Locker Room Shower Etiquette
Most people, at some point in their lives, will find it necessary to shower in a public shower or, more specifically, in a locker room shower. Before removing your towel and embarking on a potentially awkward social situation, it's best to equip yourself with the commonly held rules of etiquette. Does this Spark an idea?
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The One Main Rule
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When it comes to locker room showering, there is one overarching rule that most experts agree on: respect personal space. According to AskMen.com fitness correspondent Dustin Driver, the average person feels vulnerable when naked, so it is usually best to stay as far from someone as possible when showering. Unless you're entering a crowded showering facility, it is usually best to pick a shower head that isn't right next to another person. Health website Hubpages.com states that most women's locker rooms now have stalls to separate those in the shower, but some still may have a communal shower setup.
Towel Usage
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A towel can be your best friend in and around locker room showers. Driver points out that a person should avoid remaining naked for too long, as this can make others uncomfortable. Instead, a person should wear their towel unless they are in the process of showering, drying off or putting on clothes.
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The Case Against Socializing
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According to Hubpages.com, socializing in the shower is frowned upon. The site says this may make the person you're standing next to feel obligated to socialize with you, which can be awkward while both individuals are naked. Measured Up.com says it is best to think of a locker room as all business and not a players' lounge.
Don't Take Too Long
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Driver points out that taking overly long showers is a locker room shower no-no. If you're caught in the rush of after-work gym attendees, Driver said it is disrespectful to eat up everyone's time by chatting and taking too long to leave the shower. Get in, get clean and get out of the way.
Where to Look
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According to Hubpages.com, it is usually best not to stare at another person's private parts. If you find yourself looking at another person, it is best to make brief eye contact, but for the most part try to look in the opposite direction of the person showering across from you or next to you.
Advice from the Trenches
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Triathlete Chad Holderbaum has seen his fair share of locker room showers. His website backs up many of the aforementioned rules of locker room showering etiquette. According to Holderbaum, limited socializing, maintaining proper personal space and prioritizing your exit from the shower should be the top three things on your list.
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- Photo Credit shower series. goofy in the shower image by Alexey Stiop from Fotolia.com
