Everyone is pretty laid back in the gym but there are some sure-fire ways to piss people off. Play along with the tips below and you won’t have to face any prison-yard glares from the other gym goers.

Wipe down the equipment: This is probably the biggest mistake newbies can make at the gym. Smashing out some solid bench press only to leave a puddle of back sweat for the next person to clean up is a big no no. Even worse is leaving a pile of arse sweat behind after doing some leg presses. The first step is to use a gym towel to soak up your sweat. Just lay it across the bench or the seat of the machine. This is a good start but all gyms have cleaning stations dotted around the machines. Take some paper towel, spray on the disinfectant and wipe down the machine where your body has made contact with it.

Return equipment: This one is easy. If you took dumbbells from a rack or a medicine ball from the shelf put it back after you have finished.

Mirror mirror on the wall: Gym rats like to watch themselves in the mirror to ensure they keep the correct form. That and they enjoy watching themselves in the mirror… Never stand in front of a mirror gazer, they will not be impressed.

Right spot: There is a right spot for each exercise in the gym so don’t take up the squat rack area doing sit-ups.

Share: Gyms can get crowded so play nice if someone asks if they can ‘work in’ with your sets. This means they use the machine while you are resting. If you are the one asking, make sure you put the weight back to what the person you are working into was lifting.

The grunter: No one wants to hear your excessive grunts and groans. Keep them for the bedroom.

Headphones: If someone is wearing headphones it means they are not in the mood for a chat. Respect it.

Personal space: It is tempting to take the cardio bike behind the hot chick running on the treadmill but if there are other machines free, give her some space.

Phone: Use it for music not for chatting mid-workout.