Fit Factor: Brush up on your gym etiquette

Ahhh, the gym. It can be a place to unwind and de-stress, all while doing something for your body by getting fit. But it can also be a source of stress in itself if the other patrons are less than pleasant. Most of us don't have the luxury of setting up fancy home gyms, so finding a way to get along with the crowds is essential. And the best way to establish good habits in your fellow gym-goers? Practice good etiquette yourself.

There are a number of rules to follow when going to the gym, both written and unwritten, and they are especially essential during peak hours. So next time you're headed for a workout, don't be that person. Here are some important rules you need to follow in order to be a good workout neighbour:

• Don't be a hog. Nothing is more frustrating than people who monopolize the weights or machines you want to use. When you're in between sets and taking a break, let someone else work in, and mind the posted maximum times on the cardio machines.
  
• Clean up after yourself. There are spray bottles and towels near the machines for the reason -- so you can wipe up your sweat. Use them. And make sure you take away all the stuff you came with -- one of the things that grosses me out more than anything is finding used tissues in the water bottle holders on the elliptical trainers.
  
• Put your stuff away. Use the free weights? Unload the bars when you're finished. This goes for any piece of 'loose' equipment you use -- stability balls, resistance bands and so on. Put them away when you're done with them.
  
• Check the rules. Most gyms have a sign-up sheet for the cardio machines, and there's no doubting that people are going to be a bit peeved if you just hop on the first available one without checking to see if someone else had their name down for it.
  
• Quit yakking. Most people can't talk and get a really good workout at the same time so I find it's frustrating when someone strikes up a conversation and I'm in the middle of a good run. And even if you're not on the receiving end of the conversation, endless chitter chatter can distracting to those who are actually there to work -- save it for the locker room or the hallways. And as for cell phones at the gym? No one is so busy that they can't take a half an hour out of their day for a workout. Plus, if you're too busy talking to break a sweat, you might as well stay home.
  
• Don't stare. Your mom was right -- It's rude.
  
• Also, be modest. Wear appropriate attire, and think twice before prancing around naked in the locker room -- it's perfectly fine in Europe but it can be a bit offensive here.
• Respect the magazines. Some people (like myself) like catching up on the latest celebrity gossip while sweating away on the treadmill. But the good magazines are hard to find ... because they're always being pinched and hoarded. Build up good karma by leaving them for others to read and consider bringing in your already-read ones form home.
  

Any thoughts? What's your idea of good gym etiquette? What are your pet peeves?