Gyms can be intimidating places for anyone just learning to workout.

Depending on where you go, pressures can stem from loud music, foreign equipment, judging eyes or imposing physiques, all of which can be overwhelming. Additionally, it doesn't help when other members are acting like idiots. During a recent workout, another gym member kept throwing his weights and grunting loud enough for the entire four floors of the gym to hear. How'd you feel if that was your first experience at the gym? With that, the wheels starting turning and I created this list of 15 behaviours to avoid at the gym.

This list is meant to provide novice gym members with some basic, usually unwritten, gym etiquette and veteran members, a reminder of what’s acceptable and what's not. The gym's a common amenity for a lot of people so don't treat it like you're the only one who uses it.

1. Put your weights back

Each piece of equipment has a specific home, if you find it there, put it back. It can be a real pain when you're time at the gym is limited and you have to go hunting for equipment, so don't make others do it. Additionally, not everyone can lift the 90 or 100 lbs dumbbells, so if you take'em, put'em back.

2. Strip the weight off when you're done

Just like not returning equipment, not stripping plates can be a real frustration for anyone with limited time between sets. If it was important enough to load up a machine, its important enough to unload it - it unreasonable to expect others to clean up after you.

3. Keep cell phone conversations out of changing rooms

With all the new technologies out there, who knows what you're actually doing with that cell phone. Some people feel uncomfortable with the prospect of you possibly taking photos of them changing. In fact, most gyms now have policies against the use of cell phones in the change room. Do everyone a favor and finish your call before changing your clothes.

4. Make sure you're the only one enjoying your iPod

There's a reason why gyms invest in sound systems - music can be a huge motivator but not everyone shares the same tastes. If you feel the need to bring your own tunes, no problem, just make sure they stay your own.

5. Limit unconventional workouts to the appropriate area

I've worked out at a gym where a guy would start ballet dancing beside the free weights, watching himself in the mirror - nothing could've been more distracting. If you're at the gym to do unconventional exercises, like ballet dancing, find the appropriate spot. You can often use the studio fitness rooms when there are no classes going on.

6. There is no need to grunt or scream

Grunting and screaming only makes you look like a jackass. You're huge, we get it. There's no need to grunt or scream when you're finishing a set, it only makes you look like an ass, irritates other gym members and intimidates the less experienced. If intimidation is your goal, sign up for a competition where that's acceptable because it's not in the gym.

7. Put your weights down just as gently as you pick them up

Every gym I've been to has a "Do not drop your weights" policy or some variation of it. Just like grunting, we understand you are lifting heavy weights. However, if you're strong enough to lift them, you're also strong enough to put them down. Dropping or throwing the weights is unnecessary, especially if your gym is multi-leveled and the effects resonate throughout the gym.

8. Start using online dating

There may be some people at the gym looking to socialize but generally, people are at the gym to workout - if you want to socialize, do it on your own time. It's intrusive to interrupt someone’s workout to hit on them or make small talk and doubly intrusive to stare at them while they workout, no matter how coy you think you are being.

9. Do not stare at people at the gym

There may be attractive people at the gym or others who are moving a ridiculous amount of weight, either way, get over it. It's distracting when you are working out and you notice someone staring at you. As intimidating as a gym can be, staring at a person doesn't always help their self-confidence. Heed your mum's advice and don't stare at others.

10. Share the equipment

There aren't always multiple pieces of the same equipment, so while you're relaxing between sets, get off the machine and let someone else use it. The equipment wasn't designed with relaxation in mind.

11. Wipe down the machine once you're done

Everyone sweats; it’s the body's way of cooling itself off. However, it’s disgusting to leave your sweat all over a machine. Health and sanitary risks aside, remember the Seinfeld episode where George pees in the shower? Well he manages to keep his gym membership when the other member doesn't wipe down a machine after using it. And if its good enough for Seinfeld, it's good enough for this list. Clean up after yourself.

12. Do not use too much weight while working out

This is a tough one. I know you are trying to push yourself but there's a right way and a wrong way, you have to know your own limit. Cheating a little is one thing but taking on too much weight and almost hurting yourself is another. This is on the list because it can be distracting when someone is clearly using too much weight and you have to worry about running over and saving themself from crushing their own larynx on the bench press. Do yourself a favor and use the appropriate weight. Push yourself by doing partials, supersets and negatives.

13. Wear clean clothes to the gym

Do I need to explain this one? It's gross to have to smell someone's old gym clothes. Make sure to wear clean clothes when you workout, everyone has to share the same air in the gym.

14. Don't intimate other members

Don't be an asshole at the gym; everyone had to start somewhere, no one was born with a 50 inch chest or 20 inch arms. Show some respect for those just learning to workout and offer some help. Like I said before, if intimidation is your goal, sign up for a competition and keep it out of the gym.

15. Dress appropriately for a workout

Guys, this means no string tank tops and ladies (as much as I hate to say this), no revealing tube tops. You can't ask people not to stare at you and then work out in next to nothing. If you want to reaffirm your good looks, do it somewhere else, it's a distraction at the gym.