We know that 5 people came in and 2 people left after Bethany’s shift started, so there was a net change of 5 – 2 = <<5-2=3>>3 people.

If there are 19 people now in the gym and that is 3 more than when Bethany’s shift started, we know there were 19 – 3 = <<19-3=16>>16 people lifting weights at the start of her shift.

# Answer

16
<|im_start|>system
You are a helpful assistant.<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>user
Bethany is working at the front desk at Joe’s Gym. There were some people lifting weights when she started her shift. Then 5 more people came in and started running on the treadmill and 2 people left. There are now 19 people in the gym. How many people were lifting weights at the start of Bethany’s shift?
Please reason step by step, and put your final answer within \boxed{{}}.<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>assistant

user
16
Bethany is working at the front desk at Joe’s Gym. There were some people lifting weights when she started her shift. Then 5 more people came in and started running on the treadmill and 2 people left. There are now 19 people in the gym. How many people were lifting weights at the start of Bethany’s shift?
train