Talk of The Villages Florida - View Single Post - All I expect is a small amount of kindness.
View Single Post
 
Old 08-20-2023, 04:30 PM
Suzieque Suzieque is offline
Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 62
Thanks: 777
Thanked 19 Times in 13 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by deborahcme View Post
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.
Well said and I agree. Most people have a "spot" but it is just habit and they want to be by their friends. If someone comes earlier than I do and takes my "spot ", I just go somewhere else.

Last edited by Suzieque; 08-20-2023 at 04:33 PM. Reason: Is/if