If you’re on a machine and it’s busy and someone needs to use your machine… make it clear that you still need it, but ask the other person if they want to jump in. Then you have your rest when they do their set and they rest when you do your set.

You can also ask for a 'spot '. As in, ‘do you mind giving me a spot?’ or ‘do you mind spotting me?’ If they say yes (most people do), they’ll stand by with their fingers above or below the bar (not touching it), ready to help if you get stuck, or ready to tap the bar to help you finish the set. Be warned, done people are enthusiastic, but won’t be very helpful, as they may try to take too much of the weight for you even on easy sets.

Do not walk close to someone lifting any weights, whether the exercise. It’s very off putting and may lead them to an injury.

Most people in the gym will be friendly, by the way. They’ll offer advice or help if you ask. And they’ll likely be forgiving if you mess up on the etiquette, especially if they see you’re new. And if you keep a routine, you’ll see the same faces all the time and get to know people. Some may get annoyed if you try and talk to them for half an hour, but you can build some nice gym-friendships just by nodding and saying hello to the people you see every day. Some people may try to talk to you for half an hour, though, so watch out for that if you’re there to train!