It’s the beginning of the year, when herds of well-meaning couch potatoes stop lumping and start exercising. However, what separates most veteran exercisers from the new kids at the gym is not just muscles.

It’s manners.

To be fair, most discourtesy is just a matter of understandable ignorance on the part of weight-room virgins. Deliberate rudeness typically is perpetrated by people who should know better.

Rule No. 1: Don’t bogart that apparatus. There are no dibs in the weight room, particularly a crowded one. If someone is waiting to use a piece of weight equipment that you’re on, they might ask to “work in” with you: You do a set, then get up and let them do a set. If someone is waiting, offer to let them work in with you even before they ask. Never, ever rest on a machine when there’s a line.

Wipe down equipment after you use it unless the next person up absolutely without a doubt adores rubbing your sweat all over his body parts.

Flirting is acceptable in some facilities, but no making out.

Gentlemen: No hitting on women while they’re exercising. Can the manly chitchat. It’s intimidating enough for females in a weight room.

Leave the foul language and cell phones in your locker. Same goes for the tendency to grunt and groan like a porn star while lifting.

Talk quietly — people try to focus here.

Dress modestly — people try to focus here.

Skip the perfume — people try to breathe here.

Wear workout attire, not street clothes. Check for rips. When a crowd of men gathered to watch my friend Beth, she assumed they admired her sterling technique on the leg press. She realized later that she had a hole in the crotch of her leggings, and she happened to be panty-free at the time. (The horror!)

Speaking of staring: very uncool.

Same goes for unsolicited advice. Best to keep your lip zipped, even if their technique makes your hair hurt.

If you’re lifting a heavy barbell, by all means ask for a spot from someone strong enough to lift it off your trachea.

But avoid quizzing strangers about unfamiliar equipment. Read the directions on the machine, bring in a knowledgeable friend or personal trainer or ask the club pro. Most people barely have enough time to get through their own workout.