A
female
age
36-40,
anonymous
writes:?????Last year my friend and I joined the gym. We would attended classes as well as use the equipment.About 2 months after we joined a family of 5 also joined (we think they are mothers and daughters and niece and aunt) and they pretty much did as they pleased - they would leave their towels on the equipment to “save” it , which was not permitted according to gym rules, they always took longer on equipment (set times for each equipment), sometimes they would just sit and chat on the equipment- preventing others from using it. They were always loud too. My friend and I ignored them and the staff never said anything.This year my friend didn’t renew her membership as she couldn’t afford the £55 a month.I however renewed my membership and go alone. I don’t drive and the gym is a 10 minute walk from my house. What Ive noticed is that over the past few months this family have seemed to become more intimidating, not just with me but with other gym members.I walked over to use a machine and one of them abruptly told me it was in use (it wasn’t no one was there as I had kept an eye in it whilst using another machine). I walked away and after 10 minutes it still wasn’t being used! Another occasion I left my water bottle and towel on the side whilst I went to pick up weights and I saw 2 of them moved it for no reason- it wasn’t near any equipment- I think they just wanted to play a prank.Little things keep happening like they stare and laugh when I walk by or make loud grunting noises when on equipment - distracting others. On occasions they will join a class and all they do is mess around bumping in to everyone. Now I hate confrontation so I’d never say anything to them but I did consider letting a member of staff know, but then realized that they seem to be very friendly with all the staff - so I backed out. I also don’t know anyone else at the gym to talk too and have no idea if they are bothered by these people or not. I’m limited to what times and days I can go due to my work schedule so unfortunately I see them atleast 3 times a week. There is only 1 week a month that I’m on lates at work so I go in the morning and they arent there but other times in the evenings they are there. The other nearby gym is 2 bus rides away which isn’t at all convenient. After one particularly stressful gym session with them acting up more so than usual I contacted the management anonymously (yes I’ma coward) several weeks ago just stating a few facts on what had been happening with this family. I was polite about it and asked if someone could have a word and enforce the rules. Nothing has changed.I have 5 months left on my contract and don’t intend on not going and wasting money but I hate going!
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Fancy yourself as an agony aunt? Add your answer to this question! A
female
reader, Anonymous 123  +, writes (2 July 2023):
 I think you need to put your foot down. This is your chance to show yourself what you're made of. You're NOT a coward, you have just assumed you are. How about you take a stand? It will do you good, not just for the gym but will give you some much needed confidence.
A
female
reader, Honeypie  +, writes (29 June 2023):
 Do they come in consistently at the same time?
If so switch up when you go.
Also, if they mess around in a class TALK to the instructor after the class so you have SOMEONE who can back you up when talking to staff.
Nothing is going to change unless you talk to staff about it.
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