Navigating unclear gym etiquette can sometimes be trickier than the workout itself.

After declining a fellow gym-goer’s abrupt request to use her machine, one woman found herself the target of eye rolls and name-calling.

You’ll want to read on for this one.

AITA for not letting someone “work in” during sets at the gym?

I (28F) have been going to my local gym for a good 2–3 years now.

I’ve been using the same machines/routine, and it’s done me well.

Some of her other fellow gym-goers are interesting characters to say the least.

In the past couple of months, I’ve noticed an older man doing his “circuit” workout by doing 1 set on multiple machines.

(I call him Hopper, as he just bounces from machine to machine.)

Often, he’ll approach her and ask to use her machine.

On two occasions, he’s asked me to “work in” whilst I’m resting.

Each time, it’s been on my last set, so I tell him, “It’s my last set, I’ll be 2 minutes and it’s all yours.”

If I had just gotten on the machine, I would be more inclined to let him, as I do 3 sets of 10 reps with 2–3 minute rests in between.

Since I’m aware of his routine, it’s not any harm.

But he doesn’t take her refusals with grace.

But on both occasions, he’s thrown a fit, saying how I’m selfish and unbelievable because I’ve said no.

For her, his attitude is the most off-putting.

He doesn’t ask nicely either—just, “Can I hop in as you’re resting?”—no please or “is it okay/do you mind,” which irks me because if that were me, I’d be super polite as I’d feel like I’m intruding or disrupting them.

But she’s also concerned about hygiene.

Another reason I say no is because this guy never carries a towel or wipes down the machine.

So in my responses, I say how I’m a bit of a germaphobe and don’t want someone else’s sweat on the machine while I’m using it.

His response to this is just eye rolling.

She knows how it may look from the outside looking in, but she still feels justified in holding her ground.

I know the argument of “why go to a public gym then,” but it’s what I can afford.

Living in London, I can’t justify spending for a high-end gym (I wish I could though).

I’ve read other posts discussing how you should allow people to “work in,” but most instances are during peak hours.

I’m going at 6 a.m. when it’s quiet, so I can do my workout in peace.

AITA?

The Hopper… what a name!

What did Reddit think?

Ultimately, it’s her choice what she chooses to do.

This user thinks it’s better to just wait your turn.

Working in with someone else can also end dangerously.

Someone else may recognize The Hopper.

Respect goes both ways, and she’s not wrong for expecting basic courtesy.

Even in a public gym, personal space and hygiene still matter.

If you liked this post, you might want to read this story about a teacher who taught the school’s administration a lesson after they made a sick kid take a final exam.