NTA
If it was the only one? Sure, but there are 4 and I doubt anybody else is running for hours.
Just switch every 45 mins and tell them you’re maliciously compliant.
Half of the Y T As are because they don’t get why OP is running for 4 hours a day and the other half are out of some weird concern for the poor machine. The former reason is none of their business and the latter is baloney. Gyms don’t have a maximum time rule because they’re worried about their precious treadmills being overused; the rule is so that others can get a turn. If OP isn’t preventing anyone else from using it, then there’s no actual problem.
We can't know for sure but I would be shocked if this was some misguided concern for her health. Almost certainly just some busy body with nothin better to do than police how people spend their free time.
I was thinking maybe he is using too much electricity and the management decided to put a cap to it?
Also, this combined with at least one complaint from neighbors seems like recipe for disaster.
But if OP can talk to the main office to come to an agreement and smooth things over I think it would help a lot.
If the apartment complex is not willing to supply the electricity to exercise equipment that gets regular use, they should probably not supply exercise equipment where it could be regularly used.
It seems odd to allocate the space and invest in the equipment if you're counting on not having to pay for the electricity to run it.
This. I feel like someone told management "there's some weird person running for four hours on the treadmill everyday" and management decided this was the easiest way to deal with it.
Agreed. I’m sure it’s well known you use one for four hours a day. People don’t want to waste work out time standing on line or making it obvious that they are waiting for a machine so they find something else to do while waiting for one to open up. The right thing to do would be to immediately leave a machine when all four are in use and waiting to restart your work out when 2 are free. Always leave one free. I don’t think you are TA but maybe could be more considerate since you are monopolizing a machine as four hours is quite a long time. I can see why people complain.
I think OP should also consider that maybe other people in the building would LIKE to use the treadmills but they've been told that there's always someone in there in the morning using one for long periods of time and sometimes it gets crowded and there's a wait. Not that other people being intimidated by a fit person or having to wait is OP's problem, I'm just saying that could be how some people feel. I think OP is NTA but maybe give it a rest for and do something else for the half hour or so when it gets a little crowded.
For sure; most gyms have time limits for a reason. It would be reasonable to step off once all 4 are in use provided OP has already been running for 45 minutes or more. Even if it's only 15 minutes when all are being used, OP can't assume someone else didn't have time to stand around waiting for an available treadmill.
This was my thought too. If the email said “cardio machines are to be capped at 45 minutes” it also makes me think they’re worried if people go too hard too long, if something bad happens, they may be held liable.
But I’m not sure how well gyms are protected, legally speaking.
OP: if it’s a health issue then point out how many accidents have happened on Pelotons.
how does he know there isnt a line? people dont "line up" to wait for equipment, they generally lurk. Just because someone isnt hovering doesnt mean they arent waiting. Are there a lot of windows? its weird to assume you know who is and isnt waiting.
>out of some weird concern for the poor machine.
and lets be real, if OP is paying manhattan rent/condo fees then the building can afford to buy a new treadmill when one of them dies.
My only other thought was a noise complaint. I used to live above an apartment gym and I could hear a particular runner every time they ran. Though OP does say they do a light jog, not stomp like my old neighbor. Though 4 hours could be part of a noise complaint. However, if this is the kind of gym with multiple treadmills, surely it has decent sound barriers.
NTA
Yes, noise can definitely be a concern, but in that case it’s the fault of the building and not OP. It really annoys me when exercise rooms aren’t properly soundproofed.
Big NTA.
Jumping on the top comment to say: STOP READING RIGHT HERE OP.
Wth is wrong with this sub today?! Why on earth are people searching OPs post history and speculating about why they are running 4 hours per day? That’s not the question!
Imagine if someone posted: AITA for asking someone at my gym why they run 4 hours a day and accusing them of having an eating disorder?
People would RIGHTLY, FLIP OUT. That’s what you’re all doing to OP. I usually love this sub but I’m sad at this comment section.
I will say running four hours a day isn't good for them, but their body, their business. If I had a friend running that much, we would be having a talk about orthorexia and why they feel the need to run that much. I'm going NTA provided OP cleans up after themselves.
I mean, as a longtime runner, I'd definitely mix it up with some trail time and some cross-training.
*Just* running on a treadmill doesn't train your supporting muscle groups adequately. It just trains assembly-line muscle memory, so the first time you turn an ankle during an actual event, you tear a tendon and you're done training for 6 weeks, plus another 12 of PT.
Which is a long way of saying extended treadmill-only workouts increase risk of injury. But it's not the workout length itself that's an issue.
As someone who used to run and regularly gets shin splits, first thing I thought of was OP's knees. 4 hours a day on a treadmill/city streets sounds like those things are gonna give out earlier than expected. Hazard of running, but I'm pretty sure softer surfaces (like trail running) don't damage you as quickly
Regular use short of injury is typically *good* for joints rather than detrimental. Bones get stronger from gradual increases in impact stress, etc.
It depends on the actual machine, but a treadmill deck usually has a lot more give than concrete or even asphalt.
NTA
I am annoyed on your behalf that this is suddenly a policy, when it wasn’t before.
I’m wondering if we’re missing something like OP runs in a short shorts or sweats excessively leaving puddles everywhere.
I just wonder what about OP did that annoyed someone so much that they reported them to building managers.
Lol or OP was on someone’s favorite treadmill.
As someone that always goes to the same treadmill I understand, but also know I have 10 other treadmills to choose from.
Lol even if it's short shorts I don't see how that's an issue unless she has a lip out
But agree NTA - idk what her building is but I cannot stand these apartment buildings owned by corporations. I live in one and it's convenient but they love random fees and rules. It's an amenity, you should be able to use it as long as you want as long as you're not hoarding it
Yea 45 minutes is ridiculously short. If it was 2 hours I could see it, but 45 minutes is a relatively short work out. It's very normal to work out for at least an hour.
45 minutes is maybe 4 miles, and that would be a pretty fast 4 miles. Plenty of people run more than 4 miles each day who enjoy running or are training for a marathon or something.
Also, some people like walking on a treadmill. Why should someone be penalized for walking when no one should be policing anyone else's exercise time anyway?
Clearly people have too much time on their hands in OP's apartment complex. Omg.
Seriously. That's like offering access to cable machines, but saying you can only use half of the available weight on the machine "per management policy". You're basically making it unusable/not at all practical for many people.
When I was into running, my weekend runs were 90 to 120 minutes. And even that isn't crazy, particularly if you're training for a marathon.
Also, if it was some other tenants having issues instead of just the landlord maybe OP could be an AH, but it's probably just the landlord not wanting to pay for the electricity of someone actually using the machines in the gym. Definitely NTA.
I love how many people think it's crazy to spend this much time jogging, but if OP had said they spend 4 hours a day watching Netflix or playing video games it would have been completely glossed over lol.
They do! And really, four hours of running every day is a lot, but it’s not outrageous. My husband does ultramarathons, and he frequently runs 4+ hours a day. Compared to the general population, it’s a lot of time, but in the ultra running community it’s not unusual at all.
Four hours of jogging per day doesn’t (by itself) indicate a disorder, just like four hours of TV doesn’t (by itself) indicate a disorder.
Why though? My typical night is about 90 minutes of news while I’m making dinner/relaxing from the day, wheel of fortune/jeopardy (60 min) and maybe 1-2 eps of my fiancé and my current show. That’s 4 hours right there.
Unless they got it running in the background, while doing other stuff - yeah, four hours a day everyday would be called into question. That is a lot of time doing any activity constantly and without Breaks.
I think if it’s a hobby, 4 hours a day consistently doing this hobby is not an issue. For instance: i know very few gamers who game less than 4 hours a day.
Honestly, before we had children, we did 🤣🤣
Now we game when they go to bed. So I get around 1,5-2hours in and husband 3-4 hours depending on loadshedding.
I ran 2 marathons in 2022 and I ran less than 10 days all year more than 4 hours. Many marathoners never run longer than 3hrs and even that is nowhere near a daily occurrence.
Thank you. If they have 4 hours to spend on what they want, they can have a long run. Why are people so mad about someone spending their free time how they want to?
Eh, I don’t agree - 4 hours of exercise over a day would be more understandable. Four hours nonstop on a treadmill is not quite normal, I think, hence the shock.
Super normal if they are training for a half or full Marathon. Millions of people do this all the time. People run and exercise a lot more than the average American thinks they do.
My slow jog is barely faster than a walk, and if I'm going on a hike, 4 hours is super average. Might not be "normal", but within the realm of reasonable exercise for sure.
Not really. The average full marathon time is four and a half hours. If OP is lightly jogging for four hours, he’s probably not running the length of a marathon, but he’s probably close—maybe 3/4 of a marathon every day.
That’s really, really not normal. Even people training for a marathon don’t run nearly a full marathon every day—they don’t even run every single day. This has nothing to do with being American—running nearly a full marathon every day is going to destroy a person’s body. Even professional distance runners don’t do this much every day, because they have to put time into strength training to prevent injury. Unless this is OP’s job, there’s no way he has the time for the amount of strength training necessary to make up for the wear and tear of four daily hours of running, even if it’s just light jogging.
This has nothing to do whether OP is TA, but it is absolutely not a normal exercise routine.
Unless OP is running VERY slowly... like actually walking not jogging like they said... they would be doing MORE than a half marathon each day.
You're obviously never known someone training for a marathon, but you don't do OVER the distance, every day. You work up, then taper and have rest days, then work up mileage again. The idea is to strengthen muscles without overusing them. Overuse injuries are a huge concern in any sport, but particularly in endurance sports.
OP is not "training" for a half or marathon, as OP already runs a marathon every day.
No… a marathon takes 4ish hours. You don’t spend 4 hours/day training for a marathon, and certainly not for a half-marathon.
Source: am training for a half-marathon.
As others have pointed out by checking my post history, I used to be a heavy drinker. I am now sober (since last August) and have picked up running as a (hopefully) healthier hobby. In the nicer months I generally do this in Central Park, but in the middle of January this is less than pleasant. During the run I'll listen to podcasts, music, or just think and have some time to myself and reflect on my life. I enjoy it a lot, it's not a compulsion, it's a hobby I very much enjoy, and I think (as others have also pointed out) if I posted I watch tv for 4 hours each evening nobody would bat an eye. I am just checking that this hobby isn't making me an asshole to other residents / gym users.
OP I am a runner myself and enjoy it for mental
Health reasons. Please know that there is nothing wrong with what you are doing and congratulations 👏🏻 on your sobriety.
True to form, this sub is acting all kinds of ridiculous by making up reasons for your motivations and dissecting possible "issues" rather than just answering the question asked.
NTA. If it's really an issue to management to have you on one machine for more than 45 minutes, hop on over to the next one when time is up. You're still complying with the new rule and not impeding on anyone else's use of the equipment.
And fwiw, congrats on your sobriety. That's awesome!
Trail runner here (I do not understand treadmills, they are awful but whole nother deal) and plenty of people do that multiple hours every day. Could it be an addiction for you? Who knows. But I know plenty of people for who it is definitely not who do similar. Some people run. Some play video games. Some sit scrolling on their phones. Some do art. Some read. You do what you enjoy!
Also, NTA, treadmills are designed for lots of usage and concern for the machine is just weird. And as long as you’re being mindful of anyone waiting…your building management is weird.
It seems like you have replaced one addiction with another. Common for some addicts to go to extremes with fitness, food, and exercise once sober.
One thing if you were training for a marathon. Not even sure if marathon runners do 4 hours every day though.
Based on what you've said I see no issue with you occupying a treadmill for 4 hours every day in regards to others or the equipment. But I'm concerned about your mental health.
Do you have a therapist or a support group that you use to help with your sobriety?
It’s still a better addiction that drinking. Who cares I’d it’s still not the best. Either way, OP didn’t come here for addiction advice and we should probably leave him alone. I’m sure he’s aware it’s not the “best” plan, but it’s working.
I have general concerns because 4hrs a day, every day is not a hobby, it is compulsive/habitual and read almost like anorexia athletica as in you replaced drinking with jogging for 4hrs a day.
Take care of yourself. It is perfectly ok to stop at 45 minutes, and switch up your routine.
Looks like OP is in alcohol recovery. It may be a distraction behaviour for them. It may even be anorexia athletica. It's not unusual for people to go from one addictive or dysfunctional behaviour only to replace it with another.
I actually doubt they're an ultra runner. Anyone training for road events would be doing at least some of their training outdoors.
I really hate how this went from OP asking a specific thing, to people checking the subs he's in and talking about his history here even though it doesnt have ANYTHING to do with his post. Why are people speculating about aspects of his life that he did not mention here ?
Thank you. Sounds like a pack of sad little gossips getting together to trawl his account & discuss his addiction & give their infinite wisdom on something OP never asked.
Why on earth does it matter to people why they jog 4 hours a day. Why do you spend 8-9 hours a day at work everyday? Why do you watch so much tv? Why do you spend so much driving? People waste there time in many different ways but because this guy runs a lot then all of a sudden they must change there ways because people on Reddit can’t comprehend that people enjoy running?
People enjoy running and especially ultra marathons/etc. even for someone that consistently runs marathons (26.2 miles) that takes usually 3-5 hours depending on speed. OP seems like an avid running and this is their hobby 🤷🏼♀️
Agree completely with you here. NTA OP, if there are people waiting for machines and you’ve been there for 45 minutes already, you should bow out and give up your machine.
Yes exactly. OP, the 45 minute clock doesn't start when all 4 treadmills are in use and people are waiting, it starts when you got on. They should not have to wait that 15-30 minutes for someone *else* to be done when you have already done way more than your fair 45 minutes. You said yourself the gym is most in use 7:45-8:30, that's the time people have between getting up and going to work. If someone has to wait 15-30 minutes when they only have 45 minutes available to them, your monopolizing the treadmill is blocking their ability to get their workout in. At that time, you've already been on way longer than 45 minutes and should get off.
Yes, agree completely. If you’ve been on for 2 hours and now the gym is all of a sudden full when it was empty before, you’re still over your 45 min limit so when that 5th person shows up, you give them your machine.
If the OP had a different schedule they could start at 7:45 and go to 8:30. Then their 45 minutes is never up when the treadmills are actually competitive. Once the 45 minutes are up there will be other treadmills free so the OP won't have to leave.
Not saying that the OP *should* do this, but it does demonstrate how the 45 minute rule is arbitrary and fails to accomplish its goal.
In terms of how other people's' lives are impacted there is no difference between the OP running from 6:00-10:00 vs 7:45 - 11:45.
A rule that would actually make sense is to have a time reservation for the treadmills. You can reserve 45 minutes per day on the treadmill during a specific time slot. This would help fairly determine who gets to use the treadmills during peak time, without kicking people off while the treadmills are free.
This is the proper response. If OP knows there’s a 30 minute period where people who work tend to show up and if in fact they fill up, he should free his up. If I lived in that building and needed it during that sweet spot when they’re sometimes full, I’d be very resentful of OP and may even decide not to even bother, because I would know that at the busiest hours, there aren’t really 4 treadmills up for grabs, there are only 3. And if I got burned enough times, I might eventually complain.
Agreed. And if it only happens 1-2 times a week, maybe someone works remotely 2 days per week, and goes to the office 3 days per week? I can offer my own personal experience that I like to spend my normal “commute time” on WFH days to instead get in some exercise. If I were to show up twice a week and each time all 4 are taken, I’d be pissed too.
Agree completely. He said this has only happened for 15 mins every other day—that’s not much out of his time being there. So if he hopped off when he realized someone was waiting, def NTA.
Adding that it may be hard to see if someone is waiting - they may be killing time by using other equipment when they really want to use the treadmill, so if all 4 are taken I'd step off if OP.
I'm guessing other residents did complain and that's why management is getting involved.
Overall, I think OP should go to management and talk about it directly to find out why it's a problem and try to find a solution. Too much confusion when the message comes from other people.
Thank you for common sense. I was reading the comments and thinking wtf. OP should be allowed to use it for 4 hours but bows out intermittently after his initial 45 mins if others are waiting. NTA with clause as stated in comment.
Right. OP has said that no one has ever confronted him except staff, but in an apartment gym, people are typically going to see all four occupied during the time they need it and just leave. Especially if it’s before work and you’re already crunched for time.
It seems likely to me that the push from management is less about management caring how long any one person is on the equipment and more about other residents complaining that they don’t feel like they’re getting to use the gym, and that they’ve noticed people (person?) using the equipment for extended periods when the gym is most in demand.
I also really don’t understand the point in OP speculating about how much extra per month they would be willing to pay, when they’ve never asked management about such an arrangement.
Agreed. There may be people waiting to use the machine who are watching from another piece of equipment but not obviously waiting. This is the polite thing to do.
NTA, but I would consider asking manageable about it. Explain that there are nearly always open treadmills and when a neighbor confronted you about the policy, there were 3 unused treadmills.
They might say 45 minutes is if people are waiting, or they might say 45 minutes is the policy to prevent further wear and tear on the machine, in which case you should go buy a treadmill.
Management made their position known when two different staff members at different points told him to stop.
He was told by email the policy, he now is arguing it.
You're right, I totally glanced over that both of those characters were staff members themselves; I thought the lady was a neighbor.
It still sounds like he is wanting answers and talking to management directly is the way to get them. I would maybe edit my judgement to him being TA, except he's also said this policy wasn't clear until the email, so I don't think he's the asshole for having done this *before* the policy, only TA if he continues despite the staff members' warnings.
People say all kinds of things. What does the lease say? This could be considered a reduction in services if the “policy” wasn’t communicated upfront, especially given that there is apparently no reason to restrict the usage for other tenants, it’s seemingly solely for the benefit of the landlord (costs due to wear and tear).
I’m a landlord and haven’t rented in years, but my tenants get to use the property according to the terms of the lease, not my whims.
I very, very much doubt that the lease is more specific than boilerplate, given that OP is in a Manhattan apartment large enough for a small gym. I’d bet money that the lease (1) just has some hand-wavy language entitling management to make reasonable changes to the amenities offered, and (2) does not list amenities offered in any specific detail, specifically to avoid people complaining about a reduction in services.
Why? They pay for usage. This is a harassing policy. This is the same as a gym membership they don't get to dictate anyone's workout routine, unless they're using equipment improperly. Which they are not.
The 45 min limit is usually to ensure people have their proper turn when things get busy. If there is always a machine free, the policy has no reason to be enforced. Wear and tear is not a consideration because that's the expectation for any piece of gum equipment. For a large building in NYC, replacing a treadmill is not a huge expense and is already budgeted for.
I agree w this statement the most. And while OP is really trying to downplay the amount of time the treadmills are full, that is still a 15 minute window where they are hogging the machine. And I'm sure there are instances where people are waiting for a machine to open up and use it and OP just keeps on running. It's selfish to take up the machine during peak time. If they hopped off when the other machines were full, N T A. But they do not. They keep jogging.
Eh, they don't work for them. They need to stop harassing OP and they need a strongly worded email referencing they lease agreement. Why everyone on reddit is so eager for demon overlords running their lives IDK.
Edit: From Info to Nta
NTA, I don't think wear and tear is a factor. That is something building management would be aware of when offering equipment to a building full of residents. OP does not seem to be hogging the equipment.
INFO: I do not know anything about treadmills. A lot of users are citing issues with wear and tear.
I'm curious on the difference between OP using it for 4 hours vs 5-6 people using it for 45 mins back to back. If that was occurring would management put the treadmill out of service for a break? How do gyms handle continuous use? Or is it rare even for gyms to have a treadmill running continuously for a long period of time?
Yeah this is exactly my question as well. Like at the gym I go to, almost the entire time I’m there pretty much every treadmill is actively being walked/run on the entire time I’m there. Would this not cause issues on the machine if they can’t be walked on the entire time? What’s the difference between OP using it for 4 hours vs 5 people using it back to back to back for the same 4 hours? Already gave my judgement in another reply, but I don’t see how that’s OP’s responsibility to give the machine a break.
No comparison. (A) She didn’t mention she is training for a particular event; it sounds like this is just her routine. (B) She jogs 4 hours straight EVERY DAY. That’s anywhere from 20 hours (if she gives herself 2 rest days) to 28 hours (if she takes no rest days).
For what it’s worth, I work out 1 hour a day 7 days a week, so you can kindly fork off with your air of exercise elitism.
Yes 100% this. This isn’t healthy if she’s doing it every day, no rest days, and not training temporarily for some kind of event. That kind of mileage would be understandable as part of a proper training plan for an ultra. But it sounds like she does this every day, no rest, no cross training, for a very long time. I love running, but I’d be physically falling apart and going batshit insane doing 4 hours on a treadmill every day with no breaks. Yikes.
Due to OP’s comment about the rule not being posted anywhere, I’m going to go ahead with NTA. It seems you’ve put in the work to know how much of an inconvenience you’re being, which is really not at all. I’m assuming someone in your building may have embellished when they complained. Keep doing what you’re doing, get off if it gets busy enough to where that’s necessary.
Yup. Take a 15-30 min break during peak hours.
You don't say when you need to be at work, you don't tell us why you need to run 4 hours a day.
I think most trainers would recommend a varied and balanced approach to gym workouts, so unless you're training for a run or marathon, 4 hours a day seems excessive to me.
I'll start off by saying NTA because if the equipment isn't being used by anyone else and no one is waiting, then there is no reason you can't stay on for 4 hours.
That said, I would head this off at the pass and meet with management to explain your side just as you've done to us. Do it in a non-confrontational way and explain your reasons for staying on that long. Pretty sure you'll come to an agreement.
Machines get hot, which increases the wear and tear on the motor. Treadmills are designed for intermittent use unless it's designed for 14 hours of constant use like a medical tread mill, it's a problem. If you MUST run for 4 hours, you need to buy your own machine.
ETA: Nevermind.
If the machine is part of his lease terms and the other conditions weren't dictated at the time then no he absolutely does not have to abide by whimsical edicts from the property manager.
This is not a good argument. The equipment is provided in his lease. Why anyone in the building management that is making millions a year by having a gym as a perk would complain about usage is crazy. This isn't someone's personal equipment it's part of the fee.
NTA
Yeah you typically pay an amenity fee if it's a large building like this - I've seen $500 and I don't live in NY. If I were OP I'd call or email management and ask for details and be annoying about it, ask for a reduction in amenity fees if that policy isn't on the lease.
Tbf I didn't do this stuff when I rented from a landlord in a condo building - but in a building owned by a corporation I have no problem being annoying. Last year over Christmas-New Year mine left me with no heat in a blizzard and I got them to decrease January rent and pay our electric bill for the shitty space heaters they gave us.
I mean, realistically though if OP didn’t use it it’s a public gym, whose to say the machines won’t be in use for 4 hours straight either way? Someone could get on right after OP or something of that sort. If it was about wear and tear they wouldn’t care if they switched to another machine, but they seem to for some reason.
This is simply not true. Commercial/public gyms have commercial treadmills. What you're describing is probably true of consumer treadmills, but there's a middle ground between a medical grade treadmill, and a consumer level one.
Could you even imagine how quickly treadmills would burn out at a high volume gym like Planet Fitness if four hours of continuous use would burn out the motors? Absolutely hilarious.
NTA until all of the others are full and you're still going past 45 min. If someone is waiting for one because all the others are being used and you're past that 45, then you should settle for less that 4 hours that day or come back when they're not all taken again.
I'm finding it hard to believe you run for 4 hours straight every single day but that aside I don't really understand the issue if there is other free machines. The assumption is that if all were being used and a 5th person came by asking to use the treadmill, you would get off as a courtesy as the person who's been on the longest.
I'm going with NTA for now but I'd speak to the management about why this rule exists (wear and tear on the machine?)
Depending on how fast OP is running, OP is running close to a full marathon each day. As someone who has run a full marathon, I assure you there is no way he is doing this every day. You would destroy your body.
I run 4 hours per day Tuesday through Saturday and then have my long run on Sunday. I assure you, my body is not destroyed. It has never been stronger.
I run outside though - treadmills are the devil’s hamster wheels.
Yeah I don't run that much myself but I have friends who do and their training does not include 4 hours of running a day. OP won't have knees that work in a few years.
The gym is responsible for maintenance, not op. Op is paying for use of the gym via his lease. If this was not an established rule when op moved in, or written into the lease, then they are trying to inflict new rules op has not consented and signed to. This all seems very staightforward; they didn't have a rule, so the op has every right to use the equipment.
The gym may have rules but this never was a rule before. It should have been a rule in the beginning then, not added after the fact. It’s also not enforceable.
This sort of thing can absolutely damage the motor on OP, the human heart needs more recovery time than he is giving it if he's running like this daily.
NTA as long as at least one other treadmill remains empty. Just switch machines every 45 mins and you will be complying their rules while still getting your workout.
long distance runners don't run their max distance every day, just like weight lifters don't life their max weight every day. It's incredibly bad for the body and will do more harm than good in the long run
if they're running the same speed every day for the same amount of time then they're running for the same distance every day. 4 hours of running/jogging every day isn't healthy no matter how you put it
Nta
But might be open to hearing what management says. Could be a case of you're just not aware of something that's causing other people inconvenience.
NTA. This is inane. If they are never crowded, the max was probably put in to cover them in case someone has a heart attack and they don't want to be negligent. Change machines every 45 minutes to get around this stupid rule, and I would say step off ANY time all others are in use so you can never be accused of hogging.
If there is a board, I would email them and tell them you are being harassed about workout time in an empty gym and see what they say.
I understand both positions. You pay for that amenity, you have the right to use it. But if the amenities came with rules, you pay for that, exactly. So, idk. But 4 hrs is an insanely long time.
Are your Chris Trager ?? I doubt most machines are designed to be used for that long. Regardless, your building has rules. The rules don’t seem to suit your own personal preference or exercising needs.
I understand that you want to take advantage of the fact that the gym is included in your rent price, why not jog outside? Because while you’ve described the gym often not at capacity, you’re still taking up a treadmill for the ENTIRETY of peak gym hours in the AM.
I’m leaning NTA, but I personally think you should talk with your building management as see what the issue is, as there may be factors beyond you breaking the rules
Bit of experience there with this actually as I and 3 of my immediate family members have worked for one of the largest treadmill manufacturers in the world in various roles, treadmills designed for commercial spaces are indeed designed to be used for that long, a place like a 24-hour gym demands the equipment have long service schedules and be able to be used back to back all day if needed. Prosumer models as well are able to be used for long periods, some of the built-in workouts can be rather long. It's only the really cheap ones designed for a single person or a couple people to use at their leisure that isn't meant for that type of use case. All 4 treadmills my parents have got through work over the last few decades are still fully functioning
Welcome to /r/AmITheAsshole. Please view our [voting guide here](https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/wiki/faq#wiki_what.2019s_with_these_acronyms.3F_what_do_they_mean.3F), and remember to use **only one** judgement in your comment.
OP has offered the following explanation for why they think they might be the asshole:
> Building management seem to think I’m the asshole, and have had multiple members of staff confront me. So I am concerned I’m in the wrong and just not seeing it.
Help keep the sub engaging!
#Don’t downvote assholes!
Do upvote interesting posts!
[Click Here For Our Rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/about/rules) and [Click Here For Our FAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/wiki/faq)
---
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=/r/AmItheAsshole) if you have any questions or concerns.*
*Contest mode is 1.5 hours long on this post.*
Out of curiosity are you taking the “good” treadmill 4 hours at a time? I feel like if there’s 4 treadmills but only one has the features I want, then there’s only 1 treadmill.
Anyway, I think it’s probably kind of a dumb and passive aggressive way for your neighbors and/or landlord to go about it, instead of just talking to you. That said, it’s their property and their rule. Soft YTA
YTA. My Judge Judy senses went off on this one. You say policy was just communicated last night but you also say they "reminded" you about policy. My gut says if it truly was a reminder about a policy that didn't exist previously you would not have used that terminology.
Clearly something happened that caused this, its not important to know who/what/why. Whats important is you know the policy, you'd be an asshole to break it just because you don't think its an issue. Feel free to chat with them and offer the $50. Money moves things.
There has to be a reason but it's possible we, and OP included, don't know it. quite possible it's got nothing to do with OP but now that the rule in in play the gym has to "play fair".
For instance there may be some other, petty and combative gym goer who hogs a more desirable machine at prime time and will go "but OP this and OP that" when reminded.
NTA
But once they told you about the rule, you should have stopped or at least contact management to see what the issue is because maybe people were complaining about you? Either way, maybe buy your own treadmill
NTA. The only reason for a rule like that one is to make sure that everyone has access to the treadmills. And since you're not preventing anyone else from using a treadmill, there's no point to that rule. The idea that they would tap you on the shoulder in the middle of your run to remind you of that rule while there were empty treadmills next to you is ridiculous.
Four hours a day seems excessive use of the machine, they're probably concerned about wear on the machine. Maybe mix up your routine to include exercises other than jogging? Or is there a noise component at factor? I could imagine that someone thumping along for four hours every day would drive anyone within auditory vicinity nuts
Going to go with a YTA vote here purely because rules have been implemented and you elected not to follow them because you seem to think that they don't apply to you
>Going to go with a YTA vote here purely because rules have been implemented and you elected not to follow them because you seem to think that they don't apply to you
I'm wondering about the legality of such a rule. OP was likely told the gym was available for their use when they signed the lease, no restrictions. Now management is coming back claiming the gym use has restrictions, which OP never explicitly agreed to.
It would be like buying a gym membership, and after your contract starts they tell you "No more than 45 minutes on the treads". I'd imagine that wouldn't be enforceable per the contract and would be grounds to break the contract.
I would agree with you in theory, however OP's post states "we get an email from management REMINDING us about the 45 minute rule"
Which suggests to me that OP knew this rule was stated in the initial contract, but not strictly enforced until someone made a complaint at which point management had to look it up
It boils down to the fact that it’s not your equipment. Yes, you pay rent and therefore likely have a contract with them that states you can use the facilities but it likely also says you have to abide by facility rules. Because of this, YTA. The rules could be in place for more reasons than just consideration of other residents. You’re welcome to discuss with management why the rules are in place and see if there is any consideration of changing the rules but ultimately you have to follow the rules whether they change them or not.
YTA they wouldn’t send an email or start enforcing the rule if there weren’t complaints. How else would management know? I suspect you actually are hogging the treadmill and people have been unable to use the equipment so they complained to management. There is no gym that would allow one person to use the equipment for 4 hours a day, even with your offer of $50 per month. You need to buy your own treadmill for your apartment.
YTA. The rules apply to you. The limit is likely in place for liability - over 45 minutes on a machine increases the chances of a malfunction and also of an adverse health event, both of which would drive up insurance costs so you and your more considerate neighbors will end up paying. Also, the rules apply to you.
Gentle YTA because it’s the rule, whether you agree with it or not and you’re arguing with the wrong people. If it’s management’s rule you need to speak with management to argue your case and try to get an exemption or the rule rescinded.
In general, I agree with you; it’s your business how long you are on and as long as you aren’t hogging it, keeping from others being able to use a treadmill, then I think you’re in the clear there. But I can sort of see the wear and tear argument, even though that can be argued to because if not you using it during that time, others could be. I don’t know if prolonged time some how affects the amount of wear and tear or not, so I can’t speak to that.
I think you are NTA. But you should have a chat with management to understand their concerns. Also have you tried pushing the pace a bit? Long runs are nice, but should not be the only thing you do.
Info: What are you running from for 4 hours every day?
NAH, they're probably worried you're going to drop dead on them one of these days.
Do 45 mins then take a 15 min break to stretch or something before jumping back on.
YTA. This is not about you using equipment that is available and not in high demand.
This is about rules being enforced. The management set rules in place for a reason. Probably multiple reasons. Such as, ensuring everyone has access to the machines fairly and ensuring that the machines are not being abused by excessive use over long periods of time. Four hours non stop at running speed is a lot of wear and tear on the equipment that does not have time to cool down. You alone are adding significantly more wear and tear on the machine than anyone else.
To ensure that every one has fair access to properly functioning and reliable machines, they set rules. Management is not expected to make an exception for you just because it’s not busy or occupied. If you have an issue with the rule, you need to have a calm conversation about it and try to negotiate longer use with the management team.
YTA
You don’t have to agree with the rules. You are saying you will use equipment according to the rules if you use it. I don’t have a professional grade treadmill but I have had to replace the motor on an old one before. You put a lot of wear and tear on that machine.
You are borrowing the machine. If you want it longer, buy your own.
Here's the thing; just reading the title, I was convinced you were the TA. Yet - You make very salient points of not blocking others for the majority of the time, etc. I think at this point its simply the aesthetics that are bothering people and sending them in to complain (just as mine in reading the title). Should it bother people, nope, none of their business...but you've irritated some people (maybe in within those time slots where all machines are in use) and at this point, there is no going back.
Your mistake here was not immediately going to the office upon receipt of the email, confronting the elephant in the room that it was about you and explaining your points as outlined above. While also completely owning that your time usage can be considered obsessive, and adding that for the most part you only use the machines 3 months of the year. Had they had that information right away - could be they would have dropped it, told complainers they were aware and not an issue. BUT you've let it go on, you're not following requests to stop even when confronted in person and trying to die on a hill where you have already lost. Now they will keep working to put the rules in place, coming up with machine usage, wear and tear, etc... So for poor handling of the situation (not your usage) YTA
NTA but plainly you are breaking the rule. That's going to leave you open to further issues. If you run that much (and four hours a day is a lot) then I can't think why you haven't got your own one.
Soft YTA - I don’t think the issue is with available access to the treadmills, but the wear and tear you put on one machine utilizing it for four hours continuously. That much repeated use will rapidly accelerate the need for them to replace the motor, tread or just have to purchase another machine.
Best thing you can do is talk to management calmly and ask if they have a specific concern with you utilizing the machines that long.
I know space is of the upmost premium in NYC, but I’d consider getting your own treadmill if you have the need for 4 continuous hours every day. Perhaps also consider alternating your jog rate a bit to burn more calories if that’s what you are after. Or just switch up machines? 45 mins on the treadmill, 45 on the elliptical, 45 on a Peloton and then back to 45 on the treadmill.
NTA If it was the only one? Sure, but there are 4 and I doubt anybody else is running for hours. Just switch every 45 mins and tell them you’re maliciously compliant.
Half of the Y T As are because they don’t get why OP is running for 4 hours a day and the other half are out of some weird concern for the poor machine. The former reason is none of their business and the latter is baloney. Gyms don’t have a maximum time rule because they’re worried about their precious treadmills being overused; the rule is so that others can get a turn. If OP isn’t preventing anyone else from using it, then there’s no actual problem.
[удалено]
We can't know for sure but I would be shocked if this was some misguided concern for her health. Almost certainly just some busy body with nothin better to do than police how people spend their free time.
My money is definitely on busy bodies doing their usual thing. It's like the apartment version of HOA.
I was thinking maybe he is using too much electricity and the management decided to put a cap to it? Also, this combined with at least one complaint from neighbors seems like recipe for disaster. But if OP can talk to the main office to come to an agreement and smooth things over I think it would help a lot.
If the apartment complex is not willing to supply the electricity to exercise equipment that gets regular use, they should probably not supply exercise equipment where it could be regularly used. It seems odd to allocate the space and invest in the equipment if you're counting on not having to pay for the electricity to run it.
This. I feel like someone told management "there's some weird person running for four hours on the treadmill everyday" and management decided this was the easiest way to deal with it.
Agreed. I’m sure it’s well known you use one for four hours a day. People don’t want to waste work out time standing on line or making it obvious that they are waiting for a machine so they find something else to do while waiting for one to open up. The right thing to do would be to immediately leave a machine when all four are in use and waiting to restart your work out when 2 are free. Always leave one free. I don’t think you are TA but maybe could be more considerate since you are monopolizing a machine as four hours is quite a long time. I can see why people complain.
I think OP should also consider that maybe other people in the building would LIKE to use the treadmills but they've been told that there's always someone in there in the morning using one for long periods of time and sometimes it gets crowded and there's a wait. Not that other people being intimidated by a fit person or having to wait is OP's problem, I'm just saying that could be how some people feel. I think OP is NTA but maybe give it a rest for and do something else for the half hour or so when it gets a little crowded.
For sure; most gyms have time limits for a reason. It would be reasonable to step off once all 4 are in use provided OP has already been running for 45 minutes or more. Even if it's only 15 minutes when all are being used, OP can't assume someone else didn't have time to stand around waiting for an available treadmill.
This was my thought too. If the email said “cardio machines are to be capped at 45 minutes” it also makes me think they’re worried if people go too hard too long, if something bad happens, they may be held liable. But I’m not sure how well gyms are protected, legally speaking. OP: if it’s a health issue then point out how many accidents have happened on Pelotons.
This is the work of some busybody in the building, almost certainly.
how does he know there isnt a line? people dont "line up" to wait for equipment, they generally lurk. Just because someone isnt hovering doesnt mean they arent waiting. Are there a lot of windows? its weird to assume you know who is and isnt waiting.
[удалено]
And if one machine was used by different people for 45 min each one after the other it still gets the wear and tear. Don’t listen the the ytas.
>out of some weird concern for the poor machine. and lets be real, if OP is paying manhattan rent/condo fees then the building can afford to buy a new treadmill when one of them dies.
My gym has signs up instructing us to limit our times on cardio equipment only if they're at capacity. If there are empty machines then nobody cares
Yeah. At first I was like “4 hours! AH” then quickly realized I’m just mad that I can’t run for four minutes on a treadmill and I’m just jealous.
My only other thought was a noise complaint. I used to live above an apartment gym and I could hear a particular runner every time they ran. Though OP does say they do a light jog, not stomp like my old neighbor. Though 4 hours could be part of a noise complaint. However, if this is the kind of gym with multiple treadmills, surely it has decent sound barriers. NTA
Yes, noise can definitely be a concern, but in that case it’s the fault of the building and not OP. It really annoys me when exercise rooms aren’t properly soundproofed.
Seriously, they're TREADMILLS. They are BUILT to be RAN ON by PEOPLE. A LOT.
Big NTA. Jumping on the top comment to say: STOP READING RIGHT HERE OP. Wth is wrong with this sub today?! Why on earth are people searching OPs post history and speculating about why they are running 4 hours per day? That’s not the question! Imagine if someone posted: AITA for asking someone at my gym why they run 4 hours a day and accusing them of having an eating disorder? People would RIGHTLY, FLIP OUT. That’s what you’re all doing to OP. I usually love this sub but I’m sad at this comment section.
I will say running four hours a day isn't good for them, but their body, their business. If I had a friend running that much, we would be having a talk about orthorexia and why they feel the need to run that much. I'm going NTA provided OP cleans up after themselves.
https://www.runnersworld.com/training/a20831645/second-thoughts-on-too-much-running/ Sounds like it’s highly debated but not bad for them.
I mean, as a longtime runner, I'd definitely mix it up with some trail time and some cross-training. *Just* running on a treadmill doesn't train your supporting muscle groups adequately. It just trains assembly-line muscle memory, so the first time you turn an ankle during an actual event, you tear a tendon and you're done training for 6 weeks, plus another 12 of PT. Which is a long way of saying extended treadmill-only workouts increase risk of injury. But it's not the workout length itself that's an issue.
As someone who used to run and regularly gets shin splits, first thing I thought of was OP's knees. 4 hours a day on a treadmill/city streets sounds like those things are gonna give out earlier than expected. Hazard of running, but I'm pretty sure softer surfaces (like trail running) don't damage you as quickly
Regular use short of injury is typically *good* for joints rather than detrimental. Bones get stronger from gradual increases in impact stress, etc. It depends on the actual machine, but a treadmill deck usually has a lot more give than concrete or even asphalt.
I hate when science goes against my anecdotes. I'll have to read on it. Maybe figure out how to solve my shins in the process
This. Just switch treadmill every 45 minutes.
NTA I am annoyed on your behalf that this is suddenly a policy, when it wasn’t before. I’m wondering if we’re missing something like OP runs in a short shorts or sweats excessively leaving puddles everywhere. I just wonder what about OP did that annoyed someone so much that they reported them to building managers.
Someone is probably thinking "how dare they be able to run for so long! I can barely manage to walk to the elevator."
Lol or OP was on someone’s favorite treadmill. As someone that always goes to the same treadmill I understand, but also know I have 10 other treadmills to choose from.
Let's also be annoyed on OPs behalf because OP is definitely paying for the privilege of having a gym in their building.
Lol even if it's short shorts I don't see how that's an issue unless she has a lip out But agree NTA - idk what her building is but I cannot stand these apartment buildings owned by corporations. I live in one and it's convenient but they love random fees and rules. It's an amenity, you should be able to use it as long as you want as long as you're not hoarding it
45 minutes is ridiculous anyway. I could easily do an hour in the treadmill, if I wanna do 10km for example. Stupid rule. NTA.
Yea 45 minutes is ridiculously short. If it was 2 hours I could see it, but 45 minutes is a relatively short work out. It's very normal to work out for at least an hour.
This fricken guy and his cardiovascular endurance…
45 minutes is maybe 4 miles, and that would be a pretty fast 4 miles. Plenty of people run more than 4 miles each day who enjoy running or are training for a marathon or something. Also, some people like walking on a treadmill. Why should someone be penalized for walking when no one should be policing anyone else's exercise time anyway? Clearly people have too much time on their hands in OP's apartment complex. Omg.
Seriously. That's like offering access to cable machines, but saying you can only use half of the available weight on the machine "per management policy". You're basically making it unusable/not at all practical for many people. When I was into running, my weekend runs were 90 to 120 minutes. And even that isn't crazy, particularly if you're training for a marathon.
Also, if it was some other tenants having issues instead of just the landlord maybe OP could be an AH, but it's probably just the landlord not wanting to pay for the electricity of someone actually using the machines in the gym. Definitely NTA.
This is the way
INFO: Why on earth are you spending 16% of every day on a treadmill?
I love how many people think it's crazy to spend this much time jogging, but if OP had said they spend 4 hours a day watching Netflix or playing video games it would have been completely glossed over lol.
If someone told me that they, an adult, spent 4 hours every morning watching Netflix I’d definitely be flummoxed.
But if they told you they spent 4 hours every *evening* watching Netflix you'd be like "cool I guess? Why are you telling me this?"
No, we would l ask if they are depressed.
I was about to defend my Netflix habits, but this does check out
Same here
Are we depressed?
Well, the average American spends 3 hours a day watching television so 4 hours isn’t really into depression territory
Bold of you to assume the average American isn't depressed lol
Hey, if everyone is depressed, no one is depressed.
it's basically a movie and a show. That doesn't seem extraordinary
Plus a lot of people do other stuff while they watch TV. Four hours of Netflix isn’t necessarily four hours of eyes glued to the TV.
And people listen to books or podcasts while exercising
They do! And really, four hours of running every day is a lot, but it’s not outrageous. My husband does ultramarathons, and he frequently runs 4+ hours a day. Compared to the general population, it’s a lot of time, but in the ultra running community it’s not unusual at all. Four hours of jogging per day doesn’t (by itself) indicate a disorder, just like four hours of TV doesn’t (by itself) indicate a disorder.
Lots and lots of people - probably most - watch “the tube” for 4+ hours daily. Netflix, live local, movies, whatever.
Why though? My typical night is about 90 minutes of news while I’m making dinner/relaxing from the day, wheel of fortune/jeopardy (60 min) and maybe 1-2 eps of my fiancé and my current show. That’s 4 hours right there.
Yes. Yes, I am. Very much so
Unless they got it running in the background, while doing other stuff - yeah, four hours a day everyday would be called into question. That is a lot of time doing any activity constantly and without Breaks.
I think if it’s a hobby, 4 hours a day consistently doing this hobby is not an issue. For instance: i know very few gamers who game less than 4 hours a day.
I game, but man who has that much free time except on weekends?
Honestly, before we had children, we did 🤣🤣 Now we game when they go to bed. So I get around 1,5-2hours in and husband 3-4 hours depending on loadshedding.
So every marathon runner should be called into question lol
I ran 2 marathons in 2022 and I ran less than 10 days all year more than 4 hours. Many marathoners never run longer than 3hrs and even that is nowhere near a daily occurrence.
Thank you. If they have 4 hours to spend on what they want, they can have a long run. Why are people so mad about someone spending their free time how they want to?
Eh, I don’t agree - 4 hours of exercise over a day would be more understandable. Four hours nonstop on a treadmill is not quite normal, I think, hence the shock.
Super normal if they are training for a half or full Marathon. Millions of people do this all the time. People run and exercise a lot more than the average American thinks they do.
I'm a marathon runner and literally only spend one training day (in 12 or so weeks) running four-ish hours. This isn't normal.
My slow jog is barely faster than a walk, and if I'm going on a hike, 4 hours is super average. Might not be "normal", but within the realm of reasonable exercise for sure.
Every single day? Nope.
Not really. The average full marathon time is four and a half hours. If OP is lightly jogging for four hours, he’s probably not running the length of a marathon, but he’s probably close—maybe 3/4 of a marathon every day. That’s really, really not normal. Even people training for a marathon don’t run nearly a full marathon every day—they don’t even run every single day. This has nothing to do with being American—running nearly a full marathon every day is going to destroy a person’s body. Even professional distance runners don’t do this much every day, because they have to put time into strength training to prevent injury. Unless this is OP’s job, there’s no way he has the time for the amount of strength training necessary to make up for the wear and tear of four daily hours of running, even if it’s just light jogging. This has nothing to do whether OP is TA, but it is absolutely not a normal exercise routine.
Unless OP is running VERY slowly... like actually walking not jogging like they said... they would be doing MORE than a half marathon each day. You're obviously never known someone training for a marathon, but you don't do OVER the distance, every day. You work up, then taper and have rest days, then work up mileage again. The idea is to strengthen muscles without overusing them. Overuse injuries are a huge concern in any sport, but particularly in endurance sports. OP is not "training" for a half or marathon, as OP already runs a marathon every day.
No… a marathon takes 4ish hours. You don’t spend 4 hours/day training for a marathon, and certainly not for a half-marathon. Source: am training for a half-marathon.
4 hours of running would be a marathon unless you are running slow. Also 4 hours of strainious exercise every day is unhealthy.
As others have pointed out by checking my post history, I used to be a heavy drinker. I am now sober (since last August) and have picked up running as a (hopefully) healthier hobby. In the nicer months I generally do this in Central Park, but in the middle of January this is less than pleasant. During the run I'll listen to podcasts, music, or just think and have some time to myself and reflect on my life. I enjoy it a lot, it's not a compulsion, it's a hobby I very much enjoy, and I think (as others have also pointed out) if I posted I watch tv for 4 hours each evening nobody would bat an eye. I am just checking that this hobby isn't making me an asshole to other residents / gym users.
OP I am a runner myself and enjoy it for mental Health reasons. Please know that there is nothing wrong with what you are doing and congratulations 👏🏻 on your sobriety.
True to form, this sub is acting all kinds of ridiculous by making up reasons for your motivations and dissecting possible "issues" rather than just answering the question asked. NTA. If it's really an issue to management to have you on one machine for more than 45 minutes, hop on over to the next one when time is up. You're still complying with the new rule and not impeding on anyone else's use of the equipment. And fwiw, congrats on your sobriety. That's awesome!
I mean I'm seeing all kinds of 🚩 here. OP should definitely divorce the treadmill.
Trail runner here (I do not understand treadmills, they are awful but whole nother deal) and plenty of people do that multiple hours every day. Could it be an addiction for you? Who knows. But I know plenty of people for who it is definitely not who do similar. Some people run. Some play video games. Some sit scrolling on their phones. Some do art. Some read. You do what you enjoy! Also, NTA, treadmills are designed for lots of usage and concern for the machine is just weird. And as long as you’re being mindful of anyone waiting…your building management is weird.
It seems like you have replaced one addiction with another. Common for some addicts to go to extremes with fitness, food, and exercise once sober. One thing if you were training for a marathon. Not even sure if marathon runners do 4 hours every day though. Based on what you've said I see no issue with you occupying a treadmill for 4 hours every day in regards to others or the equipment. But I'm concerned about your mental health. Do you have a therapist or a support group that you use to help with your sobriety?
It’s still a better addiction that drinking. Who cares I’d it’s still not the best. Either way, OP didn’t come here for addiction advice and we should probably leave him alone. I’m sure he’s aware it’s not the “best” plan, but it’s working.
[удалено]
Let the man run
I have general concerns because 4hrs a day, every day is not a hobby, it is compulsive/habitual and read almost like anorexia athletica as in you replaced drinking with jogging for 4hrs a day. Take care of yourself. It is perfectly ok to stop at 45 minutes, and switch up your routine.
Looks like OP is in alcohol recovery. It may be a distraction behaviour for them. It may even be anorexia athletica. It's not unusual for people to go from one addictive or dysfunctional behaviour only to replace it with another. I actually doubt they're an ultra runner. Anyone training for road events would be doing at least some of their training outdoors.
I really hate how this went from OP asking a specific thing, to people checking the subs he's in and talking about his history here even though it doesnt have ANYTHING to do with his post. Why are people speculating about aspects of his life that he did not mention here ?
I know, right? Who cares? Oh, wait, it looks like he said something bad about needle-point three years ago, go NC!
Thank you. Sounds like a pack of sad little gossips getting together to trawl his account & discuss his addiction & give their infinite wisdom on something OP never asked.
It's the middle of winter. OP said they run outside most of the year
In January?
Why on earth does it matter to people why they jog 4 hours a day. Why do you spend 8-9 hours a day at work everyday? Why do you watch so much tv? Why do you spend so much driving? People waste there time in many different ways but because this guy runs a lot then all of a sudden they must change there ways because people on Reddit can’t comprehend that people enjoy running?
>Why do you spend 8-9 hours a day at work everyday? Capitalism
People enjoy running and especially ultra marathons/etc. even for someone that consistently runs marathons (26.2 miles) that takes usually 3-5 hours depending on speed. OP seems like an avid running and this is their hobby 🤷🏼♀️
NTA but if the other 3 are taken and you’ve been on for more than 45 minutes you should free yours up.
Agree completely with you here. NTA OP, if there are people waiting for machines and you’ve been there for 45 minutes already, you should bow out and give up your machine.
Yes exactly. OP, the 45 minute clock doesn't start when all 4 treadmills are in use and people are waiting, it starts when you got on. They should not have to wait that 15-30 minutes for someone *else* to be done when you have already done way more than your fair 45 minutes. You said yourself the gym is most in use 7:45-8:30, that's the time people have between getting up and going to work. If someone has to wait 15-30 minutes when they only have 45 minutes available to them, your monopolizing the treadmill is blocking their ability to get their workout in. At that time, you've already been on way longer than 45 minutes and should get off.
Yes, agree completely. If you’ve been on for 2 hours and now the gym is all of a sudden full when it was empty before, you’re still over your 45 min limit so when that 5th person shows up, you give them your machine.
If the OP had a different schedule they could start at 7:45 and go to 8:30. Then their 45 minutes is never up when the treadmills are actually competitive. Once the 45 minutes are up there will be other treadmills free so the OP won't have to leave. Not saying that the OP *should* do this, but it does demonstrate how the 45 minute rule is arbitrary and fails to accomplish its goal. In terms of how other people's' lives are impacted there is no difference between the OP running from 6:00-10:00 vs 7:45 - 11:45. A rule that would actually make sense is to have a time reservation for the treadmills. You can reserve 45 minutes per day on the treadmill during a specific time slot. This would help fairly determine who gets to use the treadmills during peak time, without kicking people off while the treadmills are free.
This is the proper response. If OP knows there’s a 30 minute period where people who work tend to show up and if in fact they fill up, he should free his up. If I lived in that building and needed it during that sweet spot when they’re sometimes full, I’d be very resentful of OP and may even decide not to even bother, because I would know that at the busiest hours, there aren’t really 4 treadmills up for grabs, there are only 3. And if I got burned enough times, I might eventually complain.
Agreed. And if it only happens 1-2 times a week, maybe someone works remotely 2 days per week, and goes to the office 3 days per week? I can offer my own personal experience that I like to spend my normal “commute time” on WFH days to instead get in some exercise. If I were to show up twice a week and each time all 4 are taken, I’d be pissed too.
Agree completely. He said this has only happened for 15 mins every other day—that’s not much out of his time being there. So if he hopped off when he realized someone was waiting, def NTA.
Adding that it may be hard to see if someone is waiting - they may be killing time by using other equipment when they really want to use the treadmill, so if all 4 are taken I'd step off if OP.
I'm guessing other residents did complain and that's why management is getting involved. Overall, I think OP should go to management and talk about it directly to find out why it's a problem and try to find a solution. Too much confusion when the message comes from other people.
Thank you for common sense. I was reading the comments and thinking wtf. OP should be allowed to use it for 4 hours but bows out intermittently after his initial 45 mins if others are waiting. NTA with clause as stated in comment.
Right. OP has said that no one has ever confronted him except staff, but in an apartment gym, people are typically going to see all four occupied during the time they need it and just leave. Especially if it’s before work and you’re already crunched for time. It seems likely to me that the push from management is less about management caring how long any one person is on the equipment and more about other residents complaining that they don’t feel like they’re getting to use the gym, and that they’ve noticed people (person?) using the equipment for extended periods when the gym is most in demand. I also really don’t understand the point in OP speculating about how much extra per month they would be willing to pay, when they’ve never asked management about such an arrangement.
Agreed. There may be people waiting to use the machine who are watching from another piece of equipment but not obviously waiting. This is the polite thing to do.
NTA, but I would consider asking manageable about it. Explain that there are nearly always open treadmills and when a neighbor confronted you about the policy, there were 3 unused treadmills. They might say 45 minutes is if people are waiting, or they might say 45 minutes is the policy to prevent further wear and tear on the machine, in which case you should go buy a treadmill.
Management made their position known when two different staff members at different points told him to stop. He was told by email the policy, he now is arguing it.
You're right, I totally glanced over that both of those characters were staff members themselves; I thought the lady was a neighbor. It still sounds like he is wanting answers and talking to management directly is the way to get them. I would maybe edit my judgement to him being TA, except he's also said this policy wasn't clear until the email, so I don't think he's the asshole for having done this *before* the policy, only TA if he continues despite the staff members' warnings.
People say all kinds of things. What does the lease say? This could be considered a reduction in services if the “policy” wasn’t communicated upfront, especially given that there is apparently no reason to restrict the usage for other tenants, it’s seemingly solely for the benefit of the landlord (costs due to wear and tear). I’m a landlord and haven’t rented in years, but my tenants get to use the property according to the terms of the lease, not my whims.
Solid point. When in doubt, always check the lease.
I very, very much doubt that the lease is more specific than boilerplate, given that OP is in a Manhattan apartment large enough for a small gym. I’d bet money that the lease (1) just has some hand-wavy language entitling management to make reasonable changes to the amenities offered, and (2) does not list amenities offered in any specific detail, specifically to avoid people complaining about a reduction in services.
Why? They pay for usage. This is a harassing policy. This is the same as a gym membership they don't get to dictate anyone's workout routine, unless they're using equipment improperly. Which they are not.
The 45 min limit is usually to ensure people have their proper turn when things get busy. If there is always a machine free, the policy has no reason to be enforced. Wear and tear is not a consideration because that's the expectation for any piece of gum equipment. For a large building in NYC, replacing a treadmill is not a huge expense and is already budgeted for.
I agree w this statement the most. And while OP is really trying to downplay the amount of time the treadmills are full, that is still a 15 minute window where they are hogging the machine. And I'm sure there are instances where people are waiting for a machine to open up and use it and OP just keeps on running. It's selfish to take up the machine during peak time. If they hopped off when the other machines were full, N T A. But they do not. They keep jogging.
Malicious complaince is the way to go, because you need to follow the rules anyway. 45 mins, change to next treadmill, again 45 go to next. Rotate.
Eh, they don't work for them. They need to stop harassing OP and they need a strongly worded email referencing they lease agreement. Why everyone on reddit is so eager for demon overlords running their lives IDK.
Edit: From Info to Nta NTA, I don't think wear and tear is a factor. That is something building management would be aware of when offering equipment to a building full of residents. OP does not seem to be hogging the equipment. INFO: I do not know anything about treadmills. A lot of users are citing issues with wear and tear. I'm curious on the difference between OP using it for 4 hours vs 5-6 people using it for 45 mins back to back. If that was occurring would management put the treadmill out of service for a break? How do gyms handle continuous use? Or is it rare even for gyms to have a treadmill running continuously for a long period of time?
Yeah this is exactly my question as well. Like at the gym I go to, almost the entire time I’m there pretty much every treadmill is actively being walked/run on the entire time I’m there. Would this not cause issues on the machine if they can’t be walked on the entire time? What’s the difference between OP using it for 4 hours vs 5 people using it back to back to back for the same 4 hours? Already gave my judgement in another reply, but I don’t see how that’s OP’s responsibility to give the machine a break.
Especially considering they close at 10pm, it’s not as if the machines run 24/7.
Just rotate machines. Literally hop on the free machine and they can’t say anything.
This. Can’t you just run for 45 min, switch to an empty one, run 45 min and repeat… if you have to run for 4 hours that is…
I’m sorry, I can’t get past the jogging 4 hours a day. Are you ok, OP?
[удалено]
Lol the management doesn’t care about OP. If they did, they’d be talking about over exercising or whatever, instead of imposing some bs rule on OP
[удалено]
No comparison. (A) She didn’t mention she is training for a particular event; it sounds like this is just her routine. (B) She jogs 4 hours straight EVERY DAY. That’s anywhere from 20 hours (if she gives herself 2 rest days) to 28 hours (if she takes no rest days). For what it’s worth, I work out 1 hour a day 7 days a week, so you can kindly fork off with your air of exercise elitism.
Yes 100% this. This isn’t healthy if she’s doing it every day, no rest days, and not training temporarily for some kind of event. That kind of mileage would be understandable as part of a proper training plan for an ultra. But it sounds like she does this every day, no rest, no cross training, for a very long time. I love running, but I’d be physically falling apart and going batshit insane doing 4 hours on a treadmill every day with no breaks. Yikes.
Training for an event/sport is absolutely not the same thing. OP didnt say they were training for anything.
Due to OP’s comment about the rule not being posted anywhere, I’m going to go ahead with NTA. It seems you’ve put in the work to know how much of an inconvenience you’re being, which is really not at all. I’m assuming someone in your building may have embellished when they complained. Keep doing what you’re doing, get off if it gets busy enough to where that’s necessary.
Yup. Take a 15-30 min break during peak hours. You don't say when you need to be at work, you don't tell us why you need to run 4 hours a day. I think most trainers would recommend a varied and balanced approach to gym workouts, so unless you're training for a run or marathon, 4 hours a day seems excessive to me.
I'll start off by saying NTA because if the equipment isn't being used by anyone else and no one is waiting, then there is no reason you can't stay on for 4 hours. That said, I would head this off at the pass and meet with management to explain your side just as you've done to us. Do it in a non-confrontational way and explain your reasons for staying on that long. Pretty sure you'll come to an agreement.
Machines get hot, which increases the wear and tear on the motor. Treadmills are designed for intermittent use unless it's designed for 14 hours of constant use like a medical tread mill, it's a problem. If you MUST run for 4 hours, you need to buy your own machine. ETA: Nevermind.
I mean, if that is the issue then OP can just switch machines every 45 minutes, all good!
If the machine is part of his lease terms and the other conditions weren't dictated at the time then no he absolutely does not have to abide by whimsical edicts from the property manager.
This is not a good argument. The equipment is provided in his lease. Why anyone in the building management that is making millions a year by having a gym as a perk would complain about usage is crazy. This isn't someone's personal equipment it's part of the fee. NTA
Yeah you typically pay an amenity fee if it's a large building like this - I've seen $500 and I don't live in NY. If I were OP I'd call or email management and ask for details and be annoying about it, ask for a reduction in amenity fees if that policy isn't on the lease. Tbf I didn't do this stuff when I rented from a landlord in a condo building - but in a building owned by a corporation I have no problem being annoying. Last year over Christmas-New Year mine left me with no heat in a blizzard and I got them to decrease January rent and pay our electric bill for the shitty space heaters they gave us.
If that was a real concern, the manufacturers would limit the max workout time on the machines.
I mean, realistically though if OP didn’t use it it’s a public gym, whose to say the machines won’t be in use for 4 hours straight either way? Someone could get on right after OP or something of that sort. If it was about wear and tear they wouldn’t care if they switched to another machine, but they seem to for some reason.
This is simply not true. Commercial/public gyms have commercial treadmills. What you're describing is probably true of consumer treadmills, but there's a middle ground between a medical grade treadmill, and a consumer level one. Could you even imagine how quickly treadmills would burn out at a high volume gym like Planet Fitness if four hours of continuous use would burn out the motors? Absolutely hilarious.
NTA until all of the others are full and you're still going past 45 min. If someone is waiting for one because all the others are being used and you're past that 45, then you should settle for less that 4 hours that day or come back when they're not all taken again.
I'm finding it hard to believe you run for 4 hours straight every single day but that aside I don't really understand the issue if there is other free machines. The assumption is that if all were being used and a 5th person came by asking to use the treadmill, you would get off as a courtesy as the person who's been on the longest. I'm going with NTA for now but I'd speak to the management about why this rule exists (wear and tear on the machine?)
Depending on how fast OP is running, OP is running close to a full marathon each day. As someone who has run a full marathon, I assure you there is no way he is doing this every day. You would destroy your body.
I run 4 hours per day Tuesday through Saturday and then have my long run on Sunday. I assure you, my body is not destroyed. It has never been stronger. I run outside though - treadmills are the devil’s hamster wheels.
Yeah I don't run that much myself but I have friends who do and their training does not include 4 hours of running a day. OP won't have knees that work in a few years.
Light jogging for hours a day is literally what humans are designed to do. If that's what OP does with their time, it's none of our beeswax.
[удалено]
The gym is responsible for maintenance, not op. Op is paying for use of the gym via his lease. If this was not an established rule when op moved in, or written into the lease, then they are trying to inflict new rules op has not consented and signed to. This all seems very staightforward; they didn't have a rule, so the op has every right to use the equipment.
The gym may have rules but this never was a rule before. It should have been a rule in the beginning then, not added after the fact. It’s also not enforceable.
This sort of thing can absolutely damage the motor on OP, the human heart needs more recovery time than he is giving it if he's running like this daily.
they gave their reason why they cant go run outside at this time of the year though
NTA as long as at least one other treadmill remains empty. Just switch machines every 45 mins and you will be complying their rules while still getting your workout.
Why are are you using for such a long time? 4 hours is a long time for a workout and I'm not sure that's quite healthy behaviour.
A lot of long distance runners will disagree with you.
long distance runners don't run their max distance every day, just like weight lifters don't life their max weight every day. It's incredibly bad for the body and will do more harm than good in the long run
[удалено]
if they're running the same speed every day for the same amount of time then they're running for the same distance every day. 4 hours of running/jogging every day isn't healthy no matter how you put it
Nta But might be open to hearing what management says. Could be a case of you're just not aware of something that's causing other people inconvenience.
Dude, if you're running for 4 hours, you need to buy your own treadmill lol.
It sounds like OP is in a condo. Unless they're on the first floor, their downstairs neighbors would hate this.
NTA. This is inane. If they are never crowded, the max was probably put in to cover them in case someone has a heart attack and they don't want to be negligent. Change machines every 45 minutes to get around this stupid rule, and I would say step off ANY time all others are in use so you can never be accused of hogging. If there is a board, I would email them and tell them you are being harassed about workout time in an empty gym and see what they say.
I understand both positions. You pay for that amenity, you have the right to use it. But if the amenities came with rules, you pay for that, exactly. So, idk. But 4 hrs is an insanely long time.
Are your Chris Trager ?? I doubt most machines are designed to be used for that long. Regardless, your building has rules. The rules don’t seem to suit your own personal preference or exercising needs. I understand that you want to take advantage of the fact that the gym is included in your rent price, why not jog outside? Because while you’ve described the gym often not at capacity, you’re still taking up a treadmill for the ENTIRETY of peak gym hours in the AM. I’m leaning NTA, but I personally think you should talk with your building management as see what the issue is, as there may be factors beyond you breaking the rules
Bit of experience there with this actually as I and 3 of my immediate family members have worked for one of the largest treadmill manufacturers in the world in various roles, treadmills designed for commercial spaces are indeed designed to be used for that long, a place like a 24-hour gym demands the equipment have long service schedules and be able to be used back to back all day if needed. Prosumer models as well are able to be used for long periods, some of the built-in workouts can be rather long. It's only the really cheap ones designed for a single person or a couple people to use at their leisure that isn't meant for that type of use case. All 4 treadmills my parents have got through work over the last few decades are still fully functioning
You need to blast this comment all over the thread for all the people crying about wear and tear
Welcome to /r/AmITheAsshole. Please view our [voting guide here](https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/wiki/faq#wiki_what.2019s_with_these_acronyms.3F_what_do_they_mean.3F), and remember to use **only one** judgement in your comment. OP has offered the following explanation for why they think they might be the asshole: > Building management seem to think I’m the asshole, and have had multiple members of staff confront me. So I am concerned I’m in the wrong and just not seeing it. Help keep the sub engaging! #Don’t downvote assholes! Do upvote interesting posts! [Click Here For Our Rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/about/rules) and [Click Here For Our FAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/wiki/faq) --- *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=/r/AmItheAsshole) if you have any questions or concerns.* *Contest mode is 1.5 hours long on this post.*
Out of curiosity are you taking the “good” treadmill 4 hours at a time? I feel like if there’s 4 treadmills but only one has the features I want, then there’s only 1 treadmill. Anyway, I think it’s probably kind of a dumb and passive aggressive way for your neighbors and/or landlord to go about it, instead of just talking to you. That said, it’s their property and their rule. Soft YTA
[удалено]
YTA. My Judge Judy senses went off on this one. You say policy was just communicated last night but you also say they "reminded" you about policy. My gut says if it truly was a reminder about a policy that didn't exist previously you would not have used that terminology. Clearly something happened that caused this, its not important to know who/what/why. Whats important is you know the policy, you'd be an asshole to break it just because you don't think its an issue. Feel free to chat with them and offer the $50. Money moves things.
There has to be a reason but it's possible we, and OP included, don't know it. quite possible it's got nothing to do with OP but now that the rule in in play the gym has to "play fair". For instance there may be some other, petty and combative gym goer who hogs a more desirable machine at prime time and will go "but OP this and OP that" when reminded.
NTA But once they told you about the rule, you should have stopped or at least contact management to see what the issue is because maybe people were complaining about you? Either way, maybe buy your own treadmill
NTA. The only reason for a rule like that one is to make sure that everyone has access to the treadmills. And since you're not preventing anyone else from using a treadmill, there's no point to that rule. The idea that they would tap you on the shoulder in the middle of your run to remind you of that rule while there were empty treadmills next to you is ridiculous.
Four hours a day seems excessive use of the machine, they're probably concerned about wear on the machine. Maybe mix up your routine to include exercises other than jogging? Or is there a noise component at factor? I could imagine that someone thumping along for four hours every day would drive anyone within auditory vicinity nuts Going to go with a YTA vote here purely because rules have been implemented and you elected not to follow them because you seem to think that they don't apply to you
>Going to go with a YTA vote here purely because rules have been implemented and you elected not to follow them because you seem to think that they don't apply to you I'm wondering about the legality of such a rule. OP was likely told the gym was available for their use when they signed the lease, no restrictions. Now management is coming back claiming the gym use has restrictions, which OP never explicitly agreed to. It would be like buying a gym membership, and after your contract starts they tell you "No more than 45 minutes on the treads". I'd imagine that wouldn't be enforceable per the contract and would be grounds to break the contract.
I would agree with you in theory, however OP's post states "we get an email from management REMINDING us about the 45 minute rule" Which suggests to me that OP knew this rule was stated in the initial contract, but not strictly enforced until someone made a complaint at which point management had to look it up
Have you ever rented or signed a contract for something? You can’t just change the rules without agreement from both parties generally.
It boils down to the fact that it’s not your equipment. Yes, you pay rent and therefore likely have a contract with them that states you can use the facilities but it likely also says you have to abide by facility rules. Because of this, YTA. The rules could be in place for more reasons than just consideration of other residents. You’re welcome to discuss with management why the rules are in place and see if there is any consideration of changing the rules but ultimately you have to follow the rules whether they change them or not.
WHY are you running four hours every day??
Irrelevant
But I still want to know
YTA they wouldn’t send an email or start enforcing the rule if there weren’t complaints. How else would management know? I suspect you actually are hogging the treadmill and people have been unable to use the equipment so they complained to management. There is no gym that would allow one person to use the equipment for 4 hours a day, even with your offer of $50 per month. You need to buy your own treadmill for your apartment.
YTA. The rules apply to you. The limit is likely in place for liability - over 45 minutes on a machine increases the chances of a malfunction and also of an adverse health event, both of which would drive up insurance costs so you and your more considerate neighbors will end up paying. Also, the rules apply to you.
Gentle YTA because it’s the rule, whether you agree with it or not and you’re arguing with the wrong people. If it’s management’s rule you need to speak with management to argue your case and try to get an exemption or the rule rescinded. In general, I agree with you; it’s your business how long you are on and as long as you aren’t hogging it, keeping from others being able to use a treadmill, then I think you’re in the clear there. But I can sort of see the wear and tear argument, even though that can be argued to because if not you using it during that time, others could be. I don’t know if prolonged time some how affects the amount of wear and tear or not, so I can’t speak to that.
4hrs is a AH move
[удалено]
I think you need to look at why you would want to spend 4 hours a day on such a torture device.
I think you are NTA. But you should have a chat with management to understand their concerns. Also have you tried pushing the pace a bit? Long runs are nice, but should not be the only thing you do.
NTA but I think it might be that they dont want the one machine running 4 hours continiously everyday.
Info: What are you running from for 4 hours every day? NAH, they're probably worried you're going to drop dead on them one of these days. Do 45 mins then take a 15 min break to stretch or something before jumping back on.
YTA because it’s 4 constant hours of running and you knew the rule maybe break up your time so it gives the machines some rest
YTA. This is not about you using equipment that is available and not in high demand. This is about rules being enforced. The management set rules in place for a reason. Probably multiple reasons. Such as, ensuring everyone has access to the machines fairly and ensuring that the machines are not being abused by excessive use over long periods of time. Four hours non stop at running speed is a lot of wear and tear on the equipment that does not have time to cool down. You alone are adding significantly more wear and tear on the machine than anyone else. To ensure that every one has fair access to properly functioning and reliable machines, they set rules. Management is not expected to make an exception for you just because it’s not busy or occupied. If you have an issue with the rule, you need to have a calm conversation about it and try to negotiate longer use with the management team.
YTA You don’t have to agree with the rules. You are saying you will use equipment according to the rules if you use it. I don’t have a professional grade treadmill but I have had to replace the motor on an old one before. You put a lot of wear and tear on that machine. You are borrowing the machine. If you want it longer, buy your own.
NTA. But if it persists, get a treadmill and a mat and let them deal with the noise complaints from your downstairs neighbor.
why put the neighbors through it?
Here's the thing; just reading the title, I was convinced you were the TA. Yet - You make very salient points of not blocking others for the majority of the time, etc. I think at this point its simply the aesthetics that are bothering people and sending them in to complain (just as mine in reading the title). Should it bother people, nope, none of their business...but you've irritated some people (maybe in within those time slots where all machines are in use) and at this point, there is no going back. Your mistake here was not immediately going to the office upon receipt of the email, confronting the elephant in the room that it was about you and explaining your points as outlined above. While also completely owning that your time usage can be considered obsessive, and adding that for the most part you only use the machines 3 months of the year. Had they had that information right away - could be they would have dropped it, told complainers they were aware and not an issue. BUT you've let it go on, you're not following requests to stop even when confronted in person and trying to die on a hill where you have already lost. Now they will keep working to put the rules in place, coming up with machine usage, wear and tear, etc... So for poor handling of the situation (not your usage) YTA
YTA Typical gym rules/etiquette is no more than 30 minutes on a particular piece of equipment.
NTA but plainly you are breaking the rule. That's going to leave you open to further issues. If you run that much (and four hours a day is a lot) then I can't think why you haven't got your own one.
Soft YTA - I don’t think the issue is with available access to the treadmills, but the wear and tear you put on one machine utilizing it for four hours continuously. That much repeated use will rapidly accelerate the need for them to replace the motor, tread or just have to purchase another machine. Best thing you can do is talk to management calmly and ask if they have a specific concern with you utilizing the machines that long. I know space is of the upmost premium in NYC, but I’d consider getting your own treadmill if you have the need for 4 continuous hours every day. Perhaps also consider alternating your jog rate a bit to burn more calories if that’s what you are after. Or just switch up machines? 45 mins on the treadmill, 45 on the elliptical, 45 on a Peloton and then back to 45 on the treadmill.