Wannabe Gym Influencer Tells Redditor To Get Off Machine So She Could Make A Video, But They Refuse
Why can't we just enjoy things without having to record them?
Some gym stories are about bad form, and some are about pure entitlement. This one falls squarely into the second category, because a Redditor was told to get off a machine so someone else could film a video.
The post comes from u/Striking-Stick-2355, who said they were in the middle of their workout when another gym-goer tried to interrupt them for content. They refused, the situation escalated, and plenty of Reddit users had thoughts about who was actually being rude.
It is a pretty simple setup, but the reactions make it messy fast. Read on.
Here's the original Reddit post by u/Striking-Stick-2355:
RedditOP mainly goes to the gym to work out, and they're not interested in anything else.
RedditAnother gym-goes decided to disrupt OP's workout.
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The rise of social media has changed how people act in public spaces, and gyms are no exception.
When filming becomes the priority, it can turn a shared space into someone else's stage.
OP reacted in a "petty" way and some people even called then out on it.
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Here's how Reddit users reacted to u/Striking-Stick-2355's situation:
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Don't touch anyone at the gym, period.
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That kind of behavior tends to annoy everyone nearby.
It is hard to ignore when one person treats the gym like a set instead of a shared space.
We admire the confidence, but you are annoying.
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Oh boy, that's a lot of views.
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If you disrupt someone's workout, you have to at least do it in a polite manner.
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People in the comments were not exactly sympathetic to the interruption.
Most seemed to think the machine belonged to the person using it, not to whoever wanted a better angle.
Recording without bothering anyone is totally fine.
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The woman could've put OP in danger after touching her mid-workout.
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People are so impatient and can't even wait for a short while.
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That is where the frustration really kicked in.
For a lot of readers, the issue was not filming itself, it was expecting everyone else to stop for it.
This is similar to the roommate who used my expensive equipment without permission, then acted like it was no big deal.
The woman could've waited from a distance and OP would've left the machine earlier.
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People can't just workout anymore.
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People are discouraged from going to the gym because of all the people filming.
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Some commenters also pointed out how uncomfortable that kind of pressure can feel in a gym.
Once someone starts acting like the room revolves around their video, the whole vibe changes.
Some people are ruining gyms.
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The woman had no right to tell her to move, especially in such an impolite way.
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Gyms are starting to ban cameras because of people's obsession.
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That debate is not going away anytime soon.
As long as people keep trying to turn workouts into content, these clashes will keep popping up.
They can use a green screen and add a gym background.
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We have more saved videos than memories nowadays.
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Teenagers record themselves and other gym-goers, and it's making people uncomfortable.
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OP wanted to finish their workout, and the other person wanted a better clip.
Banning cameras in gyms is a little bit extreme; however, introducing a different section with better lighting and visually pleasing backgrounds that people can go to just to make social media videos could solve this problem. Gyms' sole purpose is for people to work out in them.
Anything that could make other gym-goers uncomfortable, such as excessive filming, should not be allowed. OP had every right to stay on that machine; they pay their gym subscription just like everyone else, and they have every right to work out on any machine that no one is using.
The incident of a wannabe gym influencer demanding a Redditor vacate a machine for her video illustrates the ongoing struggle to balance personal ambition with communal respect in shared spaces. The gym, a place intended for self-improvement and physical well-being, became a battleground for social validation as one individual prioritized her online persona over the needs of another. This scenario reflects a broader societal issue where the pursuit of attention often overshadows basic courtesy and empathy.
As we navigate these public environments, it is crucial to foster an atmosphere of mindfulness and consideration. The gym should serve as a community hub, where individuals not only work on their fitness goals but also uphold the social fabric that allows these spaces to thrive. By prioritizing authentic connections over fleeting online recognition, we can transform our interactions and promote a culture that values respect and shared experience.
Want more gym awkwardness, read about the AITA where OP says “Guess people don’t talk anymore”?
