TIL my downstairs neighbor has been documenting my burpee sessions

Yesterday, I bumped into my downstairs neighbor in the lobby, and he casually mentioned that he's been recording the noise from my evening HIIT workouts to show the building management. I usually do burpees, jump squats, and kettlebell swings around 7 PM, thinking it's a reasonable hour. He claims the thuds are unbearable and affecting his work-from-home calls. Now I'm stuck between maintaining my fitness routine, which is crucial for my mental health, and respecting his peace. Is it ethical for him to record without informing me first? Or am I the one being inconsiderate by not investing in better soundproofing mats? I never realized how loud bodyweight exercises could be until this confrontation. How do you all navigate noise complaints in apartment workouts?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_grant1mo ago

Idk maybe it's just me but the fact he's been secretly recording you is what's really getting me. Like, documenting the thuds in a diary would be one thing, but actual audio files feels so much more invasive. It turns a noise issue into this weird surveillance situation that would make me super uncomfortable in my own apartment now.

masonm321mo ago

Did he really make audio recordings without your consent? That's so much more invasive than just writing down times. I'd be questioning every sound I made after that.

miles721mo ago

Recording without telling you is sketchy, but those burpee thuds can sound like a CONSTRUCTION site downstairs. I layered two horse stall mats from Tractor Supply under my regular rug, and it cut the noise by like 80%. Also, shifting your workouts to 8 PM or later might avoid his call hours entirely. Have a REAL conversation with him, maybe even let him hear the difference with mats. From my experience, building management sides with recorded evidence, so get ahead of it. Your mental health matters, but so does not driving your neighbor insane.