AITA for leaning on a nearby wall after being denied use of gym equipment by a woman doing supersets?

Shared spaces like apartment gyms can be a breeding ground for unexpected conflicts. In one such case, a seemingly small disagreement over gym etiquette turned into a full-blown debate about personal space and common courtesy. Our narrator—a tall, frustrated gym-goer—experienced an awkward standoff when a woman, who appeared to be nonbinary and was deep into her supersets, refused to let him use a bench that she’d claimed for her workout routine.

Feeling squeezed out of the limited equipment in a small exercise area, he decided to lean on a nearby wall and wait his turn. This decision sparked an argument that quickly escalated into accusations of “male privilege” and raised questions about the unwritten rules of shared spaces.

In many gyms, hogging multiple pieces of equipment is considered poor etiquette, yet the dynamics in a small communal workout area can be complicated. When space is limited and personal boundaries are in play, even a moment of passive waiting can be interpreted as confrontational. This incident forces us to examine the balance between individual workout routines and the collective right to exercise freely in a shared environment.

‘AITA for leaning on a nearby wall after being denied use of gym equipment by a woman doing supersets?’

Fitness and behavioral expert Dr. Samuel Ortiz explains, “In shared environments, unspoken social contracts govern our actions. When one person monopolizes equipment, it disrupts the balance of access for everyone else.” Dr. Ortiz points out that while supersets are a legitimate training technique, they should be adapted to the space available.

“If you’re in a small gym, it’s important to be aware of others who might need that same equipment,” he adds. This perspective underscores the idea that a communal space requires consideration beyond personal workout routines.

Expanding on this, Dr. Ortiz notes that conflicts often arise from a lack of communication. “A simple conversation can sometimes resolve the tension. Instead of a passive stance like leaning on a wall, a polite inquiry might have set the stage for a compromise,” he suggests.

He highlights that in many U.S. gyms, sharing equipment is an accepted norm, and reserving multiple pieces of equipment without clear indication of its use may come off as inconsiderate. This isn’t just about workout space—it’s about respect for others and understanding that a shared area means adapting your routine to accommodate everyone’s needs.

Another important element in these encounters is body language and proximity. Dr. Ortiz explains, “While waiting is a natural response when options are limited, standing too close or lingering in someone’s personal workout zone can inadvertently signal confrontation.”

In this case, our gym-goer’s decision to lean on a nearby wall was a non-confrontational way to stake his claim. It was his method of silently asserting his right to use the equipment without directly challenging the other person. However, when communication fails, emotions can run high, leading to verbal exchanges that may escalate unnecessarily.

Finally, Dr. Ortiz emphasizes that clear guidelines and management of shared amenities can prevent such incidents from recurring. “It might be beneficial for apartment complexes to consider a booking system or designated times for different workout styles, ensuring that everyone has a fair chance to use the equipment,” he advises.

This approach not only minimizes friction but also reinforces the communal spirit of shared facilities. Ultimately, the conflict in this gym highlights a broader issue: when personal workout routines clash in a limited space, mutual respect and a little flexibility go a long way.

Here’s what the community had to contribute:

Here are some hot takes from the Reddit community—direct, humorous, and unapologetic. Many commenters agree that no one should be allowed to monopolize an entire section of a shared gym. One user stated, “If someone wants a private gym, they should reserve one!”

while another chimed in, “Public spaces are for sharing—if you’re hogging the gear, someone’s bound to call you out.” The consensus among Redditors is clear: the gym-goer’s decision to simply lean on the wall was a passive yet justified response to an unreasonable claim of personal space.

This story is a striking reminder that in communal settings, respect for others is paramount. When gym etiquette is compromised by one party’s insistence on exclusive use of equipment, it not only disrupts the workout flow but also stokes tensions that can spill over into larger conflicts. Our gym-goer’s choice to lean on a nearby wall was a non-aggressive way to assert his right to exercise—yet it sparked an argument that left everyone questioning what fair use truly means.

What do you think: Should personal workout routines yield to a common courtesy in shared spaces, or is there room for negotiation? We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences. Have you ever encountered similar issues in a shared gym, and how did you resolve them?