Listen, we’re not trying to be the gym police or anything. But when we’re all respectful and keep everyone else’s best interests in mind at the gym, more people can enjoy the shared space comfortably, safely, and happily.

“Gym etiquette is all about safety, efficiency, and respect,” says Kat Pasle-Green, a National Academy of Sports Medicine-certified personal trainer and coach at Bay Clubs who has years of experience working in gyms. “It’s a shared environment, where the energy you bring contributes to everyone’s experience, including your own.”

So whether you’re new to fitness centers entirely or just need a little refresher, here are 14 common gym etiquette rules to keep in mind.

1. Re-Rack Your Weights and Return Other Equipment

A lot of gym etiquette rules boil down to the simple fact that the gym is a shared space, not a personal workout area. That means it’s good practice to keep it neat and tidy for anyone who arrives next. “Re-racking weights and putting equipment back keeps the floor clear, minimizes safety hazards, and ensures every member can find what they need when they need it,” Pasle-Green says.

Think about how frustrated you’d be if someone else didn’t stash the gear they were using in the proper spot and then you couldn’t find it when you needed it. “Nothing derails focus like hunting for a missing dumbbell,” says physical therapist Lori Diamos, founder of Pearls from a PT. 

Not only is this a common courtesy that keeps everyone else’s workouts flowing, there’s also that safety aspect: If you leave stray weights, jump ropes, or kettlebells on the floor, someone might accidentally trip, Diamos says.

Try to get in the habit of cleaning up behind you as you progress through your workout. In fact, resetting your space and returning your equipment can be part of your active rest, Pasle-Green says. That said, “if you’ve hit a wall with nothing left to give, it’s OK to ask someone for a quick ‘spot’ putting things away,” she says. “Think of it like an impromptu partner workout with mutual brownie points.” 

And if you notice equipment someone else left behind, be proactive and put it away, Pasle-Green recommends. “Don’t leave the clutter for someone else to deal with,” she says. “Inevitably, a trainer or member will ask if it’s yours or if the spot is taken, so be a good neighbor ahead of time while also protecting your focus and flow.”

2. Put Your Own Belongings Away

The same gym etiquette applies to your own belongings, not just shared fitness equipment. If you’re bringing a bag, water bottle, or any other personal items with you to the gym, stash them in the appropriate place, whether it’s a cubby, locker, or off to the side of the room so it’s not in anyone’s way. Not only does this limit tripping hazards, it also frees up space for everyone else to move around comfortably.

3. Wipe Down Equipment

Germs left behind on gym equipment can spread quickly. And not just viruses that cause things like a cold or the flu; creepy-crawlies that lead to skin infections can be found on sweaty, shared equipment too. That’s why it’s a good habit to wipe down any gear and machines you use after you’re done.

This is basic courtesy for other gym-goers, but it’s also often part of the official member expectations at many facilities, Pasle-Green says. “Wiping down equipment doesn’t just remove sweat; it extends the life of the machines and protects the health of fellow members and staff,” she says. “Share inspiration, not germs.”

Plus, it truly only takes a few seconds, Diamos says, so it really won’t derail your next set.

4. Always Use Headphones

Whether you’re following along with a motivating Peloton class from your phone or listening to your go-to pump-up playlist, “keep it personal,” Diamos says. “Earbuds or headphones let you enjoy your playlist without intruding on anyone else’s workout.”

Even with headphones in, make sure your volume is set to a level that “keeps your playlist for your ears only,” Pasle-Green says. “And if someone needs your attention, be courteous,” she adds. “Pop an earbud, not an attitude.” Pause your class or music, remove your headphones, and address them politely before tuning back in.

5. Check Your Gym’s Recording Policy and Be Mindful If You Film

Filming video at the gym is more common than ever. If you’re interested in recording your workouts, you should first familiarize yourself with your gym’s filming policy. It’s possible the space doesn’t allow filming, and if that’s the case, respect it. “Your content is never more important than another member’s right to privacy,” Pasle-Green says.” 

If you’re allowed to record video, make sure you do so respectfully. “Find a private corner and be mindful of space,” Diamos says. “Don’t block equipment or film others without their consent. Not everyone wants to end up on someone else’s workout video.” Pasle-Green agrees: “If filming is permitted, keep to angles where you are the sole subject, and if someone might end up in frame, get their permission beforehand,” she says.

Make sure your desire to get the perfect shot isn’t delaying anyone else from getting their turn with the equipment you’re using, either.

6. Don’t Camp Out on Popular Equipment

Chances are, someone else is waiting to use the machine, weights, or other gear you’re currently using. That doesn’t mean you need to rush; you have every right to finish your reps. But when you’re done, don’t spend a lot of time scrolling on your phone or sipping your electrolyte drink while you’re still on the machine. Wipe down the equipment and move somewhere more appropriate for resting.

7. Step Out to Take a Call

Work calls, personal matters, and family urgencies will spring up from time to time when you’re at the gym. No one expects you to ignore every notification. But be aware of the exercisers around you and step away from the equipment to take a call. That might mean moving into a lobby area or even outside—but not in the locker room, where you also don’t want to disturb people. 

Use headphones or put your phone to your ear so no one has to hear your personal conversation on speakerphone mid-workout, Diamos says. And avoid video calls in the gym, where other people might not want to be seen on camera, especially in locker rooms or other private areas.

8. Respect Personal Space

Picture a big-box gym with 15 or so treadmills empty. You’re minding your own business running on one when someone starts to jog on the machine directly next to you. It’s not the biggest deal in the world, but why get so close when there’s so much other room? “No one likes feeling boxed in when there’s open space elsewhere,” Diamos says. Instead, pick a machine a few spots away from other exercisers when you can.

The same goes for setting up a mat on the floor too close to another gym-goer or performing exercises where you might extend your arm or leg too close to their space. Err on the side of giving others more room, unless it’s crowded and you really have to squeeze in close to another person.

9. Honor Sign-Up Sheets and ‘Next Up’ Requests

Some gyms use sign-up sheets to keep track of who is next in line for popular equipment. If yours does, “don’t cut the line or overstay your time on equipment,” Diamos says. This helps keep everyone’s workout efficient and shows you respect their time as much as you expect them to respect yours.

Similarly, if someone tells you they’d like the next turn on the equipment you’re currently using, let them know when you’re about to finish, Pasle-Green says. “If you reset it and walk away without handing it off, the other member may have to drop a set to hustle over before someone else swoops in,” she says. To avoid the same exchange on your end, “if you’ve told someone you’d like to be next, stay close and be ready to transition on their clock,” she adds.

10. Keep Socializing Light

Yes, there are plenty of friendly introductions and meet-cutes that happen at the gym. But there are a lot more stories of pickup lines gone wrong. So don’t be the person who is overly talkative and detracts from someone else’s gym session. “When interacting, a quick smile or hello is welcome, but most people are there to move, not chat,” Diamos says. 

If you’re following along with a Peloton class at the gym, however, feel free to send another Member a virtual high-five for a bit of support and encouragement!

11. Avoid Giving Unsolicited Advice

There might come a time where you see someone performing an exercise using what you’d consider improper form. But it’s not proper gym etiquette to walk over and tell them how to do the exercise better. No one likes being corrected in public, especially by a stranger at the gym, and there may be a valid reason they’re performing an exercise differently from how you’d do it. Keep your observations and advice to yourself and focus on your own form instead.

If you’re legitimately concerned someone might hurt themselves or others, mention your concerns politely and privately to a trainer or other gym staff member. They’ll be better qualified to speak with the other person on your behalf if needed.

12. Ask for (or Offer) a Spot Thoughtfully

If you’re attempting a heavy lift and would like some reassurance from a fellow gym-goer in the form of a spot, don’t be afraid to ask for one—but don’t just interrupt the nearest person you can find, either. Try to wait to approach someone until they’re done with their current reps or sets, then ask politely if they could help you on the machine in question. 

On the flip side, never assume someone wants a spot (or wants to be touched) without asking. If you notice someone you think might benefit from assistance, always ask kindly if they’d like a spot first (and make sure to wait until they’ve finished their reps or sets to do so). If they say no, respect it and move along.

13. Know Your Gym’s Dress Code

Just like we’re not the gym police, we’re definitely not the fashion police. Generally speaking, you should go to the gym wearing whatever makes you feel comfortable and confident. Just keep in mind that many fitness centers have some kind of a dress code (for example, they may ask you to avoid wearing jeans or flip flops). Make sure you know the rules in your gym and follow them.

Otherwise, there are just two non-negotiables: Your workout clothes should be clean, and they shouldn’t pose any safety risks. For example, if you’re cycling or lifting, you don’t want to wear anything so baggy you risk it getting caught in the machines.

14. Read the Room

Different gyms have different atmospheres. For example, if you’re in one that’s relatively quiet, try not to be the person disturbing the peace by talking loudly or by dropping your weights on the floor. Some gyms even have official guidelines about grunting or the volume of conversations.

You certainly don’t have to hide your personality to fit in, but you should be respectful of the culture of the space you’re in, especially if you’re new. If it doesn’t feel natural to you, it might be time to find another facility to join. And remember: You can always do a workout on the Peloton App, which allows you to exercise from anywhere—whether at home or at the gym—and on your own schedule.