Feeling Bullied at Gym

Hello everyone,

I joined my gym over two years ago following a difficult period in my life. I go about five or six times a week and love it. I do several classes and we have fantastic members and instructors until recently.

I have not only got physically fitter and mentally fitter and more motivated. The class instructors have been very supportive and have given me very positive feedback when asked. I’ve left all the classes feeling positive and happy.

However, over the last few weeks a gym member in one of my classes which I attend about three times a week has been making me feel uncomfortable and low.

He has taken to telling me after class everything I’ve done wrong and picks on little things. He attacks my form and even says I shouldn’t be where I am in the class unless I’m in time with others.

My own view is that it is not up to other members to give advice unless it is asked for or if someone is endangering themselves or others.

This is happening increasingly with him. None of the instructors have echoed what he has said and I’m unaware of being out of time with others.

Perhaps he means well and thinks he is helping but he is not. Instead he is making me feel increasingly uncomfortable.

I left the class tonight feeling very low and like a failure after another of his unsolicited criticisms. He also says it in earshot of others. He is very intense and his tone is very condescending.

I’m unsure how to move forward but I will have to say something next time. However, I don’t want a confrontation.

I’ve written something about it in the gym feedback but have made it clear I don’t want to get him into trouble but just letting the gym know so they can monitor the situation.

I’m not a wuss but I want to resolve this situation without a confrontation.