The Official "Rulebook" of Ping and How It's Organized

There are many spoken and unspoken rules at Ohio University’s student gym, “Ping Center.” In today’s modern workout culture, there is definitely an etiquette to go by and follow. We are expected to wear certain apparel, act a distinct way, and behave appropriately. For the sake of these rules, some people might naturally feel like they don't fit in or feel out of place if their personality or identities match within these rules. On the other hand, some of them are common sense like not staring at other people as they lift and other guidelines we learn at a young age. While there are certain expectations socially in the gym, there are spoken rules and safety procedures to follow so nobody gets injured or have any other complications. These are verbal and communicated clearly throughout the gym. There is often signs on the walls that say not to do something for a purpose. We establish these spoken rules for a bigger goal to make the gym run smoothly. The official way we organized the rules in Ping are:

1. Unspoken Social Rules

2. Spoken and other Safety Rules

Unspoken Social Rules:

* Putting weights back after you use them. This will aggravate many students because everyone doesn’t have the same strength ability and causes loss of time.

*Don’t take too much time at each machine/squat rack

*Don’t keep asking how much time they have left at each machine

*Keep to your self. Don’t get too close to anyone. People need to have room to workout.

*Clean up after yourself. Use wipes if you have to.

*Don’t talk too much in the gym. Other people need the equipment too.

*Ask if you need to use something. Don’t just assume.

*Do certain exercises in designated areas.

*Wear athletic clothing

*no staring at other people as they lift

Spoken and other Safety Rules:

*No chalk

*Collars/Clips are required at all times

*No chains

*Personal training is permitted by Campus Recreation staff only

*Barbell squats must be performed in the power racks with safety bars

*Bumper plates must be used for all olympic and overhead power movement

*3 feet of space must be left between you and other patrons when performing olympic or barbell *lifts outside of a power rack or platform

*Movements must be controlled when performing barbell exercises

*Do not stack plyo boxes

*No hanging upside down or swinging from one bar to another on the Rig

*Using equipment outside of its intended design is not permitted

*Re-rack all weights and return all equipment to their original locations after use

*Bags and belongings must be placed in a cubby or locker

*Any photography/video must have prior written approval

*All policies and safety rules are subject to the discretion of the Campus Recreation Staff

*Shirts and shoes must be worn at all times

*Any body part touching equipment must be covered (no exposed skin touching equipment)

Personal speakers prohibited