It’s early in the year and the gyms are packed. And that means it’s time for a reminder about etiquette.

This advice comes from wellness director P.J. Barrett and fitness director Gerry Murphy of the Greater Wichita (Kan.) YMCA, and from group fitness director Angie Kendall and mind-body director Kelli Harsh of Genesis Health Clubs in Wichita.

Manners in general

1. Unsure how to use the treadmill or weight machine? Ask.

2. Attending a class for the first time? Let the instructor know. Tell him or her about any pre-existing injuries or other health problems. Don’t touch any controls in the classroom or studio.

3. If you must arrive late to a class or leave early, do so as quietly as possible. This is especially important for yoga.

4. Some facilities have indoor tracks that overlook a gym. Using the track as a viewing station slows everyone down.

5. Return magazines to the place you found them.

Keeping things neat

1. Throw away tissues. Yes, they do fall out of pockets accidentally, so make sure yours are still there when you move to another piece of equipment.

2. “Wipe down equipment” means wiping the parts you touched with your hands (you don’t want to spread, or pick up, viruses) and the parts you got sweaty.

3. Plant containers aren’t trash cans.

4. If it’s not obvious, ask where to deposit used towels. Don’t leave them on the floor or locker room bench, and don’t take them home with you.

5. If you spill it, wipe it up. If it’s empty, throw it away.

Hold it down

1. We don’t mind if you’re using the treadmill or elliptical trainer and talking on your cell phone. But we don’t want to overhear every detail. And turn off your phone before a class.

2. Don’t lounge on the weight equipment while taking a phone call. If you’re not using the equipment for strength training, move.

3. If you’re in a yoga class, mum’s the word. In a cardio class, talking might be OK – but if you’re getting glares from others, zip it.

4. Don’t yell at a friend across the weight room. Stand next to each other for a conversation.

5. Listening to your MP3? Try not to sing along, even if you’ve been told you have a great voice.

Nice, uh, outfit

1. Save the itty-bitty shorts and skin-baring tops for home. The same goes for spandex, especially if you’re a guy, unless you’ve pulled baggy shorts over it.

2. Wear clothing appropriate to the activity. For a yoga class, for example, choose loose-fitting items in which you can bend and stretch without seams splitting out.

3. Watch yourself in loose-fitting shorts, especially on the leg press and similar equipment. This goes for girls and guys.

4. Remember, many fitness facilities are used by families, so dress accordingly. If you’re there to work out, put a shirt on.

5. Buckles and zippers can tear upholstery on weight benches. Wear something without metal.

In the weight room

1. When you’re done with weight plates, return them to the rack. They may be too heavy for the next user to lift.

2. “Leave it as you found it” is a good guideline, especially if you’re alternating equipment between sets.

3. Keep your hands off the mirrors. Don’t lean on them, either.

4. Have someone check your form, even if you think you know what you’re doing.

5. Skip the energy drinks. Most are loaded with caffeine, which makes your heart race. That’s not a smart thing to have, going into a workout. And don’t eat just before a workout. A light snack about two hours before you hit the gym is OK.

Things that make trainers laugh – or groan

1. The guy who ties up traffic while waiting for an up-close parking spot – and has a “Born to Run” bumper sticker on his car.

2. The woman who poses in front of the mirror in the weight room, lifting her shirt to check her abs.

3. The man who wears long runner’s spandex that is no longer working as it should.

4. The gal who sticks her gum to the underside of the weight bench or drops it in the plant.

5. The guy who leaves his coat or gym bag on the floor rather than using the coat rack or a locker, then is sure someone took it when he can’t find it later.