So, it’s back to the gym. About time, right? Streaming classes, fitness apps, Zoom workouts all came in handy during the “stay at home”, but those can’t quite replace a good old fashioned in-the-gym sweat sesh. Rules have changed, though. What is the “new normal” when it comes to the gym? I find myself wondering, will pandemic inspired gym etiquette be for good or for the good of all of us? Will social distancing take the place of man sprawling or be an excuse for it?
Now, c’mon! You’re all familiar with man sprawling at the gym. Gym bags, water bottles, free weights, jackets all exploding around one weight bench and taking up more space than necessary. It does keep other members from getting to or using equipment. The loud cell phone chats without regard for others using their time on the elliptical to unwind. Sitting at the Leg Adductor machine for far too long then 3 sets of 12-15 require. Sprawling and sweating all over the treadmill only to walk away without so much as a towel swipe. And yes, it’s not just men but…well, you know who you are, I hope.
Now, social distancing is more polite. A renewed awareness of the space we take up and where we are in relation to others is more important than ever. Considerate distance versus a self-absorbed spreading puddle of personals. As my bestie, Robbin always says, it’s about leaving space, not filling it up. What the pandemic has taught us, hopefully, is about what is good and safe for others as well as for ourselves. I wear a mask for you and you wear a mask for me. I wipe off my sweat so you don’t have to. I keep my phone in my purse so you don’t have to listen to me complaining about my day. We’re all in this together, right? Right? Let’s hope so. And I will hope that the “new normal” gym experience is more considerate, polite and aware.
Work out smart and see you at the gym!