Last year, two members of an NYC gym got into an argument during spin class that ended in assault. One member was annoyed that the other was grunting and yelling what could be considered encouraging comments like “You go girl!” and “Great song!”. So he charged toward the loud spinner and threw him and his bike against the wall. Certainly this situation got out of hand, but when the case went to trial last week, it got me thinking about gym class etiquette. Here are a few good tips to follow.

1. Arrive on time. If you’re late you’ll disrupt class (ever had someone come in during your yoga meditation?) and you might miss information or moves you’ll need all throughout the class. If you stop class later to ask questions, other members won’t be happy.

2. Just like a class at school, keep it quiet. Unless the class calls for it, leave socializing for after class. And if you have a question, ask your instructor instead of your neighbor.

3. Be aware of spacing and leave your classmates enough room to work out. Don’t stand directly in front or in back of someone. For sculpt or boot camps that require a lot of equipment, be mindful of where you put your weights, body bars, etc. If the class is crowded and you don’t have enough space at any point during the class, move until you do. Don’t wait for other members to move for you. If all else fails, ask your instructor to help.

4. Be flexible about where you stand. Even if you always stand in the same place every time, that doesn’t make it your spot. If you’re late for class or someone new comes in and takes “your spot” you don’t have any right to ask them to move. Try a new spot and accept that change as a challenge instead.

5. If you’re having trouble following the routine, at least follow the motion of the class left to right or front to back to avoid getting trampled. You might also want to stick to the back of the class when you’re new.

6. If you bring your bag, water bottle, sweatshirt, towel, hat, coffee or whatever into the classroom, don’t leave it in the middle of the floor. Make sure it’s tucked in a corner or cubby out of everyone’s way. If you bring your cell phone turn it off. If you forget and it rings, don’t pretend it isn’t yours–turn it off!

7. And finally, remember–this is group fitness. You chose to come to a fitness class with other people in it and so you may have to deal with some overzealous characters. If you don’t like them, leave the class, put on your headphones and work out solo.