Gym Etiquette: Creating a Better Experience for Everyone
At 361 Fitness, we take pride in creating a welcoming, safe, and fun training environment. Gym etiquette isn't about being strict; it's about making sure every member gets the best experience possible. Here are some guidelines to keep things running smoothly.
## 1. RSVP to Class
Signing up ahead of time helps your coach prepare the necessary equipment and layout. If you’re injured, new, or have an ailment, RSVPing allows the coach to plan modifications ahead of time instead of scrambling on the spot. All others, it truly helps the coach with class management when we know how many to expect in class.
## 2. Be On Time
Life happens, and we get that sometimes you’ll be late. But in a group fitness setting, it's important to be respectful of class structure. Better yet, show up 10–15 minutes early to use the restroom, get your gear together, start warming up, and get the chit-chatting done. (Save the deep convos for post-workout! 😉)
## 3. Listen During the Whiteboard Brief
We LOVE that y’all enjoy catching up with each other. That sense of community is part of what makes this gym special. However, when the coach is giving the whiteboard brief, please listen. Every member is a paying customer, and some rely on this time to fully understand the workout. PLEASE don’t make your coach get all weird and awkward asking you to listen. We hate that. Help us out here.
## 4. Welcome New Members
Remember how it felt to be the newbie? It’s intimidating! If you see someone new, introduce yourself. Make them feel included—this is what sets us apart 🤝🏼
## 5. Music Preferences
Music is one of the hardest things for a coach to manage. We rotate genres and aim to keep it family-friendly. If you don’t like a song, just know it’ll be over in a couple of minutes.
## 6. Don't Drop Empty Barbells
Please, please don’t drop an empty barbell (or one with only small metal plates). It damages the bar and makes all of us cringe. If you forget and drop one, don’t be surprised if you get the stank eye from the coach and fellow members 🫣
## 7. Kids in the Gym
We LOVE kids and never want them to be a barrier to your fitness. But the gym is not a free-for-all. It can be dangerous when a full class is lifting heavy weights. Please go over gym rules and expectations with your kids and keep them off the floor once class starts. If your kiddo has a snack, make sure all trash and crumbs make it into the trashcan. (Goldfish crackers are sneaky, y’all.)
## 8. Tanning Room = No Kids Allowed
Our tanning bed is one of the most expensive pieces of equipment we own. Yet, for some reason, kids see it as the ultimate hide-and-seek spot. Please remind your children that this room is off-limits. We’re adding a lock to help with this.
## 9. Keep the Bathrooms Clean
Treat the bathrooms like you would at home. If you make a mess, clean it up. Guys, if you sprinkle when you tinkle, wipe it down. Ladies, please wrap feminine hygiene products well before disposal. If you notice we are running low on something, please let the coach on duty know.
## 10. Parking Lot Safety
Slow down when entering and exiting the parking lot. No workout is worth risking someone’s safety. We love seeing kids outside playing—let’s keep them safe 🚸⚠️
## 11. Be Present in Your Workout
If you’re squeezing in a lunchtime workout and need your phone nearby, we understand. But if you don’t have to, try disconnecting. Turn off notifications, put your phone on silent, and be fully engaged in your session. You’ll be amazed at how much better your workout feels. (Instagram and your 27 unread text messages will still be there when you're done, promise.)
## 12. Participate in the Warm-Up
Warm-ups help prepare you for the workout. They might seem "boring" or unnecessary, but they are key to preventing injury and getting the most out of your session. Your body needs time to get ready to move heavy weight or perform high-intensity movements. The last thing we want is for you to get hurt simply because you skipped a proper warm-up. If the warm-up moves too fast or you struggle with certain movements, don’t stress—just keep moving in a way that helps you feel ready and safe for class.
## 13. Clean Up After Yourself
If you got it out, put it away, where it belongs. Wipe down equipment with sanitizer and cleaning rags. If it's summer and you pour sweat all over everything, please wipe it up. We love y’all, but we don’t love sharing your DNA.
## 14. Encourage, Don't Dismantle
Once you finish your workout, take a deep breath and encourage those still working. Don’t break down your equipment while others are mid-rep—it’s distracting and can mess with their focus. Plus, nobody wants to feel like the last kid finishing their mile run in PE class.
## 15. Be Coachable
We promise your coach isn’t picking on you. If we’re giving you feedback, don’t take offense. We just want to make you better. We all have things we can improve on. (Yes, even the coach.)
## 16. Hygiene Matters
We live in Central Texas. It’s hot. It’s humid. It’s sweaty. Please be mindful of your hygiene. No one wants to smell BO. We always have spray deodorant in the restrooms—help yourself if you forget yours.
## 17. HAVE FUN!
Smile. Sing. Dance. Crush your workout. HAVE FUN! This should be the **BEST HOUR OF YOUR DAY**!
### A Final Note
None of these are meant to be harsh rules—just ways to keep everyone safe and ensure we all have a great workout experience. Let’s continue to make 361 Fitness a place where everyone feels welcome, supported, and challenged in the best way possible!
