As we bid the month of Lunar New Year gatherings, consecutive hotpot dinners and Valentine’s Day chocolates goodbye, it’s time to get back to meeting your New Year resolutions and kick-start your fitness routine (once again).  

Whether you were a regular in the gym or someone entirely new to the scene, hitting the gym again (or for the first time) can be a daunting task. But with some pointers, you’ll be navigating the gym floor with ease in no time.  

1. Bring a towel 

You intend on getting in a good workout, and inevitably, that comes with a little bit of sweat. Bringing (and using) a towel is not only practical for keeping you feeling fresh and dry during your workout but also good gym etiquette to keep your sweat off the machines for others who come after you.  

2. Avoid hogging equipment  

The adult equivalent of toy-sharing, it’s only courteous to ensure that others are given a chance to use the equipment available in the gym as well. Do not hog the machine you’re occupying for unnecessary amounts of time – especially if it’s a popular piece of equipment at a popular time of the day.  

If you need a quick break to take a drink of water or use the restroom, drape your towel over the machine and make it quick! And when you’re done with the machine, move on.  

3. Return your equipment 

The golden rule of good behaviour in the gym – returning equipment to where it came from. This helps keep the gym tidy while preventing unnecessary accidents, and helps others locate the equipment that they need with ease as well. 

4. Respect personal space  

While it’s great being part of a fitness community, you wouldn’t want someone breathing down your neck while you get your sweat in. The gym can get busy during peak periods, but it’s good to give other gym-goers as much space as you can.  

In the weights section, a good rule of thumb would be to keep about two metres between you and the next person, for both your safety and theirs.  

5. Arrive to class on time 

If your gym offers group exercise classes, it is also good manners to arrive on time (or even a few minutes before) to avoid disrupting the instructors and other students.  

6. Wipe everything down 

Last but not least, wiping down.  

More than just your sweat as you go all out on the machines, it’s important to make sure that you wipe down all equipment after use.  

Studies have found that free weights have more than 362 times the amount of bacteria than a toilet seat – as do the other equipment in the gym. When exposed to these germs, it is possible to develop undesirable skin conditions and respiratory infections.  

Especially with the Covid-19 spread, we must wipe down and clean equipment that we come into contact with, be it with a sanitary wipe or sanitising spray and paper towel – which should be properly disposed of after.  

Keeping these tips in mind, you are ready for your first session back at Virgin Active’s Marina One club. And if you are ever unsure, don’t be afraid to ask the staff members at the gym for some help.