It’s amateur night at the gym.

There’s nothing wrong with that. I support anyone who wants to be healthier and happier in 2012. Group fitness is a great way to achieve those goals.

But as long as I have your attention, gym newbies, there are a few things you should know.

Exercising in a group environment -- where people have paid for a quality workout experience -- means you must follow certain etiquette guidelines.

I won’t use this column to address physical flaws or wardrobe choices commonly associated with the gym. Because let’s face it, nobody’s perfect. And anyone brave enough to wear spandex deserves at least a hint of respect.

Now, the harsh part.

There are social rules that are likely broken in nearly every gym. The offenders range from new exercisers to devoted athletes. Their physical abilities vary, but they are united by a blatant disregard for things that fall under the umbrella of common courtesy.

Like cleanliness. Believe it or not, treadmills doused with drops of sweat are not hot commodities. So when you’re done using a machine, please wipe it down with any available cleaning supplies.

Then, of course, there is the issue of technology on the treadmill. An occasional text message is fine. I’ll even let you have an entire cellphone conversation, assuming you’re not violating gym rules and you’re the only one in the facility.

Otherwise, proceed with caution. Nobody wants to hear your loud cellphone conversations when they’re in “the zone.” And don’t even try giving me the “but they’re wearing headphones” excuse.

The group fitness environment doesn’t exactly epitomize personal space. But if you can choose from 25 open treadmills, please do not pick the only treadmill that’s next to another exerciser.

Many gyms have The Talker -- a person who seems to be at the gym 24-7, but somehow is never exercising. You can’t help wondering if he or she ever actually works out.

The answer, more often than not, is no. Accept The Talker as an inexplicable gym fixture and move along. Trust me, it’s for the best.

On the topic of talking, I’m all for channeling your inner powers of motivation during an especially strenuous workout. I’m guilty of talking to myself in a (somewhat) whispered tone as I approach the home stretch on the treadmill.

Feel free to follow my example. However, I draw the line at fitness-inspired grunting that strikes an unsuccessful balance between athletic triumph and mild heart attack.

Got it? Mastering the gym routine really isn’t that difficult. Once again, congratulations on resolving to get fit in 2012.

Just think: Next year, you’ll be the one dishing out advice to newbies.