These are my rules to the gym. You don’t have to follow any of them, but if you want to make friends at the gym I suggest you pick a few and stick to them.

Share the Equipment

Remember back to kindergarten when you learned to share? The gym is the time to harness that skill and step aside. Pay attention to cardio limits, no one cares that you are training for a marathon and need to run 13 miles on a treadmill – share! Don’t hog the machine, if you notice someone lingering near by, offer to alternate sets, while you rest they can work in.

Wipe down your machine

Left over sweat is not attractive… it’s actually down right disgusting. This comes from one sweat-er to another – clean up after yourself. Usually gyms will have cleaning spray, or already wet cloths to wipe down the machines with. At the very least use your towel that you brought.

Respect the Water Fountain Line

Don’t fill up your entire 64 oz water bottle while a line forms behind you. Be reasonable, let people who just need a quick sip drink through.

Step Away From the Weight Rack

We all love mirrors,and for some reason during workouts, more than ever we love to stare at ourselves. Find a spot (not directly in front of the weight rack) where you can still see yourself in the mirror and watch your form, but not block others from also grabbing the weights. Yes, this includes reading the newspaper while sitting on equipment, standing around blocking equipment while you check  your Facebook updates and chatting with the new cute guy you’ve been seeing for the past week. Be aware of others and be considerate when you work out.

Hang Up Your Phone

No one wants to hear the newest gossip from your life. First, leave your phone in the locker room. The gym is for serious sweat sessions – not a casual workout routine that you can complete while still talking on the phone for an hour. If you are expecting a call or your phone is physically attached to your body and you can’t leave it in the locker room, when it rings step off the gym floor. Don’t take your call where all the other treadmills can hear you and force everyone around you to listen.

If You’re Sick – Stay Home.

no one wants to be touching the weights after you just sneezed in your hand or running next to someone coughing every few minutes. If you’re sick stay home. If you are insisting on working out, run outside or do a body weight workout in your apartment. Be respectful of public areas, no one else wants to leave the gym sicker than they came in.

Clean Up Your Area

Unload your weights after a big lift. Don’t leave dumbbells around the gym. If you move the floor mats, move them back. It’s not rocket science – clean up! Leave your area better than when you arrived. Think how clean and organized the gym would be if everyone did this.

What did I miss? What would you add to my list of Rules?