If you have your own treadmill at home, you don’t have to worry too much about hogging it or wiping it thoroughly after each use. But if you run on a treadmill in a shared space, there are certain treadmill running etiquette rules that apply. Like most running etiquette, the rules are mostly unwritten, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with them, especially if you’re new to running.
Follow these rules to be a considerate treadmill runner:
Don’t go over the posted time limits.
Many gyms have rules about how long you can stay on the treadmills, especially during peak usage times. Some gyms are pretty lax about the rule enforcement and leave it up to gym members to police themselves. Don’t wait for another runner to ask you to adhere to the time limit. Get off the machine when your time is up.
Wipe down the machine.
Leaving behind a pool of sweat for the next person to encounter is not only unsanitary but also disrespectful. Your gym should have wipes or a spray cleaner with paper towels to wipe down the machine when you’re done. Clean the console as well as the handrails. Even if you didn’t touch them, your sweat may have flown off of you as you were running.
By practicing proper hygiene and cleanliness, you demonstrate your consideration for others and contribute to a safe, clean, and pleasant workout environment for everyone.
But don’t spray other machines.
Speaking of the spray cleaner, be careful that you don’t go overboard and spray it on other machines or runners nearby. A better method is to spray the towel and then wipe the machine, so you don’t have to worry about the spray accidentally hitting someone.
Don’t save treadmills.
Want to warm up and stretch a little before you hop on the treadmill? Well, don’t put a towel or magazine on a treadmill and expect to “hold” it until you’re ready. That’s not fair to other gym members who could be running on it while you’re doing something else.
Don’t stare.
Yes, we’ve probably all sneaked a peek at someone else’s treadmill at some point. Of course you might be curious what pace the guy next to you is running or what gossip magazine the woman in front of you is reading. However, it can be a little disconcerting and annoying to another runner if you’re staring at them or their machine.
Keep your eyes on your own machine or look out the window (if you’re lucky enough to have one in front of you) or at the television. And if someone is stalking your treadmill console, put your towel over it – hopefully they’ll take the hint.
Don’t run on the squeaky treadmill.
We’ve all jumped on a treadmill at some point only to find out that it’s making an annoying, screeching noise. Don’t torture your fellow gym members by continuing to run on it. Get off, let a gym employee know the treadmill is not working properly, and then choose another treadmill.
Don’t talk on your cell phone while on the treadmill.
It can be really annoying to other runners if they have to be subjected to someone’s phone conversation. If you receive a phone call while on the treadmill, it’s best to step off to the side and find a quiet area to take the call. This allows you to have your conversation without disturbing others who are trying to concentrate on their workouts. Alternatively, if the call isn’t urgent, you can let the caller leave a message and return the call once you’re finished running.
More on Treadmill Running:
- Ways to Love Treadmill Running More
- Benefits of Treadmill Running
- Treadmill Workouts to Burn Calories and Bust Boredom
- Common Treadmill Running Mistakes
