HEALTH CARE ETIQUETTE: PLEASE, THANK YOU AND LOTS OF DEODORANT

More and more Americans are turning to health clubs as a method of getting into the regimen of an organized exercise plan. Medical experts have long agreed that a rigid schedule of exercise does more for the body than that occasional give-it-all-you've-got workout.

In our fast paced society, however, exercise time is at a premium for many. Health clubs open as early as 5 a.m. and do not close until 10 p.m. or later in order to accommodate the largest number of people. For those on set schedules, a workout might include an hour in the gym before beginning the work day. Others choose to exercise during their lunch break. For these people in particular, time is of the essence. That's why health clubs must insist that members follow a few common sense rules of etiquette.

"Your mother doesn't work here; pick up after yourself" is just as relevant at the health clubs as anywhere. No one wants to begin their exercise routine by putting away someone else's equipment or picking up dirty towels.

And unless you're one of those people who can exercise all day and never work up a sweat, you might need to take a look at the piece of equipment you've been using before leaving.

"We keep cleansing liquid around the gym," said Lance Gragg, program coordinator at Saint Francis Universal Health and Fitness Center. "We ask that patrons clean the machines so someone else doesn't have to use a sweaty piece of equipment," he said.

Several of the machines at the Saint Francis Center are on half-hour sign-ups while others are on a first come, first served basis. If you've signed up to use equipment, be there on time. Waiting isn't most people's forte, but try to be as patient as you can while waiting for someone to finish and be efficient when using equipment while others are waiting for you.

"When using the weight room be sure to re-rack weights after you've finished," said Scott Givens, assistant manager at Main Street Fitness at Jackson. It isn't fair to take up someone else's time by making them put your equipment away before they can begin on their own routine.

Shirts and proper shoes are required at all health clubs. No bare feet or sandals on the work-out floor. Jeans are usually not permitted either. Food and drink should be consumed in the proper area. No glass containers should be taken into the work-out areas.

Children are permitted on the work-out floor at various ages depending on the club you frequent. Day care is provided at many clubs, but be sure to check the available times. Don't just expect someone to baby-sit for you while you work out.

Some simple good manners you might want to think about on your next health club visit include:

* Limit perfume and cologne use but don't limit the use of deodorant.

* Be courteous when using the water fountain. If there's a line, don't fill up your water bottle.

* Don't spit in the water fountain.

* Discard gum in a proper receptacle.

* Be respectful in your tone of voice and choice of words.

* Following a few simple rules will make everyone's health club experience more pleasant.