Class etiquette

Remember that “Gets Along Well with Others” category on your grade-school report card? Well, no one is going to grade your behavior in a weight training class, but the principle still applies: You must be courteous to your fellow students. Win friends and the teacher’s approval in class by following these rules:

• Follow the teacher. You’re not just renting the weights for an hour; you’re there to participate with the group. When the class is trying to listen to the instructor’s explanation of the shoulder press, you shouldn’t be off in your own world doing a set of biceps curls. Your deviation can be distracting to both the class members and the instructor.
• Choose the appropriate class level. If you’re a flat-out beginner, don’t venture into the Monster Muscles advanced muscle conditioning class. Your presence isn’t fair to the students or the teacher, who is supposed to be challenging the other students, to have to stop to explain the basics to you. (Also, your safety is at risk.) On the flip side, if you’re an advanced student slipping into a beginner toning class, know that you won’t be as challenged. Don’t bother complaining to the instructor that the class is too easy for you.
• Don’t disorganize the weights or benches. We sometimes see class members arrive early, pick through weights to find the ones they want, and reserve their favorite spot in the class. This behavior wouldn’t be a problem if the classmates didn’t throw their reject equipment all over the floor. Don’t create any hazardous conditions.
• Respect other students’ personal space. Place your equipment far enough from your neighbors so you don’t smack into them during the exercises. If the class is too crowded, the teacher is obligated to turn people away or modify the routine so nobody ends up injured.
• Don’t show up late. Most teachers don’t let students in after the warm-up period. You shouldn’t miss this segment, anyway.
• Respect the teacher’s instructions. A group fitness instructor’s most important job is to ensure the safety of everyone in the class. Respect the teacher’s exercise instructions as well as guidance regarding where to position yourself in class and what to wear.