I know it sucks but.. (small gym etiquette rant)

velix

My gym has a sign up sheet for the cardio machines. In the 12 years (on and off) I have been going there, it always has. Today, I walk in, sign up for my favorite treadmill - the one in the corner by the window (my gym has 4 different types/brands, and only one or two of each). There is no one on any treadmill as I lace up my sneakers. Just as I am approaching the one I signed up for, a woman walks up to it, puts her headphones on, and starts walking. So - I go back to the sign up sheet and switch my reservation to the machine next to it (same brand...). I am bit annoyed (this one shakes more) but at least it's technically the same machine. I choose to let her know nicely, that normally, we reserve the machines in advance, that I had reserved the one she took, but that I had politely switched to a different machine. She looks at me so sourly - and says,"well, the gym is empty - so I didn't think it mattered". I politely tell her that while the gym is empty, some people have preferences for location and machines, and the sign up sheet works for all hours, not just "busy" times ... she shrugs and rolls her eyes at me (always shocks me when adults to this!) and puts her headphones back on.

Now - I KNOW I could have simply not said anything. I KNOW there were other machines to use, so maybe I should have just shut up and got on with my workout, but I thought I was being nice by switching machines to let her have the one she was on, and let her know what the protocol was for future reference. I was not rude at all.... didn't expect the snark in return =(

lilRicki

next time be a little more *****y...point at the sign that says "must sign up" and give her the fuzzy eyeball...don't let her roll over you like that because that means she's going to think it's ok and treat someone else like crap too...

mgaither

Don't feel bad at all.

In fact, read "I See Rude People" by Amy Alkon.

1) You'll laugh.
2) You'll recognize how polite you actually were.