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Original poster

People at the gym waiting next to equipment while you work out-intimidating and rude?!

69 replies

Cheeseslice7 · 18/11/2021 20:48

Does anybody else find this extremely off-putting and intimidating? A piece of equipment has finally become free, I start my workout and then hear the dreaded "how long are you going to be?". I've frequently had people literally watching me next to my machine, barely giving me any space, hands on hips waiting for their turn. The worst case was when I've literally had a bloke trying to force me off the equipment! In this instance I was assertive and said no, wait for your turn but I'm not going to lie, I went home after that even though I wasn't at the end of my workout because I felt a bit shaken. I'm certainly not an equipment hogger and I've noticed it done to other people too at my gym! I'm not sure whether to make a complaint or just suck it up?

OP posts:
Ducksareruiningmypatio · 18/11/2021 22:04

I once said to a man "Oh! Is this your phone here?" Because I thought he had left it on a set of equipment, turned out his phone was saving it as he wanted to use that next Hmm
I wandered off muttering and he called me a bitch. Every day treatment being the fairer sex it seems. Tosser.

IWishToAnswerInTheAffirmative · 18/11/2021 22:01

Yeah it’s always fucking men isn’t it.

“Are you two almost done with the weights?” Sod off. You saw us just walk over here it’s not our fault you were slower.

tallduckandhandsome · 18/11/2021 22:01

That’s really bad.

I would just ask him to move.

Well done for standing up to the man who manhandles you. Did you report to the gym?

dementedma · 18/11/2021 21:59

This is why I, and a lot of women, wont go to gyms

AramintaLee · 18/11/2021 21:57

This has happened to me more than a few times to the point it's made me wonder if I'm spending too much time on one item of equipment and I get self conscious. Like are people watching me and timing me?? It's always men as well...

It hasn't happened since I've switched gyms. I'm now a member of a health club rather than a gym and I think it's a lot more relaxed and you get a lot less of those hard-core gym guys there and as a result, less harassment.

KrisAkabusi · 18/11/2021 21:57

Pushing you off a machine is wrong, obviously. But there's nothing wrong with forming a queue for a particular piece of equipment.

Courtier · 18/11/2021 21:56

@3scape

I'm not a gym user but it sounds quite normal to wait next to some equipment you want to use. Obviously trying to force you off is out of line. But what's wrong with people taking turns?
I don't want someone staring at me while I'm exercising and then standing there often makes people feel rushed
Returnoftheowl · 18/11/2021 21:54

@Hoesbeforebroes

I think it's OK to let someone know (nicely) that you're waiting for the machine they're using, so they don't sit around playing on their phone etc. between sets. And also OK to stay nearby indicate to others that you're next.

There's ways to do that without being rude or intimidating though..

I agree with this. You shouldn't be rude or intimidating and definitely not trying to force someone off a machine... However waiting near the equipment you want is fine, if not someone else is likely to nip in. I'd also say it's unreasonable to sit on a piece of equipment to take a break while you stare at your phone. My last gym had limited cardio equipment and often it was full of lads from the free weights are using the cardio section as basically bench seating.
MurielSpriggs · 18/11/2021 21:51

@BurntO

Is this typically men?
This was my first thought.

Ironically, men are the worst machine hoggers too, I spend half my time at the gym not able to do my exercises because of it.

MiniCooperLover · 18/11/2021 21:51

I would be tempted to respond 'as long as I want to be' but I always wear headphones so can ignore them

Hoesbeforebroes · 18/11/2021 21:49

I think it's OK to let someone know (nicely) that you're waiting for the machine they're using, so they don't sit around playing on their phone etc. between sets. And also OK to stay nearby indicate to others that you're next.

There's ways to do that without being rude or intimidating though..

BashfulClam · 18/11/2021 21:47

I hover by using the closest feed machine lol. I was really annoyed at a guy the other day on the only leg items going a set the sitting playing I his phone for at least 5 minutes…another set and then another phone break. I only take 30 seconds to a minute between sets but he was taking forever.

3scape · 18/11/2021 21:47

I'm not a gym user but it sounds quite normal to wait next to some equipment you want to use. Obviously trying to force you off is out of line. But what's wrong with people taking turns?

BurntO · 18/11/2021 21:44

Is this typically men?

HundredMilesAnHour · 18/11/2021 21:42

You should complain if they're harassing you and/or in your space. However, if they're just hovering nearby that's probably because they don't want someone else jumping in.

notacooldad · 18/11/2021 21:42

Jesus! Someone e tried to force you off a piece equipment. That's awful. Did he physically touch you?
That warrants a complaint.

I've been asked how long I'm going to be so I just say I've got 3 sets of 15 and then it's yours mate! It hasn't happened very often though.

BigSigh2021 · 18/11/2021 21:38

Definitely complain. The gym should put up signs saying that harassment in this way is not allowed.

HaroldSteptoesHorse · 18/11/2021 21:33

It’s awful, they should go on another prices of equipment. Entitled idiots

ggoodger · 18/11/2021 21:33

I don't think you're being unreasonable at all - that sounds horrible!