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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

Exercise class full of vipers! AIBU to be put off?

95 replies

OverTheHammer · 16/08/2017 13:12

I'm a member of a gym and so far have stuck to using the machines and swimming only as I know how uncoordinated I am so dare not brace the classes.

Last night I plucked up the courage to try a "legs bums and tums" class as the description made it sound rather stationary.

When I got there, other members were a bit mean to me and not at all welcoming. I always assumed the classes would be set up prior to arrival so I found a "stepper" and sat on it like everyone else was. I was then told that it belonged to someone. Ok ... so I moved to another one and was told rather abruptly that that one belonged to someone and I had to get my own. I had no idea where to get them from!! I eventually saw someone disappearing into a cupboard and returning with a stepper so I followed - got myself a stepper and then went to sit on it - I was then told to move further away from this particular group who were all chatting and to find a space!!!

Good job I'm thick skinned! So feeling like the unpopular new kid that nobody wants to talk to I found myself a space (as far away from any fucker as possible!) and sat down (waiting to be told off again!).

Finally the class started and I just couldn't keep up as my lack of coordination had me in knots. There was no guidance and when I looked to the side of me to grasp what everyone else was doing I was told "eyes forward or you'll strain your neck!!!" By the instructor.

(I know, I'm a fucking saint to still be here at this point!).

Then it came to mat work - however I didn't have a mat as I wasn't aware I needed one (as no fucker thought to tell me whilst snapping at me earlier!). So off I ran into the cupboard to grab a mat only for instructor to belt out "can we all make sure we're set up before class please!". I noticed I was getting the evils off a few regulars. Back to the floor I laid down like everyone else and was shouted at again as my feet were not in the right position! Honestly I felt an absolute twat - like the idiot that can't get anything right.

Needless to say I'm slightly put off going again next week. I also train in karate and have done on and off for 25 years - I've never come across such an unfriendly bunch!

Is this what classes are like then? Shame because I could feel it working the bits I wanted to work and once I get the coordination sorted I think I'd enjoy it but the other regulars (and snappy instructor!) have put me off!

OP posts:

Crunchymum · 16/08/2017 13:15

God that sounds fucking horrendous.

I wouldn't go back! I'd make a huge complaint as well.

Delatron · 16/08/2017 13:17

Sounds horrible! I'm an instructor and would never behave like this or let anyone in my class do the same. Unfriendly lot.
You need to enjoy it and like the instructor. I wouldn't give my money to them and I'd look for another class. Maybe ask for recommendations. Is it a gym chain? I always believe in a bit of constructive feedback too. You want to exercise, join in but were made to feel unwelcome. It's not on.

Delatron · 16/08/2017 13:18

Sorry just seen its a gym. Definitely complain. No class instructor should behave like that or allow that atmosphere in class.

dollydaydream114 · 16/08/2017 13:19

Fucking hell, the instructor should have explained where things were and what you'd need at the start. She would have known you were new, right?

Not much the instructor can do about other people in the class being rude, unfriendly cows but it's her job to make sure everyone knows what they're doing.

ghostyslovesheets · 16/08/2017 13:19

That's crap - instructor should be there to set up and talk u through the call before hand - complain

MrsOverTheRoad · 16/08/2017 13:20

Feed back to the centre about how shit the instructor is. There will be good teachers waiting to replace her!

JohnnyUtahsWetsuit · 16/08/2017 13:20

Sounds horrible. How hard is it for regulars to point someone new in the right direction re equipment etc?

I would be tempted to give the gym manager some feedback about the instructor. You could probably do it anonymously if you wanted. Surely the last thing the gym wants is for people to be put off the classes by unhelpful instuctors.

Loungepants · 16/08/2017 13:21

This is why I avoid exercise classes, despite them being included in my gym membership

HelloSquirrels · 16/08/2017 13:22

All the classes I've been to when know the instructor has gone through it all with me. Where things are how to set up a quick explanation of the class and they usually pay you more attention to make sure you're happy and getting it

Sounds like a shit instructor and a horrible class I would find another

PovertyJetset · 16/08/2017 13:23

That's terrible and really unusual!

DialsMavis · 16/08/2017 13:24

It sounds like some of the classes at my gym! Is it Golds?

MyfatheristheKing · 16/08/2017 13:24

I would complain about the instructor for sure. She should have asked if anyone was new and made sure you had everything needed for the class. The other people sound up themselves. I would have walked out after she made the comment about being set up before class.

Original poster

OverTheHammer · 16/08/2017 13:25

David Lloyd. Instructor did say she didn't feel well but couldn't get anyone to cover however - no excuse for the rest of them!

OP posts:

Fruitcocktail6 · 16/08/2017 13:25

You should definitely complain. I do gym classes and I've never been in one like that. Every instructor I have ever had has asked if anyone is new, and if yes they go and speak with them and ensure they are set up correctly. dont let it put you off.

Somerford · 16/08/2017 13:27

That does sound awful. From what you've described, these people sound like they invest a lot of energy into being unpleasant. Let them wallow in their own negativity and ignore them. At least next time you know the etiquette in terms of equipment and you know the format of the class so you can already be sure that it won't be anywhere near as bad as your first experience. If you are happy that the class will benefit you, please don't let a childish clique of Mean Girls deprive you of it. You have just as much right to be there as they have.

OhhBetty · 16/08/2017 13:27

I'd complain in person and in writing. I'd also see if there's a way to do a review online to warn others.

TickleMcTickleFace · 16/08/2017 13:35

I'd definitely complain, behaviour like that would have left some people me in tears. I go to gym classes with a lot of regulars and if someone new comes we'll get them the equipment, show them where stuff is etc. and the same at the end of the class. What arseholes, this has really annoyed me

Foxyloxy1plus1 · 16/08/2017 13:37

I don't think it's that uncommon with classes in gym chains. I used to do yoga and legs, bums and tums at a gym and people were very stand offish. It's had to break into the group when you don't know anyone.

Now I do Pilates, wher everyone is friendly and I've just started Zumba, where loads of people spoke to me. Very lucky I reckon.

MuchasSmoochas · 16/08/2017 13:39

That's a shame. It's usual IME. When I started BodyPump I was mortified as the instructor brought me up to the front to keep an eye on me! Same in Metafit.

c3pu · 16/08/2017 13:39

The only way I can see that kind of behaviour being reasonable is if the class was specifically advertised as an advanced class or something.

Totally out of order.

vikingprincess81 · 16/08/2017 13:43

What?! That's horrendous! Any class I've been to has had an instructor there to help you set up.
I can understand them asking you to go get your own step, but there's a way of speaking to people, especially newbies to the class, and they could have kindly pointed out the cupboard and told you what you'd need. No, that's not on, I'd complain. My gym class instructors are friendly, encouraging, and always happy to help with anything you ask. Not a chain though, but I'd expect the big chains to want to keep their reputations intact. Bunch of horrible bitches OP

Jackiebrambles · 16/08/2017 13:44

Wankers, I'd definitely complain too.

I've had similar at classes before, with all the 'regulars' not helping you out.

The instructor should start the class by making sure everyone is set up and knows what is happening.

MuchasSmoochas · 16/08/2017 13:45

Sorry I said usual but I meant unusual! I.e. Usually instructors are very inclusive to newbies.

gluteustothemaximus · 16/08/2017 13:45

DH worked in a 'posh' gym years ago. This sounds normal to him!

He also had a nest of vipers complain every lesson - music too loud, music too quiet, music not modern enough, music not old enough, class was too hard, class wasn't hard enough, didn't find it very motivational today, liked the other instructor last week better, moan moan moan moan moan moan.

Then finish their fitness class - and go off to the cafe for a moan, latte and a muffin

He's very happy he is no longer there.

gluteustothemaximus · 16/08/2017 13:47

I should say though that despite the members, DH always helped newbies set themselves up.

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