The 5 Best Exercises To Learn The Conventional Deadlift
Deadlift 12 min ReadLast updated September 2026 The conventional deadlift is usually the hardest of the big three lifts to learn. The…
Good gym etiquette keeps everyone safe, keeps equipment available and makes the gym a better place to train. Whether you’re new to lifting or have been at it for years, these 10 rules will make you the kind of gym member everyone’s glad to share the floor with.
The short version
- Control your weights and put them back where they belong.
- Wipe down equipment with the gym’s wipes or spray, not your towel.
- Don’t give advice unless someone asks, or they’re about to get hurt.
- Ask for a spot, and ask to work in, the right way.
- Keep rest periods reasonable, don’t block racks, and use the squat rack for squats.
- Walk in with a plan.
| Rule | In one line |
|---|---|
| 1. Control your weights | If you can’t lower it under control, it’s too heavy |
| 2. Re-rack | Plates, dumbbells and attachments back where they came from |
| 3. Wipe down | Use the gym’s wipes or spray |
| 4. Unsolicited advice | Only if asked or someone’s in danger |
| 5. Ask for a spot | And tell the spotter exactly what you want |
| 6. Work in | Only if you don’t slow the other person down |
| 7. Don’t camp | Rest, then go |
| 8. Don’t block equipment | Grab your weights and step away from the rack |
| 9. Squat rack for squats | Curls go elsewhere |
| 10. Have a plan | Better results in less time |
1. Control your weights
There’s rarely a need to drop weights in a typical gym. If you can’t control it on the way down or set it down gently, it’s too heavy for that exercise. (Deadlifts with bumper plates on a lifting platform are a different story; follow your gym’s rules.)
2. Re-rack when you’re finished
Put plates back where they came from. The 25 lb dumbbells go in the 25 lb slot. Hang the lat pull-down bar back up after you take it off the cable. You’re sharing the space; pick up after yourself.
3. Wipe down your equipment
Once you start to sweat, wipe the equipment down after you use it, and not with the towel you brought, which just spreads sweat from one machine to the next. Use the gym’s disposable wipes or spray.
4. Don’t coach others unless they ask
Unless someone is about to get hurt, keep tips to yourself. Unsolicited advice is rarely welcome, even when it’s well meant. If someone asks for your input, great.
5. Ask for a spot
If there’s any chance you’ll fail a set of bench press, ask someone nearby for a spot, and be specific about what you want (for example, “Don’t touch the bar unless I ask for help” or “Help me rack it after rep 5”). A clear request means you get the help you need, not a spotter doing half the lift for you.
6. Ask to work in, within reason
If the equipment you need is taken, it’s fine to ask to work in. Working in means you do your set while the other person rests and leave everything ready for them. If you’d need to change the attachment, the rack height or otherwise slow them down, it isn’t really working in; wait or pick another exercise.
7. Don’t camp on equipment
If your thumbs are getting more work than your quads, it’s time to put the phone down. Equipment is limited, so keep rest periods to what you need for the next set. You’ll get a better workout, and so will everyone else.
8. Don’t block equipment
Curling in front of the mirror is fine; curling directly in front of the dumbbell rack, where no one else can reach the weights, isn’t. Grab your dumbbells and take a few steps back.
9. Use the squat rack for squats
The squat rack is for exercises that need a rack: squats, presses, rack pulls. If what you’re doing doesn’t require it, especially curls, take it somewhere else during busy times.
10. Go in with a plan
Wandering from machine to machine takes up space and gets you less done. Know your workout before you walk in. You’ll get better results in less time. If you don’t have a program yet, start with our free Seriously Strong Beginner Program.
Coach’s tip
New to the gym? Train at off-peak times for your first few weeks. It’s easier to learn the equipment, find space and build confidence.
Frequently asked questions
What are the basic rules of gym etiquette?
Re-rack your weights, wipe down equipment, don’t hog or block equipment, ask before working in, and respect other people’s space.
Is it rude to ask to work in?
No, as long as you don’t change the setup or slow the other person down.
Should I give someone form advice at the gym?
Only if they ask, or if they’re about to get hurt.
How long should I rest between sets?
About 1–3 minutes for most sets, longer for heavy compound lifts. Just don’t camp on busy equipment.
Want a coach to build a plan before you walk into the gym? Book a free strategy session at our Tallahassee, St. Petersburg or Tampa gym.