Gym etiquette...help.

wonnder1
wonnder1 Posts: 460
edited September 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
So, there's this older man at my gym. He recently underwent surgery, and has lost a LOT of weight. One day, we were waiting to get a wipey thing and I told him that I'd noticed his weight loss and he looks fantastic.

Just idle chitchat at the gym you know? Now he won't leave me alone! My gym routine is very set, I have an hour to get in and get out. He has more time to lollygag around.

I could deal until today when he tucked a piece of my very sweaty hair behind my ear while I was on a machine and didn't have a hand to smack it off. I have a very defined personal space and now that he's entered it I'm very uncomfortable around him.

I can't change what time I go.

So how would you handle something like that?

Replies

  • thatTOPSlady
    thatTOPSlady Posts: 199
    I think you are going to have to NICELY say "Sir, I know you don't mean anything by it, but please don't touch me. That bothers me and I don't like it. And I apologize for not having time to talk with you, but I barely have time to squeeze in my workout ever day. Please don't be offended-- that's just the way I am!" and smile and then go about your business. Repeat the same thing any time he touches you.
  • angelicdisgrace
    angelicdisgrace Posts: 2,071 Member
    I totally get your personal space because I'm the same way. Tell a trainer about it or a gym personel. Or flat out tell the man please don't touch me. I can't stand people around me so close especially at the gym. Even when I'm training and my trainer is close to me I freak out. Voice your concern if not he's not going to leave you alone.
  • sarah307
    sarah307 Posts: 1,363 Member
    I think you are going to have to NICELY say "Sir, I know you don't mean anything by it, but please don't touch me. That bothers me and I don't like it. And I apologize for not having time to talk with you, but I barely have time to squeeze in my workout ever day. Please don't be offended-- that's just the way I am!" and smile and then go about your business. Repeat the same thing any time he touches you.

    agree !^^^
  • bigdawg025
    bigdawg025 Posts: 774 Member
    I would tell him... THE FIRST TIME... as nicely as possible to leave me alone... if that didn't work I would be a hell of a lot less nice the second time.
  • bigdawg025
    bigdawg025 Posts: 774 Member
    My personal trainer doesn't even get that close to me... unless he sees that I need a little assistance on some of the heavy weights.
  • pattycake118
    pattycake118 Posts: 44 Member
    Very uncomfortable!! I would freak out in that situation!
    Perhaps you could scratch uncontrollably so that he doesn't want to touch you again, believing you to have some contagious skin condition? Sad, but I hate confrontation with strangers.....
    Hope I at least made you smile :)
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