Gym Etiquette: Share Your Equipment

Joining a gym is a great way to get started with your new healthy lifestyle. However, many new gym members are unaware that there are rules that should be followed. These rules ensure everyone can use the available gym equipment, as well as make certain that equipment and workout spaces stays clean and comfortable for everyone.

Sharing Is Caring. Most gyms have a limited amount of equipment, which means that other members will need to use your machine during your rest period between reps. If you don't like sharing with strangers, you might want to find a workout partner so you can utilize the machines efficiently.

Reset Machines After Use. If you're a "squatting fiend" who can squat quite a bit of weight, you should reset the machine to the lowest weight setting when you're finished working out. This is especially true when the weights must be manually removed from a bar. The person who lifts after you might not be able to lift the as much as you can and could get injured while setting the machine for their workout.

Clean Up Your Workout Area. If you've been on the treadmill for 30 minutes, and you've sweat on the machine, you need to clean it up. Most gyms offer spray bottles and/or towels to wipe down the machines after use.

Follow Posted Time Limit Rules. Many gym members exceed the time limits regularly. Gyms realize that during their busy hours, they might not have as many of the popular machines like treadmills and exercise bikes. If other members are waiting when you hit the time limit, you can always work out on a different machine and then return to the one that you had been using.

Keep the Noise Levels Down. Try to be respectful of others who are focusing on their workouts. This goes for conversations, too. If you're chatting with a friend, carry on the conversation in an appropriate area like the locker room or while you're stretching out -- and remember, there are certain conversations that just aren't appropriate for the gym.

Respect Others in the Locker Room. Shower quickly so others can get in, especially during the lunch hour or early in the morning, when many people need to finish their workout and got to work. Also, use a towel to cover up in the locker room. You may be comfortable in the nude, but others may not be as comfortable around people in various stages of undress.

Use The Machinery For Their Real Purposes. Gym mirrors should be used so you can check your form when you're working out. When you're working out, you should only be using one machine, too. If you're working out on one and storing a water bottle, towel or other items on the machine next to you, your fellow gym members can't use it.

Learn When To Carry On Conversations. Chatting with people near the water fountain is fine, but carrying on long or highly personal conversations is not. Don't try to start a conversation with someone who is in the middle of several reps or who is trying to concentrate. Wait for your friend to finish before chatting.

Get a Locker To Avoid Taking Up Space. Lockers are usually available for free if you bring your own lock. It will keep all of your personal items together -- and safe -- while you work out. It also keeps you from taking up too much room on the gym floor. Just remember to turn your cell phone off or put it on silent while you're there.

Give Fellow Gym-Goers Space: Try to keep at least five feet between yourself and others when possible. This helps everyone feel comfortable. It also ensures that if you or your neighbor drops a weight, you don't end up with a broken or bruised foot or knee cap.

Now that you're at the gym, find great ways to lose 10 pounds in 2010.