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AIBU?

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Original poster

Personal trainer using local park to train clients inside actual playground near children

340 replies

lucindalovescats · 07/08/2020 11:25

I was dumbfounded this morning when I took my children to a big local playground in surrey to find a personal trainer teaching an adult man (who was obviously a client) using the play equipment.

She had large heavy metal dumb bells on the floor next to the swings and stretch equipment and a harness attached to the climbing frame.

It was 0830 am (took the kids early today as it's so hot) but there were already atleast 6-8 children playing with their parents so not empty.

I approached them and calmly said that the equipment was unsafe and was preventing the children from using the swings so could they please leave.

They didnt look embarrassed at all and said they were almost finished anyway.
After 15 minutes the man had left but the personal trainer was still there slowly pacing away equipment without a care in the world.
I must admit I lost my temper at this point and raised my voice to say it was completely illegal and unsafe for her to use the playground in this way and that I would be sending a photo of her to the local council. Not to mention it's a pandemic.

She was very brazen and told me I needed to calm down and take a muscle relaxant.

All the while no other parents said a word to back me up.
Why is that people dont say anything? That upset me as much as the situation did.

Or am I just an uptight cranky mum who needs to keep quiet?

OP posts:
Puddingpi · 07/08/2020 12:07

I don’t think I would have agreed that it was illegal or threaten to take photos, but I would certainly be annoyed at it and want to report it to the council. If I’m reading correctly, they were in the gated off area you tend to find in a park which houses children’s play equipment and is meant only for the enjoyment of children. An adult has no business using that equipment and preventing children from doing so, particularly if they are running a business and making money by preventing children from using it! It is very unprofessional.

I think it would be fine if there were no children around (but even then, I wouldn’t do it), but should have left as soon as children came to use the facilities provided just for them.

jessstan2 · 07/08/2020 12:10

What a lot of fuss about nothing. I'm sure there was room for the two of them and a few children, as you say there weren't many there at that hour (I can't imagine mine being up that early never mind out :-) unless I was going to work).

daisypond · 07/08/2020 12:12

I’m surprised at those saying it’s OK. My local playgrounds have notices on them saying they are for the under-12s and no adults should enter, unless accompanying a child.

Jaxhog · 07/08/2020 12:12

Report it. Many local Councils take a very dim view of this. Not only is it use of council property without permission (especially if it was for commercial gain) it probably invalidated their insurance. Not to mention would be contrary to H&S and was potentially putting both the trainee and children at risk.

The insurance and H&S will be the most concerning. Because if anyone got injured guess who they'd sue? Yes, the council! So they will want to know.

cologne4711 · 07/08/2020 12:13

My local playgrounds have notices on them saying they are for the under-12s and no adults should enter, unless accompanying a child

I don't think the OP has clarified whether it was a fenced off area for younger children or not.

KingOfDogShite · 07/08/2020 12:14

We have yoga and PT in several of our local parks, I think it’s fantastic to see people out and doing things!

cologne4711 · 07/08/2020 12:14

Not to mention would be contrary to H&S and was potentially putting both the trainee and children at risk. The insurance and H&S will be the most concerning. Because if anyone got injured guess who they'd sue? Yes, the council! So they will want to know

Not sure how either was put at risk, but PTs have insurance, so if a client is injured, it would be their insurance that would cover that injury.

howfarwevecome · 07/08/2020 12:14

It's selfish and inconsiderate to be taking over a children's playpark when there's so fucking little children can do right now, but not illegal.

Unless there are local signs saying it's for a certain number of children only at the moment? What our parish council has done.

cologne4711 · 07/08/2020 12:15

(that is assuming that the injury is caused by the PT's negligence, which I suspect is nigh on impossible to prove).

mintich · 07/08/2020 12:16

I agree with you. The play equipment is there for children. Adults preventing children from using it would really annoy me. I would have had the same reaction

cologne4711 · 07/08/2020 12:16

It's selfish and inconsiderate to be taking over a children's playpark when there's so fucking little children can do right now, but not illegal

Not sure why you need to swear - and there is loads little children can do (other than softplay and would anyone go on a hot day anyway)?

rainkeepsfallingdown · 07/08/2020 12:18

Was it an actual children's play area, or just an area with swings and exercise equipment combined?

My park has areas which both adults and children could happily use, plus others which are designated for children only, and for young children only.

Notemyname · 07/08/2020 12:18

I'm sure I read in our local paper that personal trainers or boot camp style classes need to register and seek permission from the council as so many classes were set up which took over a public space and it was getting out of hand. Also an issue with public liability insurance if I recall in case a member of tie public trips over their equipment etc. I believe it's fine if you're doing it as a personal fitness thing, but commercial companies are not allowed to just set up and use council or public land for profit. I think you overreacted, and maybe didn't need to lose your temper but I would have said something too if they were hogging the equipment and asked them to move.

Namechangr9000 · 07/08/2020 12:19

It would be annoying if there were children waiting to use the swings, and I would think, possibly a hazard if a child tripped or tried to lift one of the dumbbells and hurt themselves (although hopefully a parent would be supervising).
But I wouldnt have said anything

ChardonnaysPetDragon · 07/08/2020 12:20

it is a H&S issue, also she's using the equipment for financial gain, so she should have a permit for that, which most likely does.

Complain to the council. It's not on.

JackiesArmy · 07/08/2020 12:22

This thread is bonkers.

How is it ok for adults to use children's play equipment in such a way that children can't use it?

As for "take a muscle relaxant" - how is that ever an appropriate thing to say?

Soontobe60 · 07/08/2020 12:22

I’d have asked them to leave too. It’s a kids play area, not a gym for adults. Were you able to identify the PT from a logo or anything?
Not sure what they were doing was actually illegal, but certainly very thoughtless.

popcornlover · 07/08/2020 12:23

You’re being so selfish! Why should a PT’s livelihood suffer just because you want the whole playground for yourself? Don’t you think certain self employed people have suffered enough though Covid? Now here you are getting irate because you think it’s more important for your kids not to have to SHARE at the park than for someone to earn their bread and butter. Sorry OP, but your kids are not more important.

The PT was absolutely bang on about you, and that’s why no-one stuck up for you.

FancyAnOlive · 07/08/2020 12:24

I think it's inconsiderate of them to hog the play equipment, however it was early in the morning and you have seriously over-reacted with your photo taking and claims of illegality etc. I'd be embarrassed to have done this.

Unless this is a reverse and you're the brazen trainer?

Intelinside57 · 07/08/2020 12:25

I don't know why Op is getting such a hard time. Of course a personal trainer shouldn't be using a children's play area and equipment in the course of their business. Particularly when children are there wanting to play on things. Has the bloody world gone completely mad?

unmarkedbythat · 07/08/2020 12:25

There are signs on all the local playgrounds making it clear this facility is for 12 year olds and under/ 15 year olds and under. I doubt these constitute actual laws, but it does mean any adults taking over the kids playground like this would be doing so in full knowledge that they shouldn't.

PTs using the park in general, fine, but taking over a children's playground, not fine.

jessstan2 · 07/08/2020 12:26

@cologne4711

It's selfish and inconsiderate to be taking over a children's playpark when there's so fucking little children can do right now, but not illegal

Not sure why you need to swear - and there is loads little children can do (other than softplay and would anyone go on a hot day anyway)?

Quite right. Two adults were hardly taking over the area.

If the op feels like reporting there's nothing to stop her but I doubt the Council will do anything.

daisypond · 07/08/2020 12:28

I don't think the OP has clarified whether it was a fenced off area for younger children or not.

The OP said it was a playground. It’s not a park, which is completely different.

HaudYerWheeshtYaWeeBellend · 07/08/2020 12:28

What law was broken?

Yes it’s a pandemic, your point being?

Your behaviour liked an absolute tool.

ScorpioSphinxInACalicoDress · 07/08/2020 12:28

Has the OP said there was a sign on her playground?