All I expect is a small amount of kindness.
 

I have noticed recently in some of the aerobic and yoga classes that people come in early and save spots for friends. Some people have gone as far as coming early putting down name tags and then leaving later they come back and expect their spot to be saved. These classes are very popular and many people would like to participate. Some participants have gone as far to have people move because it’s not their spot. Such high school behavior shouldn’t be allowed if this place is in fact, the friendliest place the friendliest city, and everyone is kind and understanding, why not treat other people who are interested in good health with more respect. Do you want a specific spot get there early there’s room for everyone there are classes available throughout each week , be kind others why not make a new friend rather than treat someone like they don’t belong.

Some people are inconsiderate of others (it’s all about them) and that is just a fact of life. That said, most don’t feel entitled and are not rude.

If I were the instructor, saving spots would never happen.

Sounds like you've been meeting the true "ENTITLED" villager. They seem to be everywhere.

My wife had that at line dancing classes as well.
"I usually stand there!" was a favorite.
In early days my lady moved, but after a while she stood her ground. (without a weapon of course.)

The reply is, “I guess this is going to be MY usual spot.” Seriously? And give them the “How-dare-you” look if they don’t get the hint. But then if it was one of my dear neighbors I’d just smile and move over…

"I have noticed recently in some of the aerobic and yoga classes that people come in early and save spots for friends."

I have lived in TV for almost 20 years and this has been happening since I arrived. It is embarrassing and hurtful and, unfortunately, often the people doing it are "in" with the instructor making it even more difficult to end this rotten practice. A lot of people used to leave their car keys on their "spot" and I had an overwhelming desire to kick their car keys all over the room, especially under the chairs. :loco: But, I never had the nerve to do it.

Well, some folks are more important than others, I guess…

It isn’t just here. We do a lot of cruising: it is nothing for people to put a towel on a good chair by the pool and then disappear for inordinate amounts of time. See it at the buffets too: window tables are always preferred and it isn’t uncommon to see a cup of coffee and a spoon at a table while the person staking out that particular claim is off doing whatever.

And church? We’ve attended a couple here in TV: I guarantee that you’ll see probably a dozen or more Bibles resting on seats before the service starts while the folks claiming those seats are in the commons area gossiping and sucking down the free coffee.

No different that those that were saving seats at the town squares. But I never had a problem with that---if someone said that seat is saved, I would reply with a polite "Thanks for saving it for me". (I'm not talking about someone who has been sitting there and the other person went to get a drink, I'm talking about those that tried to rope off 16 seats and when anyone tried to take one would crawl out of the woodwork claiming they were saved)

Yep, problem solved. :shrug:

Free coffee??? Really???? Maybe I should start going to church. LOL.

Don't you have the beans already??? :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

Also, I don't recall a seat saving thread in well over a year---has that practice stopped, or has it now been accepted as the norm?

This is exactly why I don't exercise.

Too funny, GE. I've got the beans but free is free. LOL.

And a whole lot effort than grinding and brewing them. Friends again????:beer3:

Wonder what it will costs to make it up to her?

Took classes at various gyms in my life and it was the same years ago as it is now. I think it's so strange people call Villagers entitled. People's behavior did not start the day they landed in The Villages LOL.

How do they save a spot for a friend? Do they beat you up if you take that empty spot?

How do they 'have people move'? Do they call the police and have the people forcefully moved?

If they are not using force to make people move, then I would just ignore them and take any spot that is open.

I would just say "oh.well!" and not move!! This happens all over as others have said---not just "here" but where we all came from too. People bring their behaviours with them. As for saving seats---see it in church ALL the time, with Bibles and or bulletins. I see folks counting down their rows too to make sure there's enough room for their pals. In our church you can't bring coffee etc. in the auditorium but have to stay in the commons. I sort of "get it"---as folks want to socialize a bit but being rude doesn't factor into the equation in my view. Either plant you behind OR take your chances later just like regular people do.

Through the years, I have found that this is more of a never-miss class attendee vs someone who just wants to pop in. If I have never been to a class, I do not expect a regular to give up his/her spot to me.

If I am new to a class, I arrive early and ask, Is this class full?A regular usually responds nicely and will point to a spot that is available. If there is not an opening, they sweetly inform me of a class on a different day that is not as full. Either way, I am thankful. Kindness and entitlement works both ways.

Do “regulars” have assigned spots like children in grade 1 with their names on it? Or are their numbered tickets assigned to a spot? If not, it’s first come, first served.

For sure!

First come first served is your viewpoint. Throughout the years, I have learned classes continue to exist because of the people who attend them on a regular basis. Without them, the class would be cancelled and I have seen this happen.

Why upset the apple cart? Take a spot that you are directed to or attend a class with more openings. For me, it is an easy adjustment.

If the instructor directs me to a spot, of course, I will try to do that. If some entitled “regular” attempts to guide me… they’re out of luck. THEY are the ones upsetting the Apple cart, and yes, this is my opinion.

I like your “Oh, well” I have to learn to velvet my reaction.

I like the cut of your jib... :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

I understand your frustration, been there many times myself when I want to attend a popular class or club.
But, I understand these classes and clubs are not public like a gym or the squares. They exist because of individuals who took the time, energy, and constant attendance needed to start them. I would not classify any of these people "entitled." They are just continuing and participating in something they created. What gives you (or anyone) the right to push them out?

Personally, I find most of them quite accommodating. They tell you their guidelines, offer you a spot if one is available, or go out of their way to tell you of another class with more openings. What more can they offer? Their spots to newcomers who did nothing to create and continue the class? I still am a believer that Kindness and entitlement works both ways.

We come to the Villages to enjoy the abundance of things to do and what seems like an overwhelming number of recreation facilities. Over 30 golf courses, over 100 pickleball courts, etc. When you try to use some of these facilities and find them to be so crowded it takes away some of the value we originally saw in so many recreational opportunities.

In this post, we are talking about the overcrowded classes. If you want more classes or clubs, you have to start them. Any one can start a class or club, just takes some intuitive.

As for the golf courses, pickleball courts etc. You should have done the math! No way over 30 golf courses is going to mean 140,000 people plus their occasional guests can golf whenever they want. Same with the 100 or so pickleball courts, you have to learn to share. Or, do as they do in some retirement communities. Guests are not permitted to use any of the amenities.

Agree. The instructor needs to step in and forbid, yes forbid, saving floor space for cronies. Meet outside and come in together.

The classes that are being talked about are 'Instructor' led classes so someone can't just 'start' another class. There is also a shortage of Villages 'rooms' where these classes could be held. Many of these classes are NOT at Villages recreation centers, but at the commercial Fitness centers (Genesis) .

I have lived in multiple cities with comparable populations that had less than 8 golf courses in the area and had much less trouble getting a tee time. Previously I've lived in retirement communities with about 5,000 people and 2 pickleball courts that were not as crowded as here. I find that regardless of the large number of facilities, they are not able to accommodate the number of people wanting to use these facilities during 'prime time'.

In reading these responses I see we have more than a few folks that feel they are so “entitled” to reserve first come first served spots by planting an “Anchor” sorority sister or fraternal brother in an open seating situation. I see this at the squares where some will lay articles of clothing over seats so as to imply that someone is sitting there, etc. These are the folks who are always the first to throw out the “entitled class” label referring to others in conversation. “ He or she doesn’t travel in OUR circle”..so they forget about being courteous. So hypocritical.

Since "your spot" is a concern, you being one of those making the class possible arrange the class so you have to preregister for the class and when you do get a perasigned place, of course to make that function if you were to not attend you of course would go to the bottom of the list next time around, much simpler , you show up first you get first pick

What is your objection to someone who arrived before you saving a spot? That seems to be the norm. Get there earlier than them. What's really annoying is someone coming in just before class starts and getting way too close to me when I got there 15-60 minutes prior. Most classes don't have reserved spots for regulars. I attended line dancing and the first class I was stuck in the back corner. Next class I came an hour ahead of time. A man came up to me and said it was his spot. My friends and I kindly told him it doesn't work that way. He looked very disappointed. Is either party acting entitled?

If someone left keys/towels on chairs for over 10 mins, I would take them and put them in the corner. I’m ok with saving seats if you are getting a drink or changing into clothes for the workout, 10 mins should cover that. After that, those chairs/seats are open, I don’t care if you are on a cruise, at the gym, or at a square.

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, Anen!!

Wait until all the short term AirBnB renters get here during the season. You will have ot get there 2 - 3 hours in advance to get in.

The instructor needs to step in here. I understand once in a while for one person but that's too much and not fair.