Are you staying in a YMCA and want to know what good YMCA locker room etiquette is?
First of all, be sure to read the rules for the specific YMCA you’re staying in or using the facilities of.
But in addition to outlined rules, here are the top 10 YMCA locker room etiquette ‘unspoken’ rules to adhere to:
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YMCA Locker Room Etiquette
1. Don’t Hang Around in The Locker Room
The locker room is not a social club, it’s a place to get in and out as quickly as possible.
So don’t hang around chatting or taking up space unnecessarily.
If you want to chat, do it in the lobby or another common area. Hanging around will only make you look suspicious, not to mention getting into the way of others.
Related – Gym locker room and gym swimming pool etiquette explained!
2. Don’t Use Locker Rooms as A Place to Socialize
This one is similar to the first but bears repeating. The locker room is not a place to socialize, it’s a place to change clothes.
So don’t use it as a place to catch up with friends or make new ones.
And remember, even if you are just talking, people can still hear you and may not appreciate your conversation.
3. Don’t Stare if You See Someone Nude
We’ve all been in the locker room and accidentally seen someone who is nude.
It’s not a big deal, but it’s also not something you should stare at.
If you see someone who is nude, just look away and mind your business, whether you’re OK with it or not.
4. Turn Your Phone Off and Don’t Use It
This one should be a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people use their phones in the locker room.
But using your phone in the locker room is just rude.
First of all, it’s a place where people are changing and you should respect their privacy.
But secondly, it’s just common courtesy. If you’re using your phone, you’re not paying attention to your surroundings and you could be missing something important.
5. Wear Flip Flops or Shower Shoes
This one is mostly for your own protection.
Wearing flip-flops or shower shoes in the locker room will protect you from getting athlete’s foot or some other nasty infection, and who knows what you might step on.
It’s just not worth it to go barefoot, so be sure to bring a pair of flip-flops or shower shoes to the locker room with you.
6. Dry Off After Showering Before Walking to Your Locker
This one is for your own protection and the safety of others.
Be sure to dry off completely after showering before walking to your locker.
Walking around wet increases your chances of slipping and falling, and no one wants that.
So take a minute to dry off before heading back to your locker.
7. Don’t Expose Yourself Unnecessarily
This one is pretty self-explanatory, but I come across so many people who are blissfully unaware of how it affects others.
Don’t expose yourself unnecessarily in the locker room.
No one wants to see your private parts, so keep it covered up until you’re ready to shower or use the bathroom.
And even then, be sure to use a towel or something to cover up.
Respect the privacy of others and they should respect yours.
8. Go Easy on The Powders and Sprays
We all have our favorite lotions and potions that we like to use, but be mindful of others when using them in the locker room.
Don’t go overboard with the powders and sprays.
A little goes a long way and too much can be overwhelming for others.
So use them sparingly and not fill the locker room with a cloud of strong-smelling deodorant or other products.
9. Leave the Locker Room as Clean as You Found It
This one is just common courtesy.
Be sure to leave the locker room as clean as you found it.
That means putting away all of your things, wiping down the benches and counters you’ve used, and throwing away any trash.
We all share the locker room, so do your part to keep it clean.
10. Be Nice to Everyone and Respect Personal Boundaries
This one is pretty simple and is one of my favorite life tips.
Be nice to everyone in the locker room and respect personal boundaries.
That means no touching, no staring, and no making others feel uncomfortable.
We’re all there for the same reason, to use the facilities and then go about our day.
A Little History on The YMCA in The US
The Young Men’s Christian Association, or YMCA, was founded in London in 1844 by George Williams.
The organization was created to provide a safe place for young men to stay while away from home.
The first YMCA in the United States was established in Boston in 1851. Today, there are over 2000 YMCAs in the United States.
The YMCA is a non-profit organization that provides membership services, programs, and facilities to its members.
These services can include things like fitness classes, swimming pools, childcare, and youth sports leagues.
The YMCA also offers some unique programs, like English as a second language classes and after-school programs.
The YMCA is a great resource for the community and offers something for everyone.
Header Photo by Ronnie George on Unsplash
I’m a MA, (CMT) Certified Massage Therapist, Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), and Reiki Master — I’m a licensed massage therapist with over 10 years of experience in the industry.