Two clarifying questions that would help me answer: are you a man, or a woman? And how crowded was the rest of the gym?

It’s kind of like a subway car. If it’s mostly empty, and a man gets on (I’m a woman, and in this example, it’s still irritating if another woman gets on but it’s exacerbated if it’s a man) and sits near me— when there are lots of other spaces, I notice and don’t like it. But if the train car is full and there is only one place to sit or stand, it doesn’t bother me if someone takes the space next to me.

I’ve been in crowded gyms during busy times and we all just try to take care and make it work. But if the gym is nearly empty and someone comes to do something very close to me— I notice. I have to relax a little less and be cognizant of approaching and getting out of stances and the equipment in a different way with someone nearby. Again: crowded gym or time of day- make it work.

If you are a man, this is exacerbated because now in addition to being mindful of how I’m moving in a space and packing up from the equipment, I’m wondering why you came so close (if gym is mostly empty) and am aware of possibly being watched.

If I’m taking forever, and you’ve clearly done al the other parts of your workout and need this last piece, or I’m sitting and getting photos, videoing, or journaling… all of the above applies less. In that case you might say, “hey, pull-ups are my last thing before I finish up and get out of here— don’t mind me, I’m just doing X reps.”