Can I use this piece of equipment?
Stress 'at-TREZ-zo'. The double 'z' gives a slightly longer buzz sound.
Use this when someone's bag or towel is on a machine but they aren't actively using it. It avoids conflict and is considered polite gym etiquette.
'Posso' (can I / may I) is the first-person singular of 'potere'. 'Attrezzo' means equipment or tool; in a gym context it usually refers to a machine or piece of apparatus. 'Questa macchina' is another option for machine-based equipment.
Stai usando questa macchina?
Are you using this machine?
Informal, direct way to check.
Posso alternarmi con te?
Can I work in with you?
To share a machine between sets.
Quanti set ti mancano?
How many sets do you have left?
Useful when waiting for equipment.
In Italian gyms, it is polite to wipe down equipment after use with the cloth or spray provided ('disinfettante'). Leaving sweat on a machine without cleaning it is a serious social faux pas.