10 Things To Avoid at Fitness Center or Gym

There are certain things that folks do at the gym that scream "newbie" or "trial membership".  If you think that others aren't watching then think again.  The combination of sure boredom and by nature fitness seekers are somewhat body conscientious drives the nameless population to notice EVERYTHING.  So please do not violate these rules of decorum:

1.  Wearing jean cutoffs - might be comfortable but keep to gym shorts, tights or warmups

2.  Showing too much body (midriff, arms, butt, etc) before it's time.  You're surrounded by way too many hard bodies to commit this embarrassing crime.
3.  Talking on your cell phone while "working out".  There's nothing you can do aerobically or anarobically worth your precious time that will allow you to hold a phone, engage in conversation and speak clearly.
4.  Drinking cola, floats, icees or other sugary refreshments - keep to sports drinks like Gatorade or best yet water.  Not good for you and doesn't do a good job of keeping you hydrated.  Besides it's quite possible that you could consume more calories and than you burn. In other words, you would have been better off staying home.
5.  Wearing your favorite flip-flops or Walmart Special sneakers.  This is the time for high performance foot wear.  You might not need to dunk a ball or break the 200-meter Olympic record but you do need arch, anke and achilles support, shock resistance tied up in a light weight package.  Splurgh.... your feet will thank-you later and for many years to come.
6.  Wearing excessive jewerly.  Anything more than a watch and maybe your wedding ring screams "look at me.  I think I might be able to find a date here among these beautiful people."  Unfortunately, it also might lead to injuries as those loose bands of gold get caught in a machine or that big diamond ring helps crush your finger against a free weight.
7.  Staring excessively at the hard bodies.  Acknowledge the beautify.  Trust me, these folks work way too hard not to appreciate the complimentary look.  But don't stare. It makes us all uncomfortable.
8.  Not really doing anything.  Think we wouldn't notice that you're just working the room -- going from one corner to the next, talking to anyone that will talk to you?  Of course we noticed!  Facebook is free, gym membership is not.
9.  Leaving your eboli, fungal infested sweat on every freakin' thing you touch.  We don't know you or the cesspool  you might call home.  Keep a towel with you.  Wipe up. Don't touch unless you have too.  By the way, swimmers sufficient dry off when you leave the pool not to leave a similar trail in the locker room
10. Not having a purpose.  No notes. No upper vs lower body workout strategy. No warmup or cool down routine. No stretching in between.  No consistency of reps vs. sets. Nothing. Just killing time.

So there  you go.  Avoid these violations and maybe you won't get noticed for all the right reasons.