What is gym etiquette for turning on a fan around others?
QUESTION: What is gym etiquette regarding the use of fans? I do a Zumba class in a small room and always turn the fan on me as there are a few ladies that don’t like the fan blowing on them. When I go out into the regular gym and walk the treadmill, I get very warm. There is a large fan that blows that way but is not always on. Should I ask those in the general area if they mind if I turn the fan on?
CALLIE’S ANSWER: Most people working out don’t mind a fan. Yes, it would be kind of you to ask the general area if it’s OK to turn on the fan though.
LILLIE-BETH’S ANSWER: I generally don’t like fans blowing directly on me even when I am hot. However, in spite of my preference, I wouldn’t tell you to turn it off if makes you more comfortable in your own space. The fact that you’re asking here what to do and are willing to ask in the gym shows that you are aware of how your actions affect others and that you want to be respectful.
Hopefully, the fact that I wouldn’t stand in your way of using one says the same about me. In some ways, etiquette means acknowledging the give and take of competing interests and making sure that you don’t dictate that your way always wins without some sort of negotiation. It is being respectful of how your actions affect other people. I don’t know what “proper” etiquette is related to fan use in gyms, but it is nice that you are asking how turning it on will affect others.
Opening up the conversation is a good start. It definitely gets hot when you are working out. Some people would welcome it. Ask others, and then, if necessary, figure out a way to direct it to yourself only or share. Or bring your own personal fan.
HELEN’S ANSWER: The fans are in the room for a reason and there may be others around you who would like the fan to be on while they are exercising. Ask the question about the large fan and if the others don’t want it, direct it to where you are exercising only.
There are small fans available that you could attach to your treadmill.
GUEST’S ANSWER: Christina Nihira, community volunteer: Gyms are typically well-ventilated and have their own air conditioning systems. The temperature is set to accommodate the “majority” of people while they work out.
However, as individuals, our bodies
have different comfort zones. Of course, you can always reach out to those around you to see if they are content with a fan blowing on them in the case of a class or session.
Better yet, I recommend purchasing a small, portable fan which is batteryoperated and can be purchased at any discount retailer. There are some that even include a small spray bottle. The fan can be placed in your workout space or clipped onto the treadmill. Stay cool and happy exercising!
Since 2009, Callie, Lillie-Beth and Helen have written this generational etiquette column. They also include guest responses from a wide range of ages each week. So many years later, Callie is 20-plus; Lillie-Beth is 40-plus and Helen is 60-plus. To ask an etiquette question, email helen.wallace@cox.net.