With the New Year upon us, many people will begin a fitness program for their New Year's resolution. For many, this means going to a gym or health club for the first time in their lives. This can be a very intimidating experience. How do you get over the initial awkwardness that a new member often experiences when joining a health club? You must learn "gym etiquette."

Ask any seasoned health club member and they will tell you proper gym manners will definitely help make you feel more relaxed and accepted at the gym. Here are a few simple rules that will allow you to blend in any gym or health club.

Be courteous. If you're working out on a machine and someone is waiting to use it, allow them to "work-in" with you. (Don't use gym equipment as a place to sit down. If you need a chair, go to the lobby.)

Most health clubs have a 30-minute limit on cardio equipment (treadmills, stair climbers, bikes, etc.) during peak hours. Be sensitive to this when someone is waiting for their turn on the machine.

Never interrupt someone while they are performing their work-out. Talking is fine, but remember the best work-outs come from total concentration (the mind to muscle coordination is a must). You really need to focus, not gab.

If someone is using a machine you want to use, politely ask them if you can "work-in" with them. (Notice how much weight they are using and their seat positions. Once you're done, you should always reset the machine for them.)

If you sweat all over the machine, clean it off for the next person.

Last, but not least, do not try to impress people by trying to lift weights that you can't handle. You look silly and end up drawing the wrong kind of attention to yourself.

Be interested only in your own fitness goals, not what other people are doing. Once you adopt a few of these good habits your gym/health club savvy will be that of a pro.

Note : Kay Hess and her husband Bill, an East Coast Weight Lifting Champion, are well known in the area. She has held seminars and has had great success in training both men and women over the last 15 years. She is affiliated with ISSA (International Sports Sciences Association) and NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine).