Gym Regulars Are Sharing Their Best Advice for People New to the Gym

A looks to help novices avoid embarrassing themselves by crowdsourcing some gym dos and donts. The top-voted comments are all about weight etiquette; specifically, about putting weights back when youre done with them. Remember that before you can get into heaven you have to do a single squat under all the weight you left racked, says one commenter.

Similarly, theres no such thing as reserving a machine that youre not using. Dont camp out, even if youre alternating sets to hit different muscle groups. "Don't hog the weights. The most annoying thing someone can do is hog all the freaking weights and dumbbells and refuse to let others use them," one user wrote. If someone (hopefully not you) has been using a machine for a while, politely ask if you can alternate. And if someone asks you to do the sameor just how many sets youre doingits not because theyre trying to be rude. They just want to plan their time around yours.

Knowing how to interact with others is as important in the gym as anywhere else, but youre there to workout. First timers can easily go too big, with too many weights and bad form. Dont be that guy. "Start small, itll be easier to maintain the routine and theres a much smaller chance youll injure yourself," one user wrote. Do a lot of reps until you get a feel for the weight you should actually lift. Your form will be better and itll pay off in the long run. Your fellow gymgoers can be a resource, as long as youre polite. If you dont know how to do an exercise or work a machine, dont be afraid to ask: "Most people are friendly and will help," one user wrote. Many of the people youll meet are really into fitness; sharing tips with you is like talking shop for them. Be willing to speak up when you could use help, and you just might find a gym buddy thatll help you meet those New Year's goals.