vaguepost context
so heres my 2 negative experiences with starting at planet fitness. for context im an overweight 19 year old who is just trying to better their body, and I try to not be like other young members you may run into who disrespect the public space and disturb other people.
So first, during one of my workouts I leave a machine without wiping it down. I understand that of course this is my full mistake because there are rules that need to be followed, and that the expensive equipment needs to be respected and maintained. I also have no issue in being called out for a mistake, and im sure I would call out others for something similar. But in this case, a man approaches me about not cleaning the machine, starting with something like "hey, you forgot to wipe that last machine you were on." I instantly reply with "oh, thanks for telling me, I'll go do that right now." Instead of him leaving it at that, he proceeds to go on about how we young people know nothing about respect, and even baby talking to me about how a spray bottle and paper towel are used. I had no idea how to react to this, so I just say nothing and proceed to go wipe down the machine, which I end up not doing anyway because the next person using it said it was ok and they would take care of it. Now if I were to remind someone to clean the machines, I would never tell them in such an inconsiderate way. I wouldve kindly reminded them its a policy and that its just for the sake of all of us gym goers, and not take it as a chance to go off on someone half my age. He totally made that a way more negative thing that it ever needed to be.
Another day, I walk in wearing jeans, which would be a common thing for me at my old gym when I would be doing an upper-body focused workout. The front desk employee asks "do you have anything to change into?" I reply no, which she then says that they dont allow jeans, which was not something I was informed on upon signing up. She says that they will allow it this one time, but the whole conversation she is giving this judgy glare and impatient tone of voice. If that really is a PF policy, so be it, but what harm to the equipment or anyone does me wearing my own choice of modest clothing possibly do? Just feels like cherry picking things to make an issue about.
I dont come to the gym to have unsavory interactions with people having a bad day, I just want to show up, do my lifts, and leave. I stay quiet, never have once left my weights unracked, use 1 machine at a time, and really just try my hardest to stay out of anyones way or be an inconvenience. People were nice to me at my old gym, these people just feel bitter.