Child at the gym

[CosyScentedCandles]

I go to a local leisure centre gym 4-5 times a week. Because it is only a leisure centre, I accept that it has to be available to meet a range of needs and part of that is that they allow kids from 15 to use the gym at specific times. This doesn’t bother me, I generally avoid the teen-gym slots and if I don’t it is usually one harmless 16 year old girl using a cross trainer.

What is really winding me up is that there is a woman who seems to regularly sneak her 10-11yo in with her so that she can work out. She plonks him on a machine or a bench and he proceeds too much about with the equipment, preventing somebody else from using it properly. Apart from the fact he his taking up room in what is a small gym, AIBU to think that some places are simply not appropriate for children and to want some time in an adults only space?

I feel like I want to complain but I don’t know 🤷🏼‍♀️

Oh for fucks sake. Maybe she should have realised that life changes after having kids and you can't just do as you please anymore. She can work out at home like millions of others do.

I would report it. I agree about the insurance becoming void.

No, the point is it doesn't affect you in any meaningful way, not even slightly. There is no reason the OP can't just happily and successfully get on with her workout in the situation described. The only impediment is her own miserable self. I just can't relate to trying to make a stranger's life harder for no reason. Reading on here I actually think a lot of people are bored and unhappy and they get a weird thrill from finding things to be outraged by and 'fix' by complaining to the manager.

But it does impact the OP. The DC is playing about with the machinery and preventing others from using it.

Just tell management and let them deal with it

"Hi there...can I just use that (whatever)...thanks."

He's like 11 and just playing. He'll move.

I’d be complaining/grassing on her, if only because it’s really not safe for this child to be there- he could hurt himself or even someone else if he’s messing about with the equipment. The reason she’s having to sneak him in is because there would be a zero tolerance policy about him being there for good reason.

Assuming the gym is staffed then surely they know he is there so must be allowed? It's normal for leisure centres to allow dc from 11/12, certainly all our local ones do. If you need the machine though then surely ask/let him know you wish to use it - if met with any problems then tell staff who should sort it

It wouldn't bother me, leave them be, there could be lots of reasons why she brings him in, just ask him to move.

they allow kids from 15 to use the gym at specific times.

It's in the OP

Are there no staff around?
Surely they need to say something.

As a one off I’d let it slide but it would annoy me if this was a regular thing, there’s an age limit for a reason.

If there is a cafe in the gym then at that age he could sit in there with a drink and a book/phone.

I would be careful that he is that age though and not under developed!
I work with 16 year old girls who could pass for 7/8 years olds.

Gym's aren't playgrounds.

I workout at home as I have two young kids (5&8). However I am planning to start going to the gym maybe from next year. What do people do with their young kids when there’s no support from grandparents? My husband already holds grudges for me working out (twice a week) at home. Wwyd?

It’s a leisure centre, run for the community and as such should enable as wide a participation as possible.

Maybe if you do complain suggest that like other leisure centres they actually let children from 11+ use the gym properly rather than campaigning for ‘adult only spaces’ subsidised with public money.

The gym is not staffed. There are staff available on the reception desk however swimming lessons, football and tennis courts are all available for children/families so no one would necessarily bat an eyelid at them walking through the turnstiles

No...but you can be a disagreeable self-important sod about this most trivial of things...or you can go about your day.

He's one kid, keeping himself entertained while his mum works out.
It's an issue if you make it one.

@TyotyaKlava if you pay £££££ some gyms have crèches/ childcare. But not everyone can afford this.

Just ask him to move?
this could be the only way the mother gets to exercise. Give her a break and just ask him to move!

@pictoosh
The gym was my sanctity when I was having multiple miscarriages. An adult space.

It wouldn't make me a miserable sod to be upset people were breaking the rules and bringing kids in.

The op has a right to be able to use the space as she has paid for it

Keeping himself entertained on equipment which isn't designed for entertainment. If he alters the settings on any of the machines that can be incredibly dangerous. What if he drops a weight on his foot?

Sounds like you have wider problems than working out unfortunately.
I used to fit in workouts when DS was at activities so I'd do a gym workout whilst he was at swimming class. Harder with two though.

Don't worry, i see you!

Fundamentally, a gym is not a safe place for an 11 year old to dick around in. I don't know why that's so hard for people to understand.

If someone posted on here saying they wanted to exercise but had not childcare so were planning on bringing their fidgety 11yo with them and sneak them in against the rules they'd get short shrift.

Some people just like having an argument it seems.

No, the mum made it an issue by bringing her child to the gym when it's against the rules.