Oh girl, let me tell you, drama in the gyms is definitely the norm! Lots of egos, lots of immaturity, not much professionalism (only if you're lucky), gossip GALORE!

I have left 2 teaching positions (spinning) due to TOO MUCH DRAMA. I am at a gym now (have been there 2 years) and I do NOT work out there, I only teach my class and then I leave. I have a nice group of regulars but I don't tolerate gossip about other instructors and I do not take other instructors' classes (these are things I prefer not to do personally--not saying it's the right thing to do for everyone--but I found for me, it works).

Hope everything works out for you. You sound like a great instructor. Good luck!