AITA for not locking a locker in the locker room at a gym?

Gym etiquette can sometimes spark unexpected debates about common practices and personal responsibility. In this case, a 25‐year‐old woman recounts her experience at the gym when she chose not to lock her locker—since she only stored non‐valuable clothes—and ended up with her locker accidentally locked by someone else.

To add fuel to the fire, a staff member later gave her a visibly irritated response when asked to unlock it. This situation not only led to a minor inconvenience but also ignited a heated conversation with her fiancé about responsibility and courtesy in shared spaces.

‘AITA for not locking a locker in the locker room at a gym?’

Experts in personal responsibility and gym etiquette suggest that leaving a locker unlocked when you aren’t storing valuables is a common practice among gym-goers. According to Dr. Sarah Miller, a sports etiquette and relationship expert, “Many people choose not to lock their lockers if they only contain items of little value. It’s a calculated risk that most gym members are comfortable with.”

Dr. Miller further explains that while this practice is widespread, it doesn’t give anyone—especially staff—the right to respond rudely when an issue arises. “If a locker gets accidentally locked by another member or due to a mix-up, a polite request for assistance should be met with a helpful attitude, even if it means walking a couple of extra feet. An irate reaction often reflects personal stress or a misunderstanding of customer service responsibilities, rather than a justified response,” she notes.

In essence, Dr. Miller emphasizes that the expectation of courtesy is universal. While gym members may opt for convenience when handling non-valuable items, the service staff’s role is to assist without judgment. As she puts it, “There’s a balance to be struck between personal choice and professional responsibility. A respectful dialogue can often prevent small misunderstandings from turning into larger conflicts.”

Here’s what Redditors had to say:

Many commenters noted that leaving a locker unlocked when storing only non-valuable items is a common and generally acceptable practice at the gym. They expressed that while individuals should be mindful of their belongings, the issue becomes less significant when nothing of high value is at risk.

At the same time, several voices pointed out that if a staff member is asked for assistance, a courteous and friendly response is expected, regardless of the situation. Overall, there is a shared sentiment that both gym-goers and staff should maintain clear communication and mutual respect—recognizing that small oversights should not lead to an overblown or hostile reaction.

This story highlights how everyday practices—like leaving a locker unlocked—can become contentious when expectations clash. While it is entirely normal to forgo a lock when storing non-valuable items, the expectation remains that anyone asked to help should do so courteously.

What do you think? Should gym staff be more understanding when minor mistakes occur, or is there a responsibility on individuals to follow the unspoken rules of locker room etiquette? Share your thoughts and personal experiences in the comments below!