Etiquette counts. And etiquette counts even more at a place like the gym. In the locker room, in the classroom, on the gym floor - the potential for problems abounds. After all, where else will you find yourself surrounded by naked strangers? Or contorting your body into extremely awkward positions while dressed in clothes designed to highlight your every conceivable physical flaw? It's easy to become a little self-conscious and to forget your manners.

So here are five tips for being a good gym member.

Sharing is Important

Many pieces of exercise equipment come with seats. But that does not mean they were designed to serve as rest stops. I can understand the confusion. Benches in particular can seem rather inviting. But unless you're at the gym during a very slow time, don't sit on the equipment if you're not using it. Let someone else work in. If you need to rest, walk around. Get some water. Stare at the television set. But don't be a seat-warmer.

Please put your things away. Dumbbells, stability balls, bands - these are your toys and they need to be put away when you're done with them. We are all very impressed that you can bench 325 pounds. Now impress us even more by stripping the bar and restacking the plates.

Not Sharing is Also Important

Remember the deodorant commercial? Never let them see you sweat? In the gym, the saying is never let someone else sit in your sweat. That's just not right.

The gym is not a karaoke bar. If you need to sing aloud to your favorite tunes to get through your work-out, then take the work-out home.

If I am not a close personal friend, then there are things about you I don't want to see. Ever. Please keep that in mind when you are choosing your exercise clothes.

On behalf of gym goers everywhere, thanks.