How not to work out at the gym

Is the summer heat forcing you to retreat into the gym? You may think you can sweat and grunt with impunity as you go about your routine, but there are unwritten rules of gym etiquette. Here are eight commandments that local trainers say every gym user - new or old - must respect.
 

Your mother doesn't work at the gym, nor does your helper. After you have used a machine or workbench, wipe it down, and put your equipment away. Even better, use your towel to mop up your sweat.

Gym goers who leave weights on the bar or on the floor are the main peeve of director of Raw Personal Training Studio Jeremy Myer. "If any of my trainers do that, they have to row 500 metres at a pace chosen by me," he says.
 

There's nothing wrong with being comfortable in your own skin, but be aware of your personal practices in the presence of others, particularly in the changing room.

"I once saw a naked lady with her leg on a chair using a towel held at each end to floss her behind," says one local gym goer.

Other don'ts include using hairdryers for hair other than that on your head, staring, uninvited interaction with others, chatting on your mobile, and not putting wet towels in the bins provided.