While you’re in the midst of your latest training routine, there’s one thing you shouldn’t forget: the gym is a communal place and you have to share it with everyone else who has a membership. With that in mind, we all have to attain to a certain gym etiquette while we’re there. Let’s take a look at six things you should never do while you’re training.

1. Walk Right in Front of or Behind Someone While They’re Lifting

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Executing a major lift takes strength, skill and, importantly, concentration. When someone is about to attempt something big, the last thing they want is any form of distraction. That’s why there’s nothing quite as rude as walking too close to them at that crucial moment.

When they catch a glimpse of you out of the corner of their eye, it’s impossible to ignore. The distraction could mean they miss the lift or, worse, injure themselves in the process. You don’t want to be responsible for either of those things.

2. Leave Your Equipment or Gear All Over the Floor

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When you’re on a roll with your training regime, it’s easy to forget where you are. You might have everything from kettlebells and jump ropes to dumbbells and barbells out on the floor. Perhaps you’re doing a circuit and using all of the above as part of your programming. That’s completely fine.

What’s not fine, though, is leaving all the gear out when you’re finally finished with your session. No one in the gym should have to take the time to clear up after you — not even the staff members who work there. It’s every individual’s responsibility to take care of their own gear and equipment. Failing to do so is just plain rude.

3. Ignore Your Barbell as it Drops From Overhead

Barbells are serious pieces of equipment, especially if you load them up with hefty weights. Lifting is one thing, but do you follow them down when you’re done? If you just let your barbell fall to the ground when there are other athletes nearby, you’re making a huge mistake. For one thing, this is a dangerous move which could lead to you injuring yourself or someone else. It could also damage the equipment, depending on what you’re lifting. Cut it out.

4. Pressure Someone to Pick Up the Pace

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The equipment at your box is for everyone to use. While it’s annoying when someone seems to be hogging the GHD machine, pegboard or some other piece of equipment, there’s nothing worse than pressuring them to get off it. Standing over them with a face like thunder as they are trying to exercise is extremely disrespectful. It shows a lack of compassion and understanding.

When the gym is especially busy, athletes should make a point of focusing on training and getting their work done, so other people can use the equipment, but that doesn’t mean you get to tell them when to leave. Instead, be polite and wait for them to finish whatever they are doing before heading over to use it yourself. It might be frustrating, but it’s the right thing to do.

On a related note…

5. Sit or Lounge on Equipment When You’re Not Really Using It

If you’re killing it on a machine, it’s only natural you will need to take a break now and then. You might stop and catch your breath for a couple of minutes in between sets or take a moment to reset. That’s not a problem. On the other hand, if you’re sitting around or lounging on a piece of equipment but not really using it, you need to quit it.

There could be people in the gym who are waiting for you to get off the equipment so they can take a turn. It might be intimidating for them to come ask you to move, which is why they haven’t done so. If you’re no longer using certain gear, move along!

6. Excessively Take Selfies

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Hitting the gym should be about working out, not hosting your own photo shoot. If you spend the better part of your session taking selfies or recording silly videos, it’s pointless to even be there. You’re just taking up space and distracting others.

While you work hard on your physique and deserve to be proud of it, remember why you’re there: to get your sweat on. Save the selfies for later!

Remember, respect is a two-way street. We all need to make sure we’re thinking about the other people who are using the gym while we work out. Now that you know the things you should avoid doing, you have no excuse for not following proper gym etiquette!