There are two kinds of workout spots; "gyms" and "studios". Gyms are usually larger facilities with room to move around, a lot of equipment activity and often some class activity. Many are strictly for equipment workouts. Studios, by contrast, are usually more intimate, smaller and more specialized such as dance studios, martial arts studios, and studios that emphasize classes rather than equipment workouts.

Here are some rules of etiquette for most fitness facilities, large and small:

1. Do not wear scents - it is considered air-pollution in exercise facilities. That goes for men, too. We all like our after-shaves and perfumes but inflicting it upon someone else is rude. Wear deodorant, too.

2. When you are done with a sweaty equipment workout, use a towel (bring your own if the facility does not supply them) to wipe off the equipment and floor underneath your equipment if you've perspired a lot. It's the courteous thing to do for the next user.

3. Place all equipment, including free weights and weight plates back  where you found them; asking employees to place a 50-lb. weight plate back on a peg is inconsiderate. Pick up after yourself and be neat.

4. If there is a "quiet" class in progress such as yoga or other meditative disciplines, or if the facility is deliberately quiet for post-class meditations, keep your activity as quiet as possible until the class is over. Yes, you have paid your money, too, but it's just good manners to do your more quiet activities (abdominal exercises, stretches, free-weight work, etc.) until class is over. Calling in advance for the class schedule can often prevent problems.

5. Don't ask the instructor questions while he/she is teaching unless it's critical to the exercise in progress; answering your question requires he/she take her attention from the smooth performance of the class. Leave your questions until after class is over, unless you must know immediately.

6. Don't do totally different exercises from what the instructor is doing unless you remove yourself from view of the rest of the class: it's distracting for other participants and for inexperienced instructors. If there is something you find uncomfortable, just modify the exercise in progress but don't do something that will be distracting to others.

7. When you work out on the machines or with free weights, don't drop the weight stack with a loud bang - there is no excuse for that. Ditto dropping free weights on the floor when you're done. Keep it quiet unless you're in a place that is typically noisy with others doing the same thing. If you're a noisy exerciser in a facility where others are doing something that requires relative quiet, try to time your visits either after or between classes. Keep the kind of loud grunting that often accompanies weight-lifting (and that indicates inefficient breathing technique) away from the small fitness facilities unless there is no class in progress or unless you know no one will be disturbed by it.

8. Don't sing along with your Walkman; you have no idea how loud you are singing when your headset is on.

9. Keep class conversations to a minimum; it's OK to clown around during class with the instructor if he/she enjoys that (many do!), but carrying on conversations with other participants while class is in session is rude.

In short, behave in your gym/studio as you would behave in your neighbor's home; with courtesy, consideration  and good manners. And enjoy your workout!!!