I love the gym.
I love the sound oftreadmillsbuzzing, barbells racking, feet pounding.
I didnt always love it, though.
Cavan Images/Chris Ware/Getty Images/ Amanda K Bailey
When I first got intoexercising at college, the gym was a really intimidating place.
It seemed like everyone felt so comfortable there.
I felt like the people who could lift serious weight deserved that space more than I did.
In time, I gained a gym buddy who showed me the ropes.
I mastered exercises, adjusted machines like a pro, and slipped bigger plates onto barbells.
And theyre blocked not only by those internal barriers that I mentioned above, but external ones, too.
Equinoxreportedlybarred new members on January 1, as part of theirWe Dont Speak Januarycampaign.
Fitness should be for everyone, but there are stilltons of systemic barriersholding many back.
I know I would have.
Why not do your part to create positive change?
Strip your weights and readjust your machines.
And reracking that weight to something theycanlift can be difficult for someone just starting out.
Forty-five pounds is a lot, especially if you have to reach up to unrack it!
By leaving those big plates on, youre sending the message that this machine might not be for them.
Dont claim multiple pieces of equipment across the gym.
Circuit workoutsare great when youre short on time or want to keep your heart rate up.
after you vacate one area for your next exercise.
Communication is key here.
Hold off on taking photos or videos.
Did you execute everysquat to perfect depth?
Probably notand thats normal!
Respect the communal space.
Lifting weights is never going to be silent.
Same applies to posted rules or regulations.
One thing Ive noticed in my 15-plus years at the gym?
Lots of people take it allveryseriously.
Forget about a hellothey dont even acknowledge anyone else exists.
Dont be that person.
Working toward your goals and achieving them is great, but so is enjoying the process.
And no, you dont need to be an asshole to get it done.
This doesnt have to be anything big: Tons of peoplemyself includedcherish their alone time at the gym.
Im not saying it’s crucial that you chat up everyone you meet or solicit their life stories.
