So a lot of people out there enter the gym blindly not knowing the proper way to workout or the proper etiquette when they’re at the gym. Since this is the case I would love to shed some light on a much neglected subject that is of a huge importance.

Now it’s time to look into both sides of the coin.

Do – Bring your own towel. It’s really gross when you don’t.
Don’t – Forget to wipe your sweat off the bench/machine you just used.

Do – Remember to breath in through your nose and out through your mouth
Don’t – Make loud grunting sounds, it doesn’t help and it makes you look like an idiot

Do – Remember to re-rack your weights in the PROPER location. You’ll be appreciated
Don’t – Leave your weights on the floor or put them away where they don’t belong

Do – Eat something small that has both protein and complex carbs in it 1-2 hrs before the workout
Don’t – Eat any dairy within 2 hours of working out. It’ll curdle in your stomach!

Do – Make sure to drink water or a diluted sports drink during your workout. Your muscles need it.
Don’t – Drink things too high in sugar and don’t not drink at all

Do – Replenish your body with a protein drink within 30 minutes of your final rep
Don’t – Starve yourself after a workout. Your muscles will hate you

Do – Make sure each rep is completed in the FULL range of motion
Don’t – Forget that if it feels wrong, it is wrong

Do – Use weight clips on every bar your use
Don’t – Forget the clips. I don’t care how strong you are, weights CAN shift and cause injury

Do – Pull the lat bar down to your CHEST. This is proper form
Don’t – Pull lat bar behind your head. This is WRONG and will cause injury over time

Do – Stretch after your workout. You’ll build more strength and power
Don’t – Forget to stretch. You’ll limit muscle growth and increase injury risk

Alright, well I hope this has helped a few of you out there. There are tons more unwritten rules out there, but as long as you remember the Do’s and Don’ts that we’ve covered here than I’m sure you’ll be fine!