Local Fitness Fans Talk the Dos and Don'ts of the Gym

Whether you agree or not with Dr. Phil, the psychology guru from Oprah, I have seen plenty of examples of what he calls the "Rudeness Epidemic."

For me, few places highlight a lack of consideration better than a gym. People let their guard down, or perhaps think they aren't being watched, and bad behavior often follows.

Here is an unscientific gathering of some common pet peeves and missteps.

1. Not wiping off equipment when finished. This may be most important, not only because sitting on a wet, smelly seat can give you the willies, but also because it can make you sick. Health club machines and mats were listed on Health.com's "dirty dozen" of most bacteria-laden places we encounter. Especially scary, the list said, is antibiotic-resistant staphylococcus.

Alexander Ryan, 23, of Chesterfield works out at Lifetime Fitness in Ellisville, and said that "sweat when you lay your head down," tops his list of pet peeves.

2. Uninvited socializing. As a mid-20s female, I've definitely encountered a "let me help you" attitude from some self-appointed experts in the weight room. While a nod or hello is wonderful, interrupting a workout is never okay unless someone is in danger. Just like in the majority of social situations, unsolicited advice from strangers steps across boundaries.

Not only that, but mid-workout is not the time to get a date or catch up on a stranger's view of the impending collapse of the economy. For myself, I am trying to get the best workout possible in my limited time, and your interruptions are stealing that time.

"I've got headphones on, I'm not talking, I'm looking straight ahead - leave me alone," said Kristina Gerhardt, a trainer at West County Health & Fitness in Ballwin.

3. Talking on the phone while exercising. Its a pretty standard rule, lady-on-the-treadmill talking on the phone for half hour, that if you can hold a conversation easily, you aren't getting a good cardiovascular workout. Additionally, I may have headphones on, but they only go up to a certain volume and I can hear your life's intimate details quite easily over it.

Texting is a bit less of a sin, but please turn off your ringer. A little bit of sanity leaves me every time I have to hear your UFO-laser ringtone 500 times in a row while working out. Just peek between sets, my friend. It'll still be there.

4. Not returning equipment to its proper place. I like to watch people and their interesting ways to challenge their bodies with weighted balls, bands, steps, and kettlebells. But my britches certainly do burn when I see things being tossed in the middle of the gym floor or haphazardly stored in a place obviously not meant for them.

"I hate when people don't re-rack weights properly," said Logan Mills, 23, of Ballwin. Mills just started working at West County Health & Fitness. Racking weights is a simple concept—put back weights used in the place that you got them, in proper numerical order.

Adds Gerhardt, "It's not rocket science! We have doctors, scientists and CEOs that come in, and it still doesn't happen."

5. Lack of personal hygiene. While this is important on the job and anywhere you come within a 4 foot radius of the public, hygiene issues often are put in the spotlight when sweat and exertion come into play.

Using a little baby powder, wearing sweat wicking clothing and using the (often mandatory) sweat towels will have your neighbor thanking you. While you may be someone who thinks your sweat is doesn't smell, if you've been exposed to any kind of bacteria (like touching a door handle), it probably does, according to MedLinePlus.  Also, human noses adapt quickly to odors, and while you may be used to your workout scent, the person you hop next to may ..not be smelling roses.

Ryan also said he "can't stand when someone smells in the sauna."

If your health club has a pool or sauna, take a quick shower between working out and using these facilities.

In the case of hygiene, always err on the side of caution.

Simple thoughtfulness and respect can prevent many of these faux pas, in the gym and beyond. Even though your shower is important, respecting the person behind you in line and being efficient will help earn you gold stars among your peers.

And if all else fails, the 'Golden Rule' should always keep you safe: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."