Gym Etiquette for a Better Work-Out Experience

Working out at a gym or fitness center is an important part of life for many. Given the number of people that pass through a gym every day, it's wise to practice proper gym etiquette while there. Read on for some personal tips to put into play on your next gym visit.

---Take a clean hand towel to the gym each time you go. Use the hand towel to wipe your sweat from your brow or other body areas before sitting on the equipment. After all, no one wants to sit on a stationary bike that is wet with the sweat of the person who just rode the bike.

---Use the cleaning product and disposable toweling provided by the gym to wipe down the equipment and machines when you finish with them. This effort is important to avoid passing germs to others, like staph. Promptly throw away the disposable toweling after use and store the cleaning product in its proper place.

---Don't leave your sweaty towel lying or hanging on the gym equipment. Although it's your towel, other people who encounter it may find it unpleasant and not want to touch it.

---Wear proper clothing that covers your chest and buttocks. Of course you are proud of your body but since you are sitting on the equipment, you are less likely to pass or contract germs if you wear proper clothes. The more your body is covered, the safer it is for everyone who uses the equipment, including you.

---Avoid making or taking cell phone calls in the gym. No offense, but no one wants to hear you re-hash what you did last night or go on with other mindless chatter. If you must take or make an important call, remove yourself from the earshot of others, speak in a low voice and be brief. Take care of business and hang up.

---It goes without saying to be sure you use your earphones when listening to your iPods and MP3s to avoid spreading noise pollution while at the gym.

---It is proper gym etiquette to wait your turn to use a particular piece of equipment. Change the order of your routine if necessary to avoid cutting in front of another user.

---If one of your buddies arrives at the gym, restrain from hollering across the room to greet him. Although it's great to make and meet friends at the gym, it is wise to exercise appropriate public social graces while there.

---If you use the disposable cups to drink water at the gym, toss them in the garbage when you finish. After all, you want to walk in to a garbage-free gym and so does everyone else.

---If you carry personal items in a bag to the gym, store it in one of the lockers in the locker room. Leaving personal items on a bench or chair in the locker room makes for a quick getaway for you when you are finished with your workout, but might get in the way of others who are using the locker room.

Practicing proper gym etiquette is important when you go to work out. Adhere to your gym's rules while there to avoid any problems or misunderstandings. Keep up the good work and enjoy your work-out.