A gym rat's workout etiquette guide: All your awkward questions answered

We all know the basics of gym etiquette; don't drop your weights and don't leave equipment with a sweaty imprint of your body. But for those of us who have been working out a while (whether in the gym or at home), there's a whole other level exercise etiquette awkward and complex enough that we've decided to answer your most (dumbbell) pressing concerns. Am I a nutritionist or personal trainer? No, but I've taken enough gym selfies to be annoyed by everyone there. So, for your next warm up, hop on the bike and pull up this article, so you can stay fit and well-mannered.

How long can you stay on equipment?

An average weight training exercise should have you at a given station for no more than 10 minutes. Invariably, you can find yourself in a situation where you may have to temporarily leave (to get water, go to the bathroom, etc.). While it's permissible to leave ONE accessory behind (a bottle or a towel) to indicate your return, if you're gone for more than a few minutes, don't be surprised or offended if someone else has taken your place. Just because it's your stuff, doesn't mean it's your gym. If you're circuit training — requiring a few pieces of equipment in a row — be prepared to make modifications or go during off-peak hours so there are less people and more room. If you using cardio equipment, like treadmills and elliptical machines, you should be on no longer than an hour and, even then, if the treadmills are full and there are waiting joggers breathing down your neck, wrap it up with a faster pace or consider continuing your run outside.

Can you correct someone's form or are you "splaining"?

"Hey, do you need a spot?", a pickup line so creepy, annoying and overdone that many people would rather not speak up at all than be accused of having ulterior motives. But, if you do feel compelled to genuinely assist someone, first make sure that they're actually doing something harmful - there are countless variations on exercises and body limits, so just because someone isn't doing exactly what you've been shown, doesn't necessarily make it wrong. Secondly, use tact by not making a big deal and just offer a quick and quiet walk-by pointer to ensure no embarrassment. Most importantly, if you're going to correct someone's form, make sure yours isn't worse.

Conversely, never be afraid to ask for help or advice from people you feel are qualified to give it. You're there to improve, so don't let your insecurities stand in your way.

Is it okay to compliment someone's progress?

Noticing a gym goer's dedication and results is admirable, but again, tact is your friend. Focus on the positives ("Keep up the good work") rather than the negatives ("You used to be so much bigger") or the creepily specific ("Nice legs") and make sure it's a casual compliment, rather than a stop-and-chat retrospective on their life so far.

Is it okay to look at other people?

With many different people doing a bunch of different things in the same area, it's definitely normal to look around and see what everyone else is up to, but there's a difference between looking and staring. While it could be more incidental than lecherous, nobody should feel like they're being watched. If you see such a scenario, don't be afraid to check in with the watched person, as if you were a friend, to make sure they're okay.

And, no matter what the circumstance, don't block someone's line of vision while they're actively in an exercise - they don't need a profile shot of you sipping water.

Lock it up

The locker room is an unusual beast; it's often avoided for being a haven of casual nudity, but it could really be utilized better. If you're walking around the gym with more than two accessories with you, you should probably use a locker — no one needs to step over your aviators on the floor. Granted, many gyms (especially of the boutique variety) have micro locker rooms, which make it very hard to get changed. Think ahead and prepare by doing things like putting your gym clothes on ahead of time, leaving items you don't need in the car, or buying micro towels and lighter shoes to make your changing routine a little easier.

Have some class

Most gyms now offer a variety of classes — from spin to Zumba to traditional yoga — but the etiquette rules remain largely the same; treat it like a movie theatre. Get there early if you want a good spot, if you're saving a spot for someone make sure they actually show up on time, don't talk over what everyone else is trying to hear and never take up more than your designated space.

The bitter end

And finally, if you've been working out with any regularity, chances are you're going to fart. Normally, you'd either try to run away, dispose of the evidence or shift the blame.  But this is the gym, a celebration of the human body, and it would be more weird if you didn't fart, so embrace it and have a good laugh and consider it a burned calorie.