Just as there is proper etiquette when you are playing a game of golf, there is proper gym etiquette as well. Many people are unfamiliar with gym etiquette, and this is quite obvious while you’re there. Here are a few tips to keep your fellow gym members friendly towards you and not hoping you injure yourself during your next set:

1. When you are done using a piece of equipment, make sure you clean it off. There is nothing worse than getting on a piece of equipment and getting drenched by someone else’s sweat.

2. If you see someone standing by a piece of equipment that you want to use, ask them politely if they are still using it, how many sets they have left, or if they mind if you jump in for a set with them.

3. Wear deodorant! Too many people come to a gym and sweat without realizing how bad they really smell. Sweat has an odor to it. It’s only fair that you respect others by not forcing them to smell your B.O.

4. Don’t stand in front of other people while they’re doing a set. Have you ever had someone jump in front of you while you’re exercising just so they can look at themselves in the mirror? Completely disrespectful.

5. Keep the grunting and the noises down to a minimum. It’s okay to make a little noise while at the gym, but screaming at the top of your lungs at the end of a set and throwing down the weight isn’t going to be giving you the positive attention you’re looking for.

6. When you are done with your weights, put them away! You are at a gym! You’re here to exercise! If the weights are too heavy for you to put away, you shouldn’t be picking them up in the first place!

7. Turn your ipods down. Just because you enjoy your music doesn’t mean everyone else will. At a gym, you should also be aware of your surroundings, and this can be near impossible if you have music blaring in your ears.

8. If you see someone lifting heavier than they look comfortable with, offer to spot them. You may help prevent someone from getting injured as long as they don’t let their egos get the best of them.

9. Stop looking in the mirror! It’s okay to be proud of your physique accomplishments, but that doesn’t mean everyone wants to see you take your shirt off and start posing in the mirror.

10. Don’t talk to someone in the middle of a set. Lifting takes focus, so you don’t want to be distracting someone because this could lead to an injury.

The gym is a place to make friends, not enemies. If you follow some of these tips for gym etiquette, you will create a better gym experience for both you and others. Try to be a good example at your gym, not the person everyone is whispering about with looks of utter hatred.

-Tom