How unreasonable would it be to lie about my son’s age so he can join our gym?

WinoLino · 2025-11-24T17:41:10+00:00

He’s 14. Getting into things he shouldn’t be getting into a bit. I think the gym would be a great distraction. Me, his dad and his 18 year old sister all go to the gym. It’s aged 16 and up though. I’m a rule follower at all times so I’m not saying we will do it. However, how unreasonable would it be if we were to say he is 16? Is it even possible, thinking they might want to see ID. He will train only with us and his dad really knows what he’s doing (has spent his whole life training in the gym) so the risk of injury is lessened but of course it’s there nonetheless. Am I not thinking straight?

Mygardenandme · 30/11/2025 10:27

Llama4life · 26/11/2025 08:51

Rules are made for the general population, they don’t take individual circumstances into consideration. They’re also often made by people who think very differently to how others might think. This is why I live my life pretty much exactly as you describe- “rules don’t matter if you don’t think they should apply or it’s not convenient to abide by them”. Why would I follow a rule that doesn’t make any sense? As long as I’m not hurting or majorly inconveniencing anyone, I choose which rules I want to follow and I teach my dc the same.

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Because you're oh so special I guess.
All the stupid un-special people following the rules so that (mostly) society rubs along. What fools!

sickleaveornot · 26/11/2025 09:19

Could you look into martial arts class or something along those lines rather then the gym?

Lastfroginthebox · 26/11/2025 08:53

aWeeCornishPastie · 24/11/2025 17:50

Everyone saying it will invalidate an insurance claim…yada yada. How likely is that going to happen if he is training with you his family? I would do it OP. Sometimes in life rules are there to be broken

Sometimes rules are there for very good reasons. And it's not setting a good example to show your son it's ok to lie.

rwalker · 26/11/2025 08:52

aWeeCornishPastie · 24/11/2025 17:50

Everyone saying it will invalidate an insurance claim…yada yada. How likely is that going to happen if he is training with you his family? I would do it OP. Sometimes in life rules are there to be broken

Ask anyone who had an accident if they expected to have one

please don’t pass this attitude onto your child

Llama4life · 26/11/2025 08:51

ClareBlue · 24/11/2025 18:49

He's getting into things he shouldn't be. Definitely the best way to deal with this is showing rules don't matter if you don't think they should apply or it's not convenient to abide by them. That should work.

Rules are made for the general population, they don’t take individual circumstances into consideration. They’re also often made by people who think very differently to how others might think. This is why I live my life pretty much exactly as you describe- “rules don’t matter if you don’t think they should apply or it’s not convenient to abide by them”. Why would I follow a rule that doesn’t make any sense? As long as I’m not hurting or majorly inconveniencing anyone, I choose which rules I want to follow and I teach my dc the same.

Llama4life · 26/11/2025 08:34

I’d go for it. What harm can it do? People saying it would invalidate the gym’s insurance…what does that even mean?! If he got injured in the gym, it’s extremely unlikely it would be serious, if he drops a barbell on his toe and breaks it, why would any type of insurance claim need to be made for this? Unless the family were planning to sue the gym - which would be a pretty stupid idea if they’ve lied about his age

Dancingsquirrels · 26/11/2025 07:35

ClareBlue · 24/11/2025 18:49

He's getting into things he shouldn't be. Definitely the best way to deal with this is showing rules don't matter if you don't think they should apply or it's not convenient to abide by them. That should work.

💯

OP, he needs good role models, not encouragement to break the rules when it suits him

How far away is the other gym he could join? That would be my first option. Perhaps they do PAYG and you could try it a few times to see how it goes

What about parkrun?

Or a virtual run / walk eg end-to-end.co.uk?

Or voluntary work?

Dancingsquirrels · 26/11/2025 07:28

Lamentingalways · 24/11/2025 17:55

I would lie. If they ask for ID then just cancel. You’re not going to sue if he gets injured and he’ll be supervised.

Please refrain from responding to my post if you’re not OP. This is MY opinion and there’s no point asking for opinions on a forum if honestly leads to being roasted. Because all you get then are the people who always do the right (moral) thing answering and it actually skews the results rendering it pointless.

Anyone can reply to (dis)agree with your post!

Owly11 · 26/11/2025 07:23

WinoLino · 25/11/2025 18:45

Apologies

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No worries! I was mainly reacting to them because i didn't like being told what to do 😂 i hope you sort things with your son.

Original poster

WinoLino · 25/11/2025 18:45

Owly11 · 25/11/2025 14:38

My message wasn't aimed at you it was aimed at the PP i replied to in my post.

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Apologies

OP posts:

Owly11 · 25/11/2025 16:21

Redpeach · 25/11/2025 15:45

Have your premiums gone up because of teenagers pretending to be 16?

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I never said they had, as you are well aware.

Aligirlbear · 25/11/2025 16:11

Yes YABU. If he has an accident on the premises the gym won’t be covered. Also likely they will ask for ID

Thechaseison71 · 25/11/2025 15:57

WallaceinAnderland · 24/11/2025 17:58

It could be anything. The roof could collapse on him, he could slip or tip. He could hurt someone else by accident and would not have the insurance to cover the claim for medical treatment. Anything. That is whole point of insurance.

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Why would anyone have to pay for medical treatment?

Redpeach · 25/11/2025 15:45

Owly11 · 25/11/2025 14:38

My message wasn't aimed at you it was aimed at the PP i replied to in my post.

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Have your premiums gone up because of teenagers pretending to be 16?

Redpeach · 25/11/2025 15:33

Nevernonono · 25/11/2025 04:45

What makes you think it’s a good idea to encourage a child that’s already “getting into the wrong stuff”, that lying is ok? You think it’s a good idea?

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Yes, if its for a greater benefit

Redpeach · 25/11/2025 15:31

MrsSkylerWhite · 24/11/2025 20:46

“Getting into things he shouldn’t be getting into”

He needs your time and attention, not a gym.

They were doing gym as a family, that is time and attention

PithyTaupeWriter · 25/11/2025 14:45

If there isn't another gym nearby to join, can you get a few kettlebells and free weights to use at home? Maybe you all could take up something together like karate?

Owly11 · 25/11/2025 14:38

WinoLino · 25/11/2025 14:11

I’m not “cracking on” with anything if you RTWT

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My message wasn't aimed at you it was aimed at the PP i replied to in my post.

Original poster

WinoLino · 25/11/2025 14:12

CalmConfident · 25/11/2025 07:56

A totally different suggestion….get a dartboard for home.

We have one in the garage and it’s something the DS & DH do to chill out. It’s an alone activity, good for introverts but lots of publicity with Luke Littler recent success. Fills time nicely and needs little space

Actually we do have one in the garage and just recently the garage has become a mess but we are clearing it on Sunday so this could be another shout, we bought the darts and he was enjoying it

OP posts:

Original poster

WinoLino · 25/11/2025 14:11

Owly11 · 25/11/2025 08:05

I'm replying to you just because i don't like being told what to do 😂 and all comments should be open to question and debate. People who commit insurance fraud raise insurance premiums for all of us but you crack on.

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I’m not “cracking on” with anything if you RTWT

OP posts:

Original poster

WinoLino · 25/11/2025 14:10

TemuTrinny · 25/11/2025 08:05

Can’t really think of any suggestions that others haven’t made but I wanted to say you sound like a very lovely mum. Good luck to you and your boy. X

Oh thank you that’s so kind of you. We are all trying our best! He is of course very adored, and he will feel better soon, it’s just tough when you are in it and can’t have the influence you have when they are tiny!

OP posts:

Bufftailed · 25/11/2025 12:12

Nevernonono · 25/11/2025 04:45

What makes you think it’s a good idea to encourage a child that’s already “getting into the wrong stuff”, that lying is ok? You think it’s a good idea?

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I think this thread is a bit hysterical tbh. It’s like OP was considering something outrageous

BoxesBoxesEverywhere · 25/11/2025 09:33

Lamentingalways · 24/11/2025 17:55

I would lie. If they ask for ID then just cancel. You’re not going to sue if he gets injured and he’ll be supervised.

Please refrain from responding to my post if you’re not OP. This is MY opinion and there’s no point asking for opinions on a forum if honestly leads to being roasted. Because all you get then are the people who always do the right (moral) thing answering and it actually skews the results rendering it pointless.

Well, I was going to just lurk and read but now I have to comment just because you told me not to respond to you 😁
Now I'm here, OP - what others have said. Not a good idea due to insurance, it could invalidate it if there was an accident or anything happened.
They or you wouldn't be covered. Not worth the risk, for them, or you.

Nevernonono · 25/11/2025 09:20

Lamentingalways · 24/11/2025 17:55

I would lie. If they ask for ID then just cancel. You’re not going to sue if he gets injured and he’ll be supervised.

Please refrain from responding to my post if you’re not OP. This is MY opinion and there’s no point asking for opinions on a forum if honestly leads to being roasted. Because all you get then are the people who always do the right (moral) thing answering and it actually skews the results rendering it pointless.

MY opinion, which is different to yours and you’re welcome to counter argue, as I realise I don’t have the right to say otherwise.

Is that YOU are giving dreadful advice and luckily OP has realised that!

TemuTrinny · 25/11/2025 08:05

Can’t really think of any suggestions that others haven’t made but I wanted to say you sound like a very lovely mum. Good luck to you and your boy. X