To think you might have a preferred space to stand at a fitness class but it's not 'your' space?

[MrsJellycat]

I've just joined a gym. There seems to be quite a large group of core members that have been going for a while and who go to all the classes.

However, in almost each class I've been to, wherever I stand, or whichever spinning bike I've chosen I am told by members that I am standing in 'X's space' or on 'Y's bike' and have felt obliged to move. In spinning all the bikes seem to 'belong' to someone or other, and I ended up having a bike that didn't work properly right next to the speaker!

Today I went to another class, got there early, picked a place to stand, only to be asked to move by another woman as it was 'her' usual spot.

This time I refused to move and said I would rather stay there, thanks. She wasn't happy.

AIBU to think that no one 'owns' a space in a class? BTW membership is the same price every month for everyone.

Yanbu stand your ground. If they’re that bothered they can get there earlier.

It is indeed amazing how protective of a few inches some people can be. In my gym, they don't as far as asking you to move, but you get the looks and worse, instead of going where there is plenty of space, they sneak right next to you so either it's very uncomfortable getting in each other way or you ended up moving yourself.

I have my favourite spot. Favourite for a number of insignificant results. If it's taken, I move elsewhere and it's really no big deal at all, but gosh do some take it at a strange level of annoyance or even anger!

YANBU - I can’t believe the entitlement on some people these days… what is wrong with them?

I’m an instructor - I see this on a daily basis and I get really cross about it. The only guaranteed place is mine.

It's really offputting. I just work out in the house now.

I agree. Unless someone has any medical issues (deaf, short-sighted etc).

I've never experienced anything like this in a gym, but then again I haven't been in a few years since DS was born! I wonder if maybe from covid people were told to pick a spot and stick to it, and this has continued since?! I have no idea. Maybe find out if the gym has told members at any point that they should choose a space/bike and stick to it for each class? Seems like very odd behaviour if not. I mean, where are you meant to end up if every 'space' is taken!

I have my preferred spot in the middle at the back as its a good spot to follow the instructor from, but if I'm late and someone's already in it then I just stand elsewhere. There's a woman who comes into the class after mine who likes the same spot and she'll practically shove me out of the way to get her yoga mat down (it also happens to be under the air conditioning vent which she constantly mentions). I stayed on for that class once and could see her hovering, waiting for me to pack up. Her face was a picture when I didn't!

I have a preferred spot (front right by the window) but if someone else nabs it first, I plonk my mat elsewhere. The only person I have seen in my classes who people moved for was someone visually impaired. And she didn't even ask, she quietly let the teacher know what's what and people then offered.

I just smile and say "I don't think it works like that". And refuse to move.

See also: saving seats for friends that haven't arrived yet for events where seating is strictly on a first come, first served basis.

YANBU! How embarrassing to ask someone to move like a child in a classroom with assigned seating!

Thanks for the replies! It's good to know I'm not being unreasonable.

I will continue to stand my ground in classes!

I teach a zumba class, and have a new person who has recently joined, and has the tendency to turn up late. My issue is, when the class has already started and in flow, she will walk through the middle of the class and just stand right behind whoever is standing in "her" spot to say that she wants the space. Sometimes this can mean that she's others personal space. Although its great to see her exercising, she doesnt really move so it does impede on other participants workouts. The simple solution would be for her to stand at the back of the class (she should get the same enjoyment). When the class is particularly busy, its very difficult to find an alternative spot which provides adequate space.

I believe the girl has learning difficulties, so, it is a little frustrating as I can see that this is an accident waiting to happen. I don't want to cause any digruntlement but I'm concious that I have a duty of care for all participants. Your approach is really helpful, but not sure if I could apply it to this situation. Any advice how to approach this sensitively to avoid people from getting hurt from a situation which could be avoided?

It may be better to start your own thread as many people will just read the OP and see it is an old thread