Gym Etiquette 101

So, before you head out to work or after a long day, you decide to go get a work out in. New to the gym scene? Here's some etiquette tips to keep you from being 'that person.'

1. Re-rack- Re-racking the weights when you are finished using them doesn't mean you can just put them anywhere. Please put them where they belong, please use logic people! Weights are composed of different sizes. Putting one where it doesn't belong can lead to potential injuries if it happen to fall on someone's foot!

2. Spotter?- When doing weight training, it is important to have a spotter when you are doing to max out. If you're not going too heavy/maxing out then a spotter isnt always necessary. Please be careful.

3. May I cut in?- If you're going to use a machine that someone is also using, please ask before just cutting in with them.

4. Too many people- If its crowded and you're going to use a treadmill then do not walk on the treadmill (use the indoor track or stay home and go outside for a walk). AKA, for the ppl that drive to the gym to walk on the treadmill, esp. at peak hours. Or, you can even use another machine like the elliptical, bike, etc.

Also, during peak hours be willing to move over on the mats to squeeze another person in so they can stretch and/or do their abs. Dont take up five feet of space on the mats and then get mad that someone is next to you stretching/doing their abs.

5. Just gross- Naturally, exercising makes us sweat. Please, I beg of you, wipe down the machines when you're using them. Gyms, locker rooms, etc. smell bad enough. Also, dispose of your empty water bottles and gatorade bottles in the trash or recyling bin. Better yet, bring one of those bottles that you don't have to throw away and put your drink in there when you go! Also, keep drinks off the training floor—especially sports drinks that are sugary and can be sticky to clean up!

6. Loitering- Don't just stand or sit in the training areas and equipment when resting or not training. Decide if you are going to use the machine. As Nike always says, 'Just Do It!" Other people may be trying to use the machine you are on.

7. Malfunction- If you notice a piece of gym equipment is malfunctioning, please let a member of the staff know immediately so they can get the issue fixed. If you don't, the next person using it could get seriously hurt. By the same token, if you see an "out of order" sign on a machine, don't use the item, since you could get hurt as well.

So there you have it, seven tips of the trade to keep you're workout buddies from getting ticked off at you.