Gym Etiquette Revival: How One Dublin Chain Restored Standards After Post-Pandemic Decline
In an era where fitness culture collides with shifting social norms, one Dublin gym chain has sparked a national conversation about the unspoken rules of shared workout spaces. West Wood Club, one of Ireland’s largest fitness franchises, recently implemented strict new etiquette guidelines that have not only improved member behavior but also reignited debate about what constitutes acceptable gym conduct in 2026.
The Etiquette Crisis That Prompted Action
West Wood Club’s February 2026 email to members cited a “significant decline in adherence to basic etiquette standards” that had become particularly problematic following the COVID-19 pandemic. The chain, which operates six locations across Dublin and reported €27 million in membership fees for 2025, identified several key areas where standards had slipped:
- Increased phone use during workouts
- Excessive grunting and shouting
- Improper attire choices
- Poor hygiene practices
- Failure to wipe down equipment
“There was a consensus among members that standards in general were falling,” said Luke Heapes, West Wood’s Member Experience Manager. “The email was sent to remind members about what behavior was appropriate in a shared space.”
The New Rules That Divided Members
The gym’s new guidelines included several specific requirements that sparked both praise and criticism:
| Requirement | Member Reaction |
|---|---|
| Carry a towel during workouts and wipe sweat | Mostly positive, though some called it “overly strict” |
| Refrain from unnecessary grunting/shouting | Generally accepted as reasonable |
| Wear appropriate and fresh gym attire | Minimal pushback |
| Limit phone use (no scrolling on equipment) | Most controversial rule |
| No filming in gym areas | Widely supported |
The policy included a clear warning: failure to adhere to these guidelines could result in immediate termination of membership. While a small number of members canceled their subscriptions in protest, the chain reported that most members responded positively to the clarification of expectations.
The Psychology Behind Gym Etiquette
Sports psychologists suggest the post-pandemic etiquette decline reflects broader societal shifts in how we interact with shared spaces. “The pandemic disrupted our social norms in profound ways,” explains Dr. Fiona O’Malley, a Dublin-based psychologist specializing in behavioral health. “Many people became accustomed to more personal space and less social interaction during lockdowns, which has carried over into public spaces like gyms.”
O’Malley notes that gyms present unique challenges due to the fact that they combine elements of both public and private spaces. “People often treat gyms like their personal workout zone rather than a shared community resource. The lines between what’s acceptable and what’s not have become increasingly blurred.”
Industry-Wide Reactions
The move has sparked discussion across Ireland’s fitness industry, with reactions ranging from strong support to skepticism about enforcement:
“All gyms should set out clear rules and etiquette guidelines when members sign up. It’s not going to solve everything, but at least people should be aware of what they’re agreeing to.”
Erik Ferrer, Independent Personal Trainer
Ferrer, who has worked in gyms for over 14 years in both Brazil and Ireland, believes behavior has “definitely gotten worse” in recent years. He cites increased phone use as a particular concern: “People are so deep inside their phones, scrolling, that they’re not paying attention to others around them. You observe people taking video calls while sitting on equipment, completely oblivious to others waiting to use it.”
The Hygiene Factor
Hygiene emerged as a particularly contentious issue in West Wood’s guidelines. The chain’s requirement to carry and use towels during workouts addressed what many members saw as a growing problem. Ferrer notes that hygiene issues extend beyond sweat management: “In one gym where I worked, we had to put up signs saying ‘Don’t wring wet towels onto the floor’ after multiple incidents.”
The policy appears to have had the desired effect. West Wood reported a “huge improvement” in standards following the email, with Heapes noting that “there was more of a mutual understanding with most people” after the guidelines were clarified.
Cultural Differences in Gym Etiquette
One of the more interesting aspects of the debate has been the discussion of cultural differences in gym behavior. West Wood made it clear that some practices acceptable in other gyms would not be tolerated in their facilities. “In some gyms, it’s OK for the guys to take their tops off during their workouts—that’s part of the brand,” Heapes explained. “But that’s not the case in West Wood.”
This cultural specificity highlights how gym etiquette can vary significantly between facilities, even within the same city. What’s considered normal at a hardcore bodybuilding gym might be frowned upon at a more family-oriented facility.
Key Takeaways for Gym-Goers
Whether you’re a seasoned fitness enthusiast or a newcomer to the gym scene, these guidelines can facilitate you navigate shared workout spaces:
- Respect the shared space: Treat the gym like a community resource, not your personal workout zone.
- Mind your noise levels: Keep grunting and shouting to a minimum—what might feel necessary for your workout could be disruptive to others.
- Prioritize hygiene: Always carry a towel and wipe down equipment after use. No one wants to use a machine covered in someone else’s sweat.
- Limit phone use: Take calls outside the workout area and avoid scrolling on equipment that others might necessitate.
- Dress appropriately: Wear fresh, clean gym attire that’s suitable for the facility’s culture.
- Be aware of your surroundings: Pay attention to others waiting to use equipment and keep your workouts efficient.
- Follow facility-specific rules: What’s acceptable at one gym might not be at another—always check the posted guidelines.
The Future of Gym Etiquette
West Wood’s experience suggests that clear communication about expectations can significantly improve the gym environment. As fitness culture continues to evolve, we may see more facilities implementing similar guidelines to address the changing social dynamics of shared workout spaces.
“The reason we did it was really down to member feedback,” Heapes said. “When people feel their concerns are being heard and addressed, they’re more likely to respond positively to guidelines that benefit the entire community.”
As gyms continue to recover from the disruptions of the pandemic era, the West Wood case offers a potential roadmap for restoring—and maintaining—standards of conduct that make the gym experience positive for everyone.
FAQ: Gym Etiquette in 2026
Q: Why are gyms cracking down on etiquette now?
A: Many gyms report that standards declined significantly following the COVID-19 pandemic, as people became accustomed to more personal space and different social norms. The return to shared spaces has created friction between old expectations and new behaviors.
Q: What’s the most controversial gym etiquette rule?
A: Phone use restrictions tend to generate the most pushback. Many gym-goers are accustomed to using their phones for music, tracking workouts, or even taking calls during exercise. However, facilities argue that excessive phone use creates safety hazards and monopolizes equipment.
Q: How can I avoid etiquette mistakes at the gym?
A: The best approach is to observe the culture of your specific gym and follow these universal guidelines: wipe down equipment, limit your time on machines during peak hours, keep noise to a minimum, and be aware of others waiting to use equipment.
Q: What should I do if I see someone breaking etiquette rules?
A: Most gyms prefer that you report issues to staff rather than confronting other members directly. Many facilities have systems in place for addressing etiquette violations discreetly and professionally.
Q: Are etiquette rules different for men and women?
A: While the basic principles of respect and consideration apply equally to all gym-goers, some facilities have different expectations regarding attire. It’s always best to check your gym’s specific guidelines, as cultural norms can vary significantly between locations.