AITA for not stopping my work-out for someone to make a video?

For ten years, the gym has been a sanctuary, a sacred space where dedication and discipline reign supreme. But now, that sanctuary feels invaded by the relentless march of social media, turning focus and quiet determination into background noise for viral videos. What was once a personal ritual has become a battleground for respect and boundaries.

In the midst of a squat, headphones in place, the sudden tap on the shoulder shattered the cocoon of concentration. Annoyance flashed in the woman’s eyes, a stark reminder that the clash between personal goals and public spectacle is not just a matter of preference—it’s a daily struggle that tests patience and passion alike.

AITA for not stopping my work-out for someone to make a video?

Working out is a pillar of my everyday life, and it has been for the past ten years, and I’m at the gym every day of the week. I go to train and go home. Many folks want to record their exercises to post on social media.

This is their business and not mine, they can do whatever they want, but I also don’t think I need to stop doing my own work-out to accommodate them.

Last night, I was doing squats on the smith machine.

I work out with head-phones and didn’t notice someone trying to get my attention. I suddenly felt a tap on my shoulder mid-squat, and only then I noticed a woman with a very annoyed expression.

She barely allowed me to finish the movement to start talking, which was muffled due to headphones.

Long story short, she was annoyed because I was training in the smith machine, as she wanted to record herself doing regular squats. However, she said the best spot was in front of that smith machine (there’s more than one), and she didn’t want me on the frame, so she wanted me to stop my series for her to record.

Usually, if someone comes to me with a good attitude and asks if it’s ok for me to stop for a series or two for them to record or even move machines, I would absolutely not mind and comply.

That woman did nothing of the sort, being extremely arrogant and honestly, extremely annoying.

So, I was petty, and told her to record once I was done, and proceeded to do every single exercise I could on the same smith machine.

Squats? Smith. Hip Thrust? Smith. It was petty, and I know I shouldn’t have done it. That being said, a few people said I was an asshole for doing that, as there were other machines I could use.

Honestly, they might be right, but hey, I thought I’d ask the internet, was I too much of an asshole here?

Here’s how people reacted:

Zee79

NTA in the initial refusal but when you altered your routine to purposely use the smith machine in exercises you wouldn’t normally do on that machine, it was a bit of a dick move. But I can also see the value in teaching someone a lesson in manners. It’s probably not likely that this person is going to be any different going forward because taking videos at a public gym and expecting others to work around it, is a bit of an indicator of a narcissistic personality. Personally I think with all the drama around people either sexually harrassing people at gyms, making videos secretly shaming others at the gym, phones should be banned. I mean once upon a time we were able to work out without a phone right?

okayish_22

NTA

Not only was it extremely dangerous for her to touch you while you were in the middle of a squat, but the extreme entitlement that followed just sent it right over the edge.

Honestly, you were petty. But in this case? It was warranted. You don’t owe her the “good spot” for filming.

Can you report her to the management? It really was very dangerous for her to interrupt someone like that, someone without proper muscle memory and technique could definitely get hurt if she startled them!

ElectricPaladin

ESH. She was out of line, yes, but justified asshole behavior is still asshole behavior. As you said, you were being petty, so you already know this. I get it, you’re only human, and I don’t think this necessarily reflects that you are an asshole all the time… but this time, she was an asshole and you did not rise to the occasion and act like an adult. Instead you acted like an asshole right back.

arrowsdeluxe

NTA. This is lowkey toxic gym culture. Even thejoeyswoll on TikTok has touched upon this topic bc it’s led to people being discouraged from going to the gym. It’s one thing to film yourself, it’s another to interfere with someone’s peace just for your own selfish attitude. How about next time she wants to film regular squats, find a private training room or something…

Prof182

You were kind of a jerk for the way you altered your routine, but I’m still inclined to say NTA. If you’re going to ask someone for something that you are in no way entitled to receive (which tends to be 90% of everything), you’d best be kind and respectful about it. And you’d best be accepting and kind when the answer is no.

HanaBothWays

NTA. I thought it was common gym etiquette to wait until someone was done using the equipment before doing your thing with the equipment, whatever you are planning to do. You don’t get to cut in line because you are filming and you’re a social media influencer or whatever nonsense.

Conscious-Survey7009

NTA. You pay to use the gym and equipment provided. She can video herself squatting anywhere. Telling you it has to be there and you’re in her shot is complete entitled BS. You’re a lot nicer than I am because I wouldn’t move for any of them.

Fun-Two-1414

NTA

You go to a gym to work out, not to record yourself.

If she wants to do that, she needs to wait until she has the right opportunity. She shouldn’t expect others to stop what they are doing so she can get her own way.

whatsmypassword73

NTA LOL, for all those people trying to film themselves in a public place, get over yourselves. We don’t care about your 1327 followers seeing your gains. Stop disrupting public space with your ego.

Any_Cantaloupe_613

NTA.

First off, who the fuck interrupts someone mid squat?

A lot of gyms have a no recording policy where I live. In my last gym, these people just got reported to the fitness manager.

Julie_odsgaard

NTA

The gym is for working out and if she wants to film a video chances are people will be in the frame. If she doesn’t want to deal with that, she should get a private gym

MrBobaFett

Info: Did you change what you were doing to deliberately occupy the machine longer than you needed to do your workout? Because that’s what it sounds like.

Bear_Cub_15

NTA – These people don’t even go to the gym to work out. They just want people to think they do.

It’s embarrassing.

HarryEspeland

NTA they can do their little workout videos in the privacy of their own home not inconvenience everyone in public.

Comfortable_Stop_717

NTA. You were using the machine. If there’s not a time limit, it’s yours until you have finished. She can wait.

ProjectCrazed

NTA. You’re trying to train and improve your health. She’s trying to get internet brownie points. Keep doing you.

Conclusion

The original poster (OP) felt their focused workout routine was disrupted by another gym member who aggressively demanded they stop using a specific machine for a video recording. In response to the demanding and entitled behavior, the OP chose a punitive course of action, intentionally monopolizing the requested machine out of spite.

The core question is whether the OP’s petty retaliation, though understandable given the initial rudeness, was an appropriate response to an entitlement demand, or if they should have simply communicated or moved, even when confronted disrespectfully.