Working in at the gym: how to share equipment

Working in means taking turns on the same equipment between sets. It starts with an agreement between the people using it. Ask while the other person is between sets, explain what you need, and give them room to say whether sharing fits the session.

Cleveland Clinic's gym etiquette guide recommends asking about remaining sets or alternating turns, and returning equipment after use. A short, clear exchange makes that advice useful on a busy floor.

Ask at a point when someone can answer

Wait until the person has finished the set and put the equipment down. Give them space to recover and respond. Avoid trying to get their attention while they are moving a loaded implement.

A simple opener is enough: “How many sets do you have left?” If there is a practical opportunity to share, follow with, “Would you mind if I worked in?”

These are example phrases. Use your normal voice. The purpose is to establish whether the equipment is occupied and whether an alternating arrangement works for both people.

Explain the adjustment you need

Sharing is easier to assess when the changes are clear. Say whether you would need a different seat position, handle, rack setting, or plate arrangement. Ask how the other person wants to leave the station between turns.

For example: “I would need to change the seat from setting two to four. Would that work if I return it after my turn?” This gives the other person a concrete proposal.

If the change is unfamiliar, get the equipment demonstrated before taking a turn. Working in should not become a rushed attempt to learn an unknown adjustment while another person waits.

Agree on turns

Once both people agree, make it clear who is going next. Keep track of your own sets and let the other person know when you have finished using the equipment.

Small statements are useful: “That was my last one; it is yours now.” Or, “I have one more turn, then I will put my plates back.” There is no need to guess whether a towel or bottle means the person is returning.

Keep bags and loose items out of the space needed for the shared activity. Return adjustments and equipment as agreed so the other person does not have to reconstruct the station after every turn.

Accept when sharing does not fit

Some arrangements require too many changes or do not suit both programmes. If the answer is no, establish when the station will be free and decide whether to wait or move to an agreed alternative.

“No problem. Please tell me when you finish” is a complete response. If there is a continuing dispute about access, let staff handle it under the facility's rules. An argument beside loaded equipment rarely improves anyone's session.

For programmes with tight equipment needs, discuss alternatives with your coach before the visit. That gives you a useful plan when a station is occupied.

Finish the exchange clearly

Clean and return the equipment through the gym's usual process. Check whether anything you moved belongs back with the station or in storage. A quick thank-you closes the exchange.

The same approach works when you are the person already training. Explain how much work remains and whether the proposed changes fit. Clear information helps the other person choose their next step.

Questions about working in

When should I ask to work in?

Ask between sets, once the person can safely give you their attention. Begin by checking whether the equipment is still in use.

What if sharing does not suit both programmes?

Ask when the station will be free, then wait or use an agreed alternative. Staff can resolve an ongoing access dispute.

Should I change the equipment back after my turn?

Agree on that before starting. Make each turn predictable for the other person.

For a first look at Nightmare Muscle, request a free tour. Use the visit to learn how the shared training floor works.