Georgetown students work out to burn off Friday night’s 58-second keg stand, avoid the infamous “freshman 15”- or in the case of the upperclassmen losing the “freshman 15” -or just relieve some stress before a midterm. Most Hoyas have made the trip to Yates Field House at some point. It’s the only place on campus where a polo is not the uniform of choice, profuse sweating is the goal and having a conversation with someone beyond a nod of the head or a smile is not expected. Despite these socially acceptable gym phenomena, there is still an existing etiquette:
Respect Time Limits
It’s tempting to put the towel over the timer or quickly hit “reset” on the elliptical before the cool down is over, but remember that everyone else is also trying to work off the same booze and late- night Domino’s delivery. So it’s important to be respectful of one another, and abide by the 35-minute time limit on cardio machines.
Keep the grunts to a minimum
Now that cardio and weights are on the same floor, gratuitous grunting has become a problem. It’s understandable that you are lifting astronomical amounts of weight, but honestly, we don’t need a recap of your late night endeavors, thank you very much.
Leave the cell phones in your lockers
Yes, we live in a cell phone society. However, for one hour a day you should be able to manage without having a phone permanently attached to your ear. Not to mention, the person next to you doesn’t care what you are doing for dinner.
No karaoke
We all like to listen to music that pumps us up, especially at the gym. Whether you’re getting diesel to Eminem or getting a “Toxic” workout to Britney’s latest, the person next to you is not enjoying your rendition of the song. There is a reason MTV took “Say What Karaoke?” off the air.
Keep your sweat to yourself
The towels are free and they wash them for you. Wipe down your machines.
Put it where you found it
We all have busy lives at college, so for most of us our time at Yates is precious. Putting free weights, rollers for abdominal workouts and other equipment back where you found it makes life easier for everyone.
Keep the perfume and cologne for Friday nights
We all want to smell good. But, at the gym, a slight degree of body odor is perfectly acceptable. Deodorant should be the scent of choice. Sweat and Cool Water or Polo sport just don’t mix well.
Only give advice when asked
Okay, so you’ve read every fitness book on the market or have had personal training sessions with Arnold or The Georgetown Voice’s own fitness columnist William Buckingham, but honestly, advice, when not asked for it, is often unwelcome. Gym time is a personal release for most people to zone out from college life and focus on themselves. Often, people just want to do their workout the way they know best, without having to listen to someone give a lecture. We have classes for that.
Control your hormones
Anytime you get a mass of sweaty hot young bodies covered in skimpy clothing in a confined space there is bound to be sexual tension. But let’s just recognize we are all there to workout, and leave the catcalls and flirting for Saturday night.
What goes on at the gym stays at the gym
Whether we’re running slowly on the treadmill, seen picking a wedgie or heard ripping one, we are all not at our finest when at the gym. Let’s not hold this against one another.
