Establish whether the station is in use
Someone standing away from a machine may still be using it between efforts. A towel or bottle can be a clue, but it is not a reliable conversation. Ask the nearby person whether they are using the station before adjusting it. If ownership is unclear, staff can help rather than you moving belongings to find out.
Use a short question: 'Are you still using this?' or 'How much longer do you expect to need it?' Leave room for the person to finish what they are doing before answering. Interrupting while someone is handling a load is neither considerate nor an efficient way to get information.
If they have just started, decide whether waiting makes sense for your visit. You do not need to stand immediately beside them. Ask the instructor guiding your training about a suitable alternative if you do not already know one. A visually similar machine may require a different introduction.
Sharing needs a workable reset
'Working in' means alternating access, but it is not suitable for every setup or every pair of users. Ask whether the other person is comfortable sharing and check the gym's rules. A simple selector change may be straightforward; repeated major adjustments or loading changes may make the arrangement awkward.
Agree on what needs resetting and who will do it. Each person still needs to check their own setup before use. Remembering the other person's seat position is courteous, but it does not remove their responsibility to confirm it. If you are still learning the controls, say so rather than accepting an arrangement that feels rushed.
Make the handover clear
Keep the exchange clear. A nod or 'your turn' can help, especially in a noisy room. Do not assume a pause means the station has been handed over. Give each person room to get on, off and adjust the equipment without reaching around them.
It is fine if the answer is no
Someone may decline because the setup is complicated, they are receiving instruction or the facility does not permit the arrangement. You can accept that without interpreting it as a personal rejection. Ask when they expect to finish or move to an alternative approved for your session.
When you are the person being asked, give an honest answer rather than a vague 'almost done' that turns into a long wait. Clean the relevant contact surfaces and return accessories when you finish. Sharing is a small negotiation about equipment access; a little specific information usually makes it less awkward for both people.