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6 Gym Selfie Etiquette Tips That Won't Make You Look Like a Tool

Do a search of all the selfies posted on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and other social media networks, and you'll find a STAGGERING number are taken in the gym. Who doesn't love to get a snapshot of their body when it's "swoll" thanks to an intense workout?

But did you know the gym is more than just a place for great photos? Hint: it's a place to train hard and push your body! If you're going to snap photos, it's important you know how and when to take gym selfies:

Work more than you snap — Remember why you're at the gym: to train hard. Sure, it's nice to capture an image of yourself with a good "pump", but that's not the purpose of your gym session. You're there to push your body by lifting weights, running, spinning, or doing some other form of exercise. If you're spending more time taking selfies than working out, you're doing it wrong! A selfie should be a post-workout activity; NEVER take them while you're training.

No one in the background — Have you ever seen your face in those moments when you're pushing hard and giving your workout 110%? Not your most flattering angle, right? No one wants to have that kind of picture posted on some stranger's Instagram or Facebook account, so make sure your selfies only capture you. Before posting any selfies, make sure there is no one in the background. Or, if there are people in the background, get their permission before hitting "Post".

Keep out of the locker rooms — The locker rooms are a place for people to relax and change after an intense workout. Your phone should stay securely in your bag while in the locker room. People may be buck-naked, half-dressed, or grooming, which is not the most flattering background for your selfie. Plus, it's important that you respect people's privacy--and the locker room is the most private place in the gym!

Bring spare items — A good selfie will show off the body you've worked hard for, but it won't show the hard work. You don't want to snap a picture of yourself in sweat-stained clothes, with your hair all messy and your makeup running. Either snap a pre-workout selfie, or bring a change of clothes, hair ties, and some cosmetics to do a quick post-workout, pre-selfie touch-up.

Snap it and quit it — DO NOT spend half your workout time figuring out the best angle, lighting, or location for your selfie. If you can't get the selfie right within a few minutes, move on with your day. You'll be back tomorrow, and you can always get a selfie somewhere else or doing something else. Don't let your time be wasted because you just can't get the selfie right.

Limit your posts — Overposting is a serious problem! People who post dozens of pictures of themselves to social media every day are more likely to develop personality disorders. If you're only posting selfies, it shows that your only reason to post is to show YOURSELF off, not to document the important things in your life. Limit yourself to a selfie or two per day, with only one of those being a gym selfie.

Follow this advice to take awesome gym selfies without irritating or angering your fellow gym-goers!

Some people get lucky and are born with fit, toned bodies. Andy Peloquin is not one of those people... Fitness has come hard for him, and he's had to work for it. His trials have led him to become a martial artist, an NFPT-certified fitness trainer, and a man passionate about exercise, diet and healthy living. He loves to exercise -- he does so six days a week -- and loves to share his passion for fitness and health with others.

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