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Gym documentary -

Yes, your Instagram followers know you work out. You don't need to document every single thing you do at the gym.

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Water fountain hygiene - Don't spit or blow your nose when using the water fountain. It's disgusting. People put their mouths there to drink water. Think about that for a second.

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Eating at the gym - It's OK to eat a protein bar or sip on a drink, but the gym is not a canteen. You should have your meals elsewhere.

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Clean up your sweat - We've all been there. We're about to use a bench or a machine, when we notice they're covered in sweat. If you can afford a gym membership, surely you can afford a towel!

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Wear clean clothes - Dirty clothes stink, especially if you're sweating under them. Do yourself and everyone else in the gym a favor, and wash your gym clothes.

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Deodorant - You will be exercising, your body temperature will rise, you will sweat. Please, please wear deodorant! Every gym member will appreciate it.

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Body odor -

In summary, shower, wear clean clothes, and use deodorant. Simple, right?

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Put your weights back - Pick up your weights after using them and rack them. If you're strong enough to use them, you're strong enough to put them back!

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Keep your top on - Strongly consider keeping your top on while working out at a commercial gym. Sweat gets everywhere, which leaves behind unhygienic conditions for the next person using that particular machine or piece of equipment. Clothing at least gives a barrier. 

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Gym selfie -

Ah, the classic gym mirror selfie. Your diet and exercise plan may be paying off, but you don't need to block off the machines to document it right this second.

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Avoid flirting with everyone - Sure, you can talk to people, and you might even meet your other half at the gym. But going to the gym with the sole purpose of hitting on everyone you find attractive is not the way to go.

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Hey babe, do you need a spot? - It's OK to ask if someone needs a spot. It's not OK to go and touch that person while giving unsolicited spotting.

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Don't perv on other gym members - It's hard not to glance at someone at the gym, especially if they're attractive. But that doesn't mean it's OK to stare at people's bodies. If we need to explain this further, then you should talk to someone about this.

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Gym wear - Wear appropriate clothes when working out. And no, jeans are not acceptable.

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Unsolicited advice - Your intentions might be good, but the truth is that you're not responsible for another person's form, nor is it your job to teach someone how to work out. That's what trainers are for. 

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Pushy PTs - Personal trainers can help you to achieve your goals. But just like any other job, you have good and bad ones. You can easily spot the PT pushing the client to do an exercise they clearly don't know how to do, with bad form, and way above their skill level. 

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Not knowing how much you can lift - We've all done it. Picked up a dumbbell, only to realize that we weren't strong enough to handle that weight. However instead of doing the smart thing and trading it out for the appropriate weight, we often feel too embarrassed so we just try anyway. This leads to a lousy set and sometimes hurting ourselves. Don't do this.

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Gym newbies and supplements - It's easy to get carried away when you start working out. You might think you actually need a lot of supplements to achieve your goals. You don't. Start by eating a balanced diet instead!

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Gym lounge - Most people already spend a lot of time on their phones throughout the day. Focus on your workout and don't just sit there texting. The gym is not your living room.

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I don't need a spot! - Any time you're pushing yourself and lifting heavy weights, it's a good idea to have a spot. Try and get over your ego or your fear of asking a stranger for help, as you can really hurt yourself if you don't. 

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Stopping and staring - While it's great to be proud of your body, maybe in the middle of a crowded gym isn't the best place to be blocking off space while you check yourself out.

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Respect personal space - Your intentions are good and you just want to give your training partner some extra motivation. But honestly, there's no need to get that close.

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Keep the noise to a minimum - While it's normal to let a grunt once in a while when lifting heavy weights, remember that you're in a shared space, and no one wants to hear your squat set from the other side of the gym. 

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Don't go to the gym if you're sick - So you weren't well enough to go to work but think "sweating out" your cold in the gym is a good idea? People go to the gym to be healthy, not to catch viruses. Please stay at home.

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Do not talk to people mid-set - A small distraction can be enough for you to fail. Now imagine the consequences of someone distracting you when you have a heavy weight overhead. Exactly.

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Gym rage - You can get excited, let a few heavy breaths out, and even make a few sounds when going for those final extra-hard reps. But there's no need to swear like you're about to kill someone.

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Curling in the squat rack - You shouldn't, under any circumstances  whatsoever, perform bicep curls in the squat rack. You've been warned.

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Don't be judgmental -

Do not make fun of anyone at the gym. Many people are out of shape and that is why they are there, so give them props instead of funny looks.

See also: Born to run? The connection between fitness and genetics

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