FRESNO, Calif. — Have you ever hopped on an exercise bench at the gym and had your head land in a puddle of sweat?

Fresno, Calif., bodybuilder Jim Reyes has.

Ever spent most of a workout removing weights from machines so you can put yours on? Or searched high and low for weight plates and dumbbells that weren't where they're supposed to be?

If you belong to a gym, chances are you answered yes to one — or all — of these questions. And that raises another question: Why can't people at gyms mind their manners?

When you and hundreds of other people exercise in the same place, following an unwritten etiquette plan is key to making everyone's workout rewarding.

"Think of the old golden rule: Treat others as you would have them treat you," said Deb Whitney-Johnson, owner of Fresno's Pro-Cor Sports and Fitness. "Show respect and consideration."

And don't be afraid to let staff know if someone repeatedly fails to follow gym etiquette, she added.

That said, here are some dos and don'ts of gym etiquette:

• Be friendly, but not a social butterfly: Most people go to the gym to work out, not socialize. Keep conversations brief and out of the way of others.

• Keep your sweat to yourself: Wipe down equipment when you're done.

• Pick up after yourself. Don't leave behind food wrappers, water bottles or other trash.

• Rerack your weights: Once you're done with weight plates, dumbbells or barbells, put them back in their proper spot.

• Quiet, please: Loud grunting, playing your iPod so loud others can hear the music and singing along are big no-nos.

• Turn off your cell phone. But if you simply can't miss a call, take your conversation outside.

• Don't drop weights: Dumbbells bouncing on the floor and weight stacks crashing down distract others working out and ruins equipment.

• Don't hog equipment: Many gyms have a 30-minute limit on cardio equipment that's enforced only when people are waiting.

• When working with weights, alternate sets with people who want to use the same equipment. Better yet, avoid peak hours, which at some gyms can be 5-8:30 p.m. and at others, noon-2 p.m.

• Don't sit on any equipment if you're resting, talking or reading a magazine.

• Clothes call: Clothing and footwear designed for exercise are good options. Don't forget undergarments that provide support and cover areas others don't want to see.

Don't wear pajamas and torn clothing. Also avoid jeans, whose rivets can harm equipment.

And if you're going to lounge in the sauna or steam rooms, bathing suits are required.