our me-time might very well be someone else’s nightmare.

The gym is often viewed as a sacred bubble to focus solely on personal fitness. But let’s not forget: it’s a communal environment. Every machine, mat, and bench is used by dozens of people daily. Failing to clean up after yourself isn’t just unhygienic - it’s disrespectful to others.

Good gym etiquette isn’t complicated. We just need to remember to:

  • Wipe down equipment after each use
  • Respect shared spaces by not hogging machines
  • Keep noise levels reasonable
  • Return weights and equipment to their proper place

Gyms, like other public places, are microcosms of society, reflecting how we treat shared spaces. When we neglect basic manners, we create an environment that’s uncomfortable and uninviting. On the flip side, when we practice respect and care, we inspire others to do the same.

Maybe the next era of humanity will shift from me-time to our time. That’s when we’ll build communities based on good manners and respect.

In the meantime, you’ll find me at the treadmill with disinfectant in hand :-)

Your forever hopeful,
Katarina


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