In my 31 years of experience in the gym (athletic clubs) environment, visiting and participating in gyms around the world, there is a definite silent code of acceptable behavior. Please let me remind you.

Safety

Safety is always a primary consideration. All gyms can be potentially dangerous. If you are mindless and inattentive, intoxicated (drugs or alcohol) your chance of hurting yourself, worse, hurting others, is a very high possibility. Never lose your concentration, always stay alert.

Prevention is the spirit of safety. Minimize the possibility of all accidents. Always put the equipment that you use in its proper place. Don't act like a small child, put away what you use. The ignorance of arrogance has no place in a gym environment.

Don't throw plates, dumbbells and bars around, very bad for the equipment and you could hurt someone else. Respect the equipment as if you paid for it. Use towels to clean off the benches and machines after use. No one wants to slide around on the seat, plus it's unsafe.

Clean off your perspiration. Proper attire is a must, don't offend others with foul smelling clothing. Bare feet in a gym is not safe or pleasant for others.

Personal Space

Do not intrude on others. Give space and privacy to their workout. Be polite and ask: are you finished? Or, how many sets do you have left? Thank you. Our words, too are expressions of our spirit. The most important element in a conversation is to be sincere and speak from the heart.

Never use foul language in the gym. Foul language makes you ignorant, for your lack of vocabulary to express yourself.

Respect

Do not criticize others. Does the mountain laugh at the river because it is lowly? Does the river speak poorly of the mountain because it can move about? Everyone has his own qualities and acquires his own place in life. Paying attention to your brother's faults only doubles your own.

Always ask first: how can I help? Conceit is brought on by shallow thinking and cheaply bought compromise with your ideals. Respect others, even a one-inch worm has a half- inch of spirit. Treat all men, especially a woman with respect and they will respect you.

Never become needlessly angry, remember, those who anger easily lose courage at important moments. Do not show your strength without good purpose. Energy without consciousness is violence.

Cultural and social norms are different all over the world. However, gym behavior, attitude and ethics is always the same, no matter where you are in the world. Quiet, loving and fearless is the way of the masters.

It is my wish to make of this priceless gift of life something truer, stronger and happier. So that we can walk courageously through the world and make our contribution for its betterment.