Whether you're worried about the swine flu or you think it's being blown out of proportion, taking a few extra steps to keep yourself as germ-free as possible is always wise. The gym is no exception -- when you're working out, it's wise to keep hygiene in mind. Here are a few tips:

• Wash your hands. Before heading out to the gym floor, wash your hands well. Cleaning your hands before using gym equipment is a courtesy to other members. You may want to consider using hand sanitizer during your workout as well.
• Don't touch your face. Just think of all the times you brush a strand of hair away from your face or wipe off a bead of sweat. It might be hard, but resist the urge to touch your face. Your hands are great germ carriers; you don't want those germs coming in contact with your face.
• Wipe down equipment. Wipe down equipment with a clean towel before and after use. (It's not a bad idea to bring your own clean towel, either.) Some gyms also provide antiseptic spray bottles and paper towels.
  
• Bring your own bottle. Avoid the gym's drinking fountain; bring your own water bottle that you filled up at home instead.
• Bring your own mat. Instead of using the gym's yoga mat, bring your own. At a bare minimum, be sure to wipe down the gym's mat well before using it.
  
• Shower. Before leaving the gym, take a shower and scrub down well. (Be sure to wear flip flops in the shower.) If using a public shower isn't your thing, change into clean clothes and wash your hands well before leaving.

Not only will these simple steps help prevent contracting some other gym goer's nasty bug, it's just good gym etiquette.

When it comes to hygiene/etiquette, what is your biggest pet peeve about other gym members?