Weight Room Etiquette with JT, Your Tour Guide

He's back again with helpful tips for the weight room!

Hello Friends,

It’s me again, Jeffrey Craig Thomas, back by (let’s just say) popular demand. This time, we’re stepping away from the sauna and into a place near and dear to my heart: the weight room.

As many of you know, I love the weight room. I love the clang of plates, the focus before a big lift, and most of all, seeing all of you in there putting in the work. Just like our sauna and steam room etiquette refresher a few months back, I’m here as your friendly Center tour guide, making sure we all enjoy the space and keep it running smoothly.

As a proud Indiana Hoosier, I’m never daunted, only ready to do what’s right for the good people of the Center. And as the great Rod Tidwell once said in Jerry Maguire, “Help me, help you.” In this case, I’m Rod. You’re Jerry. And together, we’re going to keep the weight room a space where everyone feels safe, respected, and able to get a great workout.

So consider this your warm-up set before the main lift. Below are a few heavy-hitting reminders on weight room etiquette and expectations. After all, we’re sharing the space, and a little consideration goes a long way.

1. Check Your ID: If you don’t have a driver’s license, chances are you’re too young to be in the weight room unsupervised. Members ages 12–15 must be accompanied by someone 18+. Ages 16+ may use the weight room independently.

2. Attire: Proper workout attire and athletic shoes are required. Shirts stay on. Bare feet and sandals have a different summer plan, this is the weight room, not the pool deck.

3. Phones & Music: Headphones? Yes. Workout tracking? Great. Full-volume speakerphone calls with your long-distance girlfriend? Not here. Please take phone calls outside.

4. Hydration & Nutrition: Water bottles are encouraged (and capped, please). Dehydration is not a fitness goal. While we respect your protein goals, meals and snacks should stay outside the weight room.

5. Lifting Etiquette: When you’re done, return dumbbells, plates, and bars to their proper homes. Leaving them out does not count as a cool-down. Also, excessive slamming or dropping of weights is tough on the equipment, the floors… and everyone’s ears.

6. Spotting: Need a spot? Just ask. Offered a spot? Be kind. Don’t want one? A simple, “I’m good, thanks!” works perfectly.

7. Wipe Down Equipment: If you sweat on it, wipe it down. Consider it a courtesy to the next lifter and their workout experience.

8. Share the Space: During busy times, please allow others to work in between sets and keep your time to a maximum of 20 minutes per station if others are waiting. Proper rest is important. So is not setting up permanent residence at the squat rack.

9. Personal Training: Please refrain from giving unsolicited workout advice — even if your cousin swears it changed his life. We have a fantastic Personal Training team if you’d like expert guidance.

10. No Paparazzi: We’re here to hit PRs, not go viral. Photography and video recording are prohibited. We want everyone to feel comfortable breaking a sweat without worrying about being an accidental co-star in someone else’s social media feed. If you need to check your form, that’s what the mirrors are for.

11. Shower Before Sauna/Steam: Quick rinse before entering the sauna or steam room, please. You’ll feel better, and your fellow members will appreciate the fresh start.

I like to think of our weight room a little like the show Cheers, a place where everybody knows your name. It’s a friendly space. You’ll see fist bumps, high-fives, weekend recaps, and the occasional passionate debate about last night’s game.

Working out is already tough, challenging, and sometimes humbling. Let’s not make it awkward by staring someone down mid-set or turning the squat rack into a spectator sport. A little awareness goes a long way.

When we follow these guidelines, we create a space that’s safe, welcoming, and respectful,  where everyone can train confidently, chase their goals, and maybe even enjoy the process along the way.

Thanks for taking this journey with me once again. I trust that the next time I see you in the weight room, you’ll be putting these etiquette tips into action. And if not… well… let’s just say your friendly weight room tour guide is always nearby for a gentle redirect.

So I’ll leave you with this timeless reminder from Montell Jordan: “This Is How We Do It” at the Center.

Now go lift something. Preferably after re-racking something.

For questions please email Jeff at jefft@wearepcc.com!