Mean gym lady made me feel like shit

Chat to & befriend others in the gym, she's less likely to try & intimidate you if you have 'backup'.
She's a twit & not worth engaging with.

“We have to share the this space and it’s meant for two. If we both make room for each other I won’t be in your way.”

Probably best to avoid & ignore her, hard to do when you feel like getting her by the throat & slamming her against the wall.

If you see her again I would say ‘oh I checked with management after the last time you told me to go elsewhere and they confirmed it’s a shared space so I’m going to stay and do my workout over here, if that’s a problem for you then I suggest you take it up with the management’
Headphones back on, resting bitch face firmly in place and do not engage any further

Why go in for all this convoluted stuff and try to make her cringe? Just politely and assertively decline to move if she asks.

Tbh I'd just sort of stay dead pan and barely look at her and say "no" in a casual "don't care" tone. Nothing like a dead end, and can't imagine how she could come back from that without majorly escalating, in which case you can put in a complaint.

I've started doing this, or pausing before I reply because sometimes they rush to fill the silence and end up having to backtrack because their request or statement is ridiculous.

I used to always either back down or immediately defend myself (so sort of on the back foot). The making them explain themselves works so well.

I'd make sure I had headphones on and make out I can't hear her, then continue to use the space whether she likes it or not.

"Ah. I think you must not be aware that this area is set up for two people to share so both can use the ladder to stretch. Come to think of it, I think you're the only person I've seen who spreads themselves across both areas. Anyway, the other room doesn't have a leg stretcher so I'll use the other side of this until you're done with the leg stretcher."

No tinkly laugh necessary but a clear reason why she's in the wrong and you'll be standing your ground now, and on future occasions.

Just say "no thank you" and carry on doing your exercise. Repeat if necessary.

I think you need to let it go. In the scheme of things it's sad that she felt so insecure that she has to be a bully. I'm really laid back about this sort of thing and would have probably laughed and walked off shaking my head.

That incident has been and gone. If it happens again simply say you're happy where you are and don't move. There's no need to get into an argument or tell her off.

You can say:

I'm happy here. Thanks.

Do the toddler thing. ‘Why? Yeah but why? Why though?’ Until she gets fed up with you.

Or be an adult and say ‘No’.

There's plenty of room for both us. Unless of course you've paid extra to be on your own?

All you need to say is no thank you. I checked with staff and the room is meant for 2 people to use at a time. So I'll be staying.

I think it's very hard to tell without seeing the space. Its very frustrating to have people setting themselves right next to you for their workout when there is plenty of space available elsewhere...

You might like the ladder to stretch, but you don't really need it. And you can do push ups anywhere. I think In this situation - unless the space is bigger than what you've described - I would choose to give people space (if there is room elsewhere).

This is a really bad idea.

Do not get into an argument with a stranger if you're not verbally equipped to deal with it.

And one or two suggestions from MNetters is not going to equip you for that.

Next time just point out there's enough room and get on with your exercise.

If she doesn't like it she can move.

"No" is a full and complete answer. Once you stop people pleasing, it is liberating.

Judging by the replies I think your poll confused people a bit. I think most of us believe the other lady was unreasonable and you have just as much right to use the space, but both options sort of represent that view:

YABU - woman up and confront her
YANBU - you are entitled to use the space

Is there a gym attendant you can appeal to to speak to her? I don’t feel like you should actually have to be the one to explain to her it’s not her private gym.

Is she around often enough that you feel confident that she’s observed two people normally share the space?

It’s a bit tricky if someone isn’t willing to share in a public space, because while the etiquette may be that it’s normal, I don’t know whether I think that you can force them if they’re really not comfortable. I was once in a busy cafe and asked a young man at a table for two, with the only spare seat, whether I could sit there. He initially said yes but then once I’d sat down said ‘Actually this is going to be weird, I don’t know you and we’re going to be sitting across from each other, I don’t want you to have this seat’. Got the impression he might be ND but who knows. I felt annoyed because obviously most people would share as a matter of course, but I didn’t feel it was my business to force him if he seriously objected to it.

If you do want to confront her I’d just be matter of fact, ‘Normally two people share this space, and there will be plenty of room if you move to one side as most people do rather than going in the middle’. Then wait expectantly.

I can understand why you backed down, confrontation is hard and unexpected from strangers because most people aren’t cunts, thankfully. In future, though, do try to stick up for yourself a bit more. She had no right to claim the whole space.