Talk of The Villages Florida - View Single Post - All I expect is a small amount of kindness.
View Single Post
 
Old 08-20-2023, 07:19 AM
deborahcme deborahcme is offline
Member
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 54
Thanks: 21
Thanked 37 Times in 21 Posts
Default

Posting as a fitness instructor from "up nawth." Your FI is not the police. We can't step in and settle everyone's hash, much as we might like to! Most people who have their "spot" do so out of habit. Most people who save spots for others just want to hang out with their best buds. It's not intentional "entitlement," just peeps seeking their comfort zone. And perhaps having a wee dose of FMO! When I see a full class, I'll just say "Hey we are full up today. Isn't that great? I know you all will make room and welcome any newcomers. They are probably nervous. So, give them a hand! Thank you so much for helping them find a spot to work out!" This, done with eye contact and positive smiles works beautifully. And if you are a newcomer to a class, go ahead and introduce yourself to a few peeps. "Confess" to being a newbie and not sure what to do. Any defensive walls will melt away. Yeah, yeah, there will still be a few who....ya know. But for the most part, I've found people want to be welcoming, especially here in TV.