There are Gym Rules?
When I was growing up and going to the gym, there were always unspoken rules. You learned them from the ‘old-timers’ and they were basic things like don’t stand in front of someone in the mirror, put your weights away, clean your bench or machine after training, etc.
There are similar etiquette rules here in CrossFit. We know that it is more than just a workout—it’s a community
built on hard work, respect, and support. Now, whether you’re new to the gym or a seasoned athlete, it sometimes depends on where you started and if they had any ‘rules’ or proper etiquette to ensure everyone has a great experience. So I wanted to put down some of the things I’ve learned over my almost two-decade experience with CrossFit to share with you.
1. Show Up on Time (or Early!)
This is a must. Why? Well, CrossFit classes are structured, and coaches have a lesson plan and logistics to take in account warm-ups, skill development, and the WOD. Arriving late disrupts the flow and can throw off the class dynamic.
Now, if you’re running late that’s fine… it happens, but slip in quietly and the coach will catch up quickly during the warmup or throughout the sessions.
The key is don’t make it a habit.
Why? Well, it’s a sign of respect for the coaches and your fellow athletes. I would imagine that you wouldn’t show up late to a presentation, meeting at work or 1:1 with your boss, if you did it would be considered disrespectful and your boss would probably fire you (we’re not going to fire you), look life happens, but make a point to get there on time it’s the one thing we all can control in our life.
✅ Best Practice: Aim to arrive 5-10 minutes early
to check in, roll out and be ready for the Whiteboard Brief from there the coaches will tell you where to go next.
2. Respect the Coach & Pay Attention
Your coach is there to help you move safely and efficiently. Whether they’re explaining the workout, demonstrating a movement, or correcting your form, give them your full attention.
We want to make sure that you understand the stimulus for the day (and yes, there is a lot of design and planning involved in what we do) and how to find appropriate scaling options to preserve that stimulus.
❌ Don’t:
Talk over the coach, do your own thing during instruction, or ignore movement standards.
✅ Do: Listen, ask questions, and be coachable.
✅ Do:
Wait for the appropriate time to ask questions and for scaling options.
3. Clean Up After Yourself
Your workout isn’t finished until your equipment is put away! Leaving weights, chalk, or sweat puddles behind is really inconsiderate to the next class and coaches. So make sure you:
✅ Wipe down your equipment (bars, rowers, benches).
✅ Return plates, dumbbells, and gear to their proper place.
✅ Manage your chalk use—nobody likes a “chalk explosion” on the floor.
❌ Don’t:
Use wipes on the barbells to remove the chalk, make sure you use the wire brushes to get the chalk off, unless you bled which we need to spray and disinfect (otherwise they will rust).
4. Don’t Clean Up While Others Are Still Working
Just because you’ve finished doesn’t mean everyone else has. It can be distracting and even demoralizing when athletes are still grinding through the WOD while others are loudly cleaning up around them.
Remember, you wouldn’t go to a friends house for dinner, eat as fast as you can, then proceed to put your dishes in the sink and walk out of the house while they are still eating. That is kind of what you’re doing to your fellow athletes when you clean up while others are still working.
Best practices:
✅ Wait until the last person finishes before putting away your gear.
✅ Cheer on your fellow athletes instead of packing up early.
✅ If you absolutely need to clean up, do it quietly and without disrupting the class flow.
CrossFit is about community, and nothing embodies that more than supporting others until the very last rep. What makes CrossFit special is the person that finishes last gets the loudest applause.
5. Be Aware of Your Surroundings
CrossFit workouts often involve barbells, kettlebells, and high-speed movement, so spatial awareness is key.
✅ Check before you walk behind someone lifting—they might be mid-squat or deadlift.
✅ Give others space when setting up for box jumps, rope climbs, or Olympic lifts.
✅ Don’t drop empty barbells—it damages the equipment and makes you that person.
6. Encourage, But Don’t Coach
CrossFit thrives on community support, but there’s a fine line between motivation and overstepping. Unless you’re a coach, avoid giving unsolicited advice.
✅ Do: Cheer people on, give high-fives, and celebrate wins.
❌ Don’t: Critique someone’s form or tell them what they should do differently. It’s ok to share some ideas, but let the coach help. It can be confusing and overwhelming especially when you’re new.
7. Scale Smart, Not Stubbornly
CrossFit is for all fitness levels, and scaling is key to progressing safely. If a coach suggests a modification, trust them! We are trying to help you preserve the stimulus and stay safe (more to come in a future blog).
✅ Know your limits—scaling isn’t a weakness, it’s smart training (scale for life).
✅ Don’t ego-lift—safety and form come first.
8. Dropping Barbells & Weights from Overhead (Unless Necessary)
We get it—sometimes a lift is heavy, and you need to drop it. But not every lift needs to be slammed down. Dropping from overhead too often can damage the barbell, plates and your fellow athletes.
The big rule of thumb is if you need to drop it make sure your hands are over the bar to prevent it from bouncing around. If it can be controlled and light--bring it down under control. The same goes for dumbbells, you should be able to return them to the floor under control (even from hip height)
unless it is absolutely necessary to drop.
Best Practices:
✅ Lower the bar (dumbbells & kettlebells) under control when possible.
✅ If you must drop, make sure the space around you is clear.
9. Respect the Community & Culture
CrossFit is about working hard together. A positive gym culture means respecting everyone, whether they’re lifting double your weight or just starting their fitness journey. When you travel to another CrossFit gym, I always think about it as if I'm visiting someone's home for the first time. I ask the coaches and members regarding their 'house rules'. I want to make sure that I'm respecting their space, equipment, and gym culture (not to mention I always want to be invited back).
Also for new members remember your first day. It can be so overwhelming coming into a gym for the first time. Weights are dropping, the music is loud and you're surrounded by a close knit community. So some best practices at home or away.
✅ Introduce yourself. See a new member say hi and let them know you're hear to help
✅ Avoid negative talk about other athletes or the programming.
If you have constructive feedback pull the coach to the side or seek to understand the larger goal.
✅ Support everyone, no matter their skill level.
When traveling to another box: Make sure you understand their policies. Some require you to sign-up before you show up. So inquire before heading over to a new gym for the first time. Here are some other tips:
✅ Ask: is it ok to drop weights here?
✅ Be Supportive of Everyone
✅Have an open mind to their coaching cues to learn from another perspective.
✅ Look for cool cultural or experiences you saw and share that with your local gym
✅ PAY FOR YOUR DROP-IN:
You wouldn't walk into a business not expecting to pay for their goods m
Support their Business by buying a shirt or a drink!
✅ Thank the Coaches and Members for Inviting You Into Their Home!
10. Keep the Post-WOD Recovery in Check
It’s fine to collapse on the floor after a tough workout, but be mindful of your surroundings. If the next class is coming in or others are finishing their WOD, clear space and avoid blocking equipment (just crawl to the corner, that's my go to).
11. Have Fun & Be a Good Teammate!
At the end of the day, CrossFit is about self-improvement, community, and having fun. Bring good energy, work hard, and celebrate progress—yours and others'.
👍 High-fives encouraged
💪 Work hard, stay humble
🔥 Support your fellow athletes
Final Thoughts
Good gym etiquette makes the CrossFit experience better for everyone. By following these simple guidelines, you’ll not only earn respect in the gym but also contribute to a stronger, more supportive community. If you ever have a question, just ask! No one should expect to know what you're experiences have been and we are happy to help you!
Did we miss any CrossFit etiquette rules? Or are there others that you abide by? If so, drop your thoughts in the comments below!