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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think you can’t reserve places for you’re mates at fitness classes in the gym

53 replies

HufflepuffPride · 28/01/2022 19:01

I’ve been going to the same gym for years but since lockdown ended I’ve noticed a group of three friends have muscled in on all the classes and and insist on keeping spaces for each other. This is stupid because you have to book all classes in advance so if there wasn’t any room you wouldn’t be allowed in of there wasn’t enough space or equipment for them, but that doesn’t stop these three insist on standing next to each other.

What usually happens is one arrives first, we’ll call her ‘Julie’ arrives first. Marches in to ‘her spot’ leaves a towel to mark the space as hers then ensures that that she places a water bottle and pair of car keys on other spots nearby for her friends who we’ll call Sharon and Cheryl. If anyone dares to stand in these spots they get told that they can’t because they are ‘taken’ bare in mind they’ve not even fucking arrived yet. Then Sharon arrives and Julie manically waves her arms to get her attention and makes sure that goes to her spot, then Cheryl arrives just before the class is about to start.

AIBU to think this is out of order. Julie told me off tonight for standing in one of her mates places so I shuffled only very slightly out to one side and was subjected to dirty looks all night, I couldn’t give a toss really but I’m a seasoned gym goer and that kind of behaviour can really put off newbies. These women are also in every single class, they are in body pump, they are in HIIT they are in fucking spin they are everywhere —and appear to make little progress— so you can hardly avoid them.

Also AIBIU to think that kind of behaviour is pathetic in fifty plus something women? It’s generally a very friendly gym and the classes were great and inclusive before they arrived

OP posts:
KrisAkabusi · 28/01/2022 19:36

Oh ffs. Seriously? How is any of what I’ve said ageist or fattest or sexist?

We'll, seeing as you asked:
AIBIU to think that kind of behaviour is pathetic in fifty plus something women?
is ageist and sexist because it implies that there's a certain way that a)women and b) people over 50 should be seen to behave, and

These women are also in every single class, they are in body pump, they are in HIIT they are in fucking spin they are everywhere —and appear to make little progress
is clearly having a dig at them either failing to lose weight or get fit, but is most definitely having a pop at them so could be seen as fatist.

TooManyPJs · 28/01/2022 19:37

I don't really understand why you are bothered. They want to do the class with each other - that doesn't work if they are stood at opposite ends of the room so obviously they need to save spaces next to the first to arrive. The social aspect of classes etc is very important to some people and they may not be motivated to exercise with out it.

Presumably you don't give a toss who you stand next to in the class so you can stand anywhere. Just stand somewhere else and stop getting upset over nothing would be my suggestion. And let the 3 friends have their social time.

Seafog · 28/01/2022 19:40

You're being kinda bitchy with the comments about how they do stuff together, how they do the same classes as you, how they aren't progressing like you, how they are older.....
Why not just move a few feet the other way and be done with it?

coldfeetmama · 28/01/2022 19:43

Stop being pathetic , go stand where ever you want

Cronehands · 28/01/2022 19:44

I don't get it. Occasionally I will meet friends at a gym class. But I don't need to stand near them because a. I'm not in primary school and b. I'm going to the gym. If I can chat, I'm not gymming properly.

The best classes I ever went to were 6am ones. People would pitch up, chat briefly, then move to their spaces and crack on.

Franklyfrost · 28/01/2022 19:46

It’s okay for people to have friends. You can still do the class. I can’t see how it’s a problem.

TheOccupier · 28/01/2022 19:47

I think you should just get into the studio first and grab the spot you want.

notacooldad · 28/01/2022 19:49

This was happening when I was an aerobics instructor on the early 80s. People like to group together.
I haven't got a problem with it.

Fruitellaa · 28/01/2022 19:49

Sounds irritating, but also is it pointing to something you’re jealous of? Perhaps you’d like a good spot or company? Nothing wrong with wanting those things - perhaps focus your attention on how to get those things rather than them?

Flowersandbread · 28/01/2022 19:50

I can't understand why you have a problem, surely there aren't spaces which are "better" than others so just find a clear space. For lots of women it's a confidence thing going with friends and nothing wrong with that

I get riled up at my spin class, when most people try to space out and there's loads of extra bikes then someone comes on one right next to me "bugger off!" (I don't have a problem with it un a busy class though)

Sparklingbrook · 28/01/2022 19:53

For anyone pondering starting to go to a gym then this thread will remind them why it's not a great idea. People that are protective over the spaces where they stand in classes, and people judging you on the progress you are or aren't making.
Lovely.

emmathedilemma · 28/01/2022 19:53

YANBU I went to a class I don’t usually do (middle of the day on a rare day off work), walked in and rolled my mat out, went in the cupboard to get some equipment and when I came out someone had moved my mat because seemingly I was in her friend’s space!! Also, you’re going to exercise not for a chat so it doesn’t really matter where you are in the room! Although there are also the people who rudely talk over the instructor throughout the class……ffs just go and sit in the cafe if that’s what you want to do!!

Owlink · 28/01/2022 19:58

That would really annoy me. It's pathetic, cliquey & presumptuous. New people definitely do find that kind of crap off-putting. I'd have a word with the class giver (can't think of the word) but if, like most people on here, they don't think it matters, well you & me are in the irritable minority I guess.

Original poster
HufflepuffPride · 28/01/2022 20:01

Yes, it’s cliquey. If standing together isn’t that important to you then arrive together at the same time. Don’t tell people they can’t stand wherever they like.

OP posts:
nellly · 28/01/2022 20:06

Some people don't feel comfortable or as confident going alone and need a tribe. I like workouts alone, i couldn't get worked up about this you sound really mean. How are they harming your experience exactly? You want a specific spot get there earlier or tell them! I'm sure if you harp on about it like you have here they'll soon move Grin

winterchills · 28/01/2022 20:20

Yeh that would wind me up too!

lap90 · 28/01/2022 20:43

It's a pretty minor thing tbh.

I've been the new person in my gym but now have lots of friends from the classes i've joined and have had the 'save me a space' requests and at times have asked the same of others. We're not cliquey, quite friendly actually and just enjoy having a laugh throughout the class.

I wouldn't stand in a space or use equipment if there is a water bottle, towel down and the like... or if i was unsure i'd ask if the equipment is free or if someone's here... just to be sure.

Your other option is to arrive before everyone in the class :-)

Everyone has their pet peeves...

Everydaydayisaschoolday · 28/01/2022 20:54

I've been attending gym classes for 40 years. These people exist in every club. And IME it's the older women (like me) who get territorial about their spaces. If you really don't like it get to the class early and stake your own space. If not grin and bear it.

NerrSnerr · 28/01/2022 21:04

Why do you care if these 3 women choose to stand together. If everyone has to book there's space for everyone so it doesn't matter if you're somewhere else.

How have they 'muscled' into the classes? They've just booked, like you.

They're clearly trying to get fitter so the comment about not making progress is pretty rude.

NoLongerTroels · 28/01/2022 21:04

I used to go to daily class before we moved house. My friends and I used to end up at one end of the room, and anyone who came in late joined us in the naughty corner as it was nicknamed. We welcomed all and it got quite popular there.
Lots of people only do well on the right side or left side of the room and having to move completly throws off their exercise routine. It did for me.
Saving spaces for friends gives people confidence.

ElftonWednesday · 28/01/2022 22:03

I don't go to a class to get fit or make progress as I am fit already. I go because I enjoy it.

HunterHearstHelmsley · 28/01/2022 22:09

I set up five people for Body Pump yesterday. They weren't in the gym yet.

I'd do again (same time next week probably!)

Not so easy to "reserve" a spot in a class with no equipment though.

If I had marked the spot with keys (admittedly unlikely) and someone gave them to me and said I'd dropped them... Well, it's going to be very cosy with two of us in the same spot.

comedycentral · 28/01/2022 22:39

I don't think this would even fall in my radar. Just ignore them OP.

BABAHOTEL · 29/01/2022 06:26

Bloody hell

Muscle in
March to the spot
Dirty looks

Such a fuss about absolutely nothing!

As you've said yourself, there is space for everyone, so just stand elsewhere?

And they are as entitled to use this gym as much as you, no matter how many more years you may have been attending. There is no gym hierarchy.

Sciurus83 · 29/01/2022 06:53

Oh come on they're just having a nice time with their friends, bet they look forward to seeing each other. Be different if it wasn't pre booked, you know there is enough space so what does it matter. Why you got to pee on their strawberries when it really doesn't affect you?