Is It RUDE to Ask Someone How Much Longer They’ll Be at the Gym? The Shocking Truth Revealed!

A recent incident at a Crunch Fitness gym in Florida has sparked discussions about gym etiquette after a TikTok video went viral, featuring a tense exchange between two women regarding gym equipment usage. The video, posted by TikToker Josie (@josieleininger), has since garnered over 5,000 views, illustrating the challenges that can arise in shared workout spaces.

Josie, who follows a strict bodybuilding routine, made a trip to Crunch Fitness—a place she admits she doesn't particularly enjoy—solely to get her workout in. Her first exercise was on the hip abduction machine, where she encountered another woman who was already using the equipment. Despite Josie's attempts to wait patiently, she noticed that the woman seemed to be on her fifth set and was engaged in taking selfies and scrolling through her phone between sets.

Feeling the pressure of time, Josie approached the woman and politely asked how many more sets she had left. What followed was an unexpected and intense confrontation. According to Josie, the woman removed her headphones and began to berate her, responding, “I didn’t know you were just standing there and waiting on me.” Josie recounted how the woman cussed her out, calling it "freaking weird" that Josie was watching her and told her to use another machine instead. Afterward, the woman put her headphones back on and continued with her workout while making rude comments about Josie.

This incident raises important questions about gym etiquette, particularly regarding equipment sharing. While Josie's inquiry might seem reasonable—especially in a crowded gym—such a fierce reaction from the other woman has led many to wonder what the accepted norms really are. On forums like r/ask, users have debated whether it’s rude to ask another gym-goer when they will be finished with a particular piece of equipment. One user noted that being friendly and asking how many sets someone has left is common gym etiquette. Others suggested the practice of alternating sets to maximize time can also be a helpful approach.

Comments on Josie’s TikTok video reflect a spectrum of opinions. Some viewers expressed sympathy for her predicament, emphasizing the inappropriateness of the woman’s reaction. One commenter stated, “She seriously has no right to be mad at you. I would be pissed!!” Another individual humorously noted, “And this is why I work out at home.” The general sentiment seems to indicate that while gym etiquette can be subjective, communication and courtesy are key.

As more people flock to gyms—especially post-pandemic—understanding and navigating social interactions in these shared spaces is becoming increasingly relevant. With many seeking to reclaim their fitness routines, incidents like this highlight the necessity of establishing clear and respectful communication among gym members. The tension at Crunch Fitness serves as a reminder that how one approaches others in shared environments can significantly affect the overall experience.

In response to this incident, BroBible reached out to Josie for further comment and also contacted Crunch Fitness via email. Updates will be provided if they respond.