11 Tips on Proper Gym Etiquette, According to Trainers

That goes for anything, from dumbbells to weight plates to resistance bands. "If you grabbed it from somewhere, put it back when you're done," Snyder said. "Consider it part of your workout."

If you're performing a couple sets of an exercise on a machine or weight bench and you have a very short rest time between them, then it’s fine to stay put. But, if you have a longer rest period — enough time for someone else to do a set — then sitting idle at the machine is "camping," Snyder said. Let someone waiting jump or “work” in for a set during your recovery time, he said.

Even if you have a robust following on social media, think twice before filming every detail of your workout. While videos can be helpful for seeing your form, they often result in staying on equipment longer than necessary, and you may not be aware of what else you're filming, said Ellen Thompson, C.P.T., head personal trainer at Blink Fitness.

"This puts other members who would not like to be filmed during their workouts in an uncomfortable position," she said.

On its own, using social media, checking your emails, and texting your friends at the gym isn't bad etiquette — but it's disrespectful if you're on your phone while blocking equipment or camping between sets, Thompson said.

You just did an overhead press, and, sure, it's tempting to let the whole barbell drop to the floor, but try to resist.

"Dropping weights is not only counterproductive to getting the full benefit of the movement, it could also startle someone else lifting heavy, causing injury mid-movement," Thompson said.

Plus, you might damage equipment or workout areas, resulting in all members losing access because of replacement or repairs.

One of the most courteous gestures you can make to fellow gym-goers is cleaning the machine or equipment you used after your workout is complete. Thompson notes that, ever since gyms have reopened, people have recently been more inclined to wipe down equipment more regularly.

"We're also seeing more members clean their machines before use, not just after," she said. "And we're seeing them toss the wipes in trash cans instead of leaving them on or near machines."

Some gym members tie up multiple machines at the same time, often by putting towels on them and jumping from one to the next, said Tom Holland, C.S.C.S., exercise physiologist, author of “Beat the Gym,” and host of the Fitness Disrupted podcast.

"This prevents others from using the machine while you're somewhere else, and this is a big no-no," he said. "Like you learned in kindergarten, sharing is caring. You can't play with three toys at once, and you shouldn't tie up multiple machines, either."

If you plan on doing a circuit, invite any other fellow gym-goers to use the machines when you’re using another piece of equipment.

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There's a new trend of blasting music through phone speakers, Holland said. That can feel intrusive and distracting to people around you, even if they're wearing headphones. And if the gym already plays music, it makes the space extra noisy.

Holland said there should be a sign over the rack, reading: "Please step back three feet." If you stand closer, it prevents others from accessing the weights they need.

If someone asks for suggestions on how to improve their deadlift — great. (Though if you’re not certified to offer such guidance, consider tag-teaming with a trainer in the gym.)

Unsolicited advice, though? Not great, said Aaron Leventhal, C.S.C.S., owner of Fit Studios in St. Louis Park, Minn.

"Please do not give anyone tips on their form," he said. "In terms of liability, it's a horrible idea, but also it just becomes awkward or frustrating for the other person."

This can be especially true when considering different dynamics such as gender, race or age.

Not sure if someone is hovering because they want to work in for a set? Feel uncomfortable being in the background of someone's video? Want to know if a fellow gym-goer is done with a piece of equipment? Ask. In general, etiquette is about acknowledging other people, seeing them as equals and respecting what they need. That kind of thoughtfulness can go a long way toward building a sense of camaraderie and community in the gym.

Words by Elizabeth Millard