I've never seen it happen in person either. As someone who used to be terrified of going to the gym because I didn't want to look like the new person at the gym, I can say for myself that it was all in my head.

"..you will become way less concerned with what other people think of you when you realize how seldom they do." - David Foster Wallace

Literally seen this almost all the time at three different gym places...

I went to the gym I was asked to come back "later" as "the gym is near full (50% full actually) and we prefer 'regulars' to come and train for something instead of... kind of you...".

So, if I am like you - just seeing with my own eyes and not follow the feeling and facts from other persons - I would say that gym regulars are just full of s*** :)

I’ve been a gym rat for 15 years and the regulars I know will champion hardest for the people attempting a change.

Sorry you had foul experiences, but I’ll stick to 2% of the people being in that bucket.

I’ve been working out regularly for 20+ years in a gym and have never seen it either. If anything, I’ve seen the opposite, the super-fit go out of their way to encourage those who are unfit or just starting because they know the difficulties. I’ve literally never even been given a weird look when asking if I can work in on equipment even with the most intimidating gym rats. And this includes me doing a number of gym faux pas early.

I’m sure legitimate bad experiences do happen, but I also think a lot of perception is based on the stories we make up in our own heads.

I think it varies a lot by gym.

Ironically (for this thread), all the private rich-person gyms I've been to have mostly been populated by people who were not in good shape, and everybody was very friendly.

But these were also "health clubs" in the old school sense, not a fancy gym like Equinox where I would never even set foot.

Edit: I also have heard enough gym bullying stories to believe that it can and does happen, but it seems maybe only under circumstances that I have never been in.

Was in a gym that put signs on the wall admonishing people from commenting on those trying to get in shape. They were not getting the new members they wanted.

I have seen adults being hostile to fat people. Both in face and behind back. I don't think stigma is in obese persons head. I was curious about what went on in that gym specifically.

It happens, despite you not seeing it.