Gym basically told me to fuck off

[elindal]

So I went to the gym this morning, was about to start my exercise routine, then someone turned the music up. I had my iPod on and was playing rock, and I couldn't hear it over the background music with my iPod on full volume. This has been happening more and more recently, and every time I go and have a fitness assessment or get a lesson plan from

Comments

[miasmakat]

i would consider reporting them to Work Safe

[elindal]

I actually mentioned that, which is when he said they get tested for noise level. Of course there is no way they get tested outside of class times and the turn the volume down for the test, oh wait... I bet that is exactly what happens. I can't believe a place that focuses on health and fitness care so little about noise level, but the manager told me flat out that they don't.

[kitling]

I'd be looking for a new gym.

We were playing in the pool at our local gym, with Nat and baby Callum. We were sitting in the toddler pool and the swim aerobics class was in the big pool, they pulled out the speaker and pointed it directly at the toddler pool, rather than the class in the big pool. We got out of the pool, as did many of the other mothers and kids.

We then made a complaint at the front desk and it hasn't happened since - which is nice.

[fraerie]

Because of previous injury issues, I greatly prefer to do water aerobics as it is mostly non-load bearing exercise (which is good for my wonky ankles). There are very limited options out here for water based exercise that is open year round. The only other gym with a pool only has a 15 meter pool (as opposed to a full aquatic centre including 50 meter pool and recreational pool and spa) and it currently only runs water aerobics classes during business hours mid week.

[elindal]

Interestlingly enough, Google tells me this isn't an uncommon complaint if gyms in general. The general thought is if people want loud music, then byo. Play music at a conversational level, not ear splitting.

[mireille21]

I find that amazingly odd, and not to mention rude of the staff. I mean, what exactly is the point of running a gym like that anyway, must make it difficult for personal trainers and stuff. I belonged to Fitness First for years, and prior to that Fernwood (not exactly an option for you), and music in the general gym area was always at a minimum. But then, they ran their own music and video system too and provided headphones when you first joined, so all you had to do as you moved from each piece of equpment was plug your headphones in, choose the channel you wanted and away you go. If nothing else, in case of an emergency, such as someone injuring themselves, they would want to be able to be heard to get the attention of staff, and to be able to communicate with the injured/sick person above the noise level. Or am I being entirely too logical? No, sounds like they are just A*holes.

[frou_frou]

Overly loud music is one of my pet hates - if you have to yell, it's too loud. The other day I asked a cafe to turn down the music, and they declined so I reminded them that it's there for the benefit of the customers, not the staff.

If I were you, I'd see if you could measure the noise levels: do a little report, and check to see if it's over guidelines. Then submit a letter to the relevant authorities, ccing the gym. If you haven't already done so, you might want to put it in writing to the gym first, to give them the opportunity to respond positively. I find that staff generally care little for this stuff but if you can escalate it, you might get a result.

Hard facts are useful. Personally, I'd just find another gym but of course, it's not always convenient.

[thorfinn]

Full ear covering noise cancelling headphones? Expensive option though.

[elindal]

I have a set, but most headphones large enough to work well don't hold up well to someone with a sweaty round head moving around a lot. Going to give them a go. I am not going to let the assholes win.

[thorfinn]

Sweatband over the headphone band? I have no idea if that would work, just a random brainstorm idea. :-)