Jerks are everywhere, but people being jerks in the gym can beespeciallygrating.

Oopsdoes that sound like you?

Heres how to make the gym a better place for all.

That is, people arent inherently horrible,theyre just accidental jerks.

As the saying goes: do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

So what does that mean at the gym?

Get to Know Your Gym

Every gym will have slight variations of common guidelines.

That could mean that particular gym may not be in line with your own training needs, anyway.

Make your unique needs and desires known and see if the facility and staff can accommodate them.

All equipment should be returned to its proper place after you use it.

If you must take away only one thing, make it this: replace your damn weight plates.

Spend a few minutes re-racking them.

Heck, doing so is a good way to sneak extra movement into your workout.

This goes for dumbbells, too.

The dumbbell section of my own gym makes a post-apocalyptic wasteland look like paradise.

If you use dumbbells, match them up with the labeled numbers and keep them in pairs!

Okay, maybe not that last part.

Plus, gyms are notorious forspreading germs and infectious diseases.

I mean, just think of all the hands and sweaty butts that have touched each piece of equipment.

While were at it, tidy up your space.

Throw away your trash!

On the opposite end of the smelly spectrum, insufferably strong colognes and perfumes can be absolutely suffocating.

Dont wearthoseto the gym.

Or ever, really.

Sometimes, though, hogging machines can be necessary.

Obviously, it will be difficult during peak hours.

Grunt If You Must

The general consensus seems to be that grunts are weird and awkward.

When lifting heavier weights, grunts, gurgles, and shouts will inevitably happen.

On the other hand, theres no need to overemphasize how strong you are to everyone within earshot.

Keep it classy, friend.

Like we mentioned before, respect the gym equipment (and others) and use them as intended.

The last thing you want is someones bare foot shoved right in your face during yoga, right?

If everyone follows these very basic principles, then your gym experience would likely be more awesome.

The bottom line: a gym membership isnt a cheap investment.

Image byqoppi(Shutterstock).

Stephanie Lee is a geeky health and fitness freelance writer.

you might follow her shenanigans onTwitteror on herYouTube channel.