Man won't switch machines at gym after woman says, 'you're making me uncomfortable.'
When this man feels confused about public gym protocol, he asks Reddit:
'AITA for not moving to another gym machine?'
I 28m got called an ah by a woman who looked to be in her mid 30s/early 40s? at the gym, because I wouldn't move to another gym machine when asked. I was at the gym this morning and usually do weights and move onto cardio. I had been on the stair master for about 20 mins when a woman interrupted me by clacking her keys on the bottom step which made me lose my footing and I landed on my knee.
I told her wtf is she doing since I don't know her and she says something along the lines of 'would you mind moving machines as this is the one I use and I'd feel more comfortable if you were further away'. To say that I was surprised and ticked off was an understatement. I told her no because she basically made me fall down the stairs in order to get my attention for something so meaningless.
I got back up and put my headphones on and I could clearly hear her yelling at me even with music playing. Next thing I know the gym staff member was behind me to see what the problem was and here she is berating me for not moving while I continue on the stair master.
The staff member gets my attention and I come back down and explain the situation. When I'm told that I can stay where I am the woman goes livid and walks out.
I've always been quite aware of my surroundings especially in public because I know many women feel uncomfortable being so close to men they don't know. I probably would've moved if she asked nicely, but I don't feel like I did anything wrong. I've told a few friends and some of them agreed that I should've just moved. AITA?
Let's find out.
embarrassedlink786 writes:
NTA!! That woman was so rude. Just bc she’s a woman who feel uncomfortable around men doesn't mean she gets a pass at making u fall and forcing u to move. If there were other machines then she could’ve used one. It’s a public gym, first come first serve. So big NTA.
amybonbamy writes:
NTA I like to use specific machines on the rare occasion I go to the gym. I've selected them for proximity to cool air, less visibility etc. Honestly I hate when they're not available. And I hate when someone comes right to the machine next to me. But I know it's my issue to deal with and wouldn't dream of doing what that woman did!
dzaruzmah writes:
NTA - she has no right to demand you to move. The staff member also backed you up, and they are there to enforce the guidelines of the venue, so yeah she was in the wrong and shouldn't have disrupted your routine.