I'm getting harassed at my local gym

[macDonalds]

I decided to sign up at my local powerhouse because I want to get respect at work. However, there's a group of college frat heads at the gym who think they can make Italian Mortadella out of Bologna.

Last week I was throwing up around 150 on the bench, when the one douche comes over, pulls down his shorts and sits on my face for about 2-3 seconds.

On another occasion I was sweatin' hard doing a flex'd arm-hang, when they thought it would be funny to yank on my shorts. The gym was packed that night and it got a lot of people riled up.

I'm in a tough spot cause there's about 10 of them. Management just tells them to knock it off, probably cause they don't won't to lose money on their memberships.

Anyone else have this problem? Can you give me some advice please?

[mlemonds]

file charges.

pretend to blow it off and call the police. i wouldnt put up with that.

[NT1440]

Thats straight up sexual harrassment, cops.

[teflon]

Tell the management if they don't do something, you'll sue both the guys and the gym. Consult with a lawyer first, and give management a paper of the charges that they could be facing and the punishment behind it. They'll be more than willing to do something for you once you actually get serious about it.

[mlemonds]

telling the police that you are being sexually harassed will definitely get them to respond in a timely matter.

does the gym have any surveillance equipment?

[shfreelance]

Sorry, but that is also assault (They touched) and sexual harassment. I would have called the cops and get together some witnesses. Also I would be tempted to file charges toward the gym, for allowing it... Knock it off is not doing anything. Also your a better person them I am... I would have probably kicked there ass, if they done that to me.

Edit: Fine a different gym, Golds is nice. You could also fiancee a BowFlex. It's cheaper then a gym membership. While not as good as free weights, it's just fine. Also safe to work out with by your self.

[Queso]

Dominance behaviour. Territorial monkeys threatened by the newcomer.

The others above have told you what to need to do.

[és:]

Last week I was throwing up around 150 on the bench, when the one douche comes over, pulls down his shorts and sits on my face for about 2-3 seconds.

That's just not acceptable. If you don't mind the hassle then report that type of thing, that's going too far. Way, way too far.

However, if you don't want the hassle you could change gym. It must have been pretty degrading for that to happen and I'm sorry it happened to you, mate. Keep your chin up.

[mactastic]

You could also fiancee a BowFlex.
Wha-wha-WHAT??
:eek:

[RITZFit]

definitely call the cops on those dumb asses. if you don't do anything, they'll just figure they can keep on messing around with you. if the gym really cared about their members, they would have a hand in dealing w/ this as well.

[leekohler]

Wow! Definitely have a discussion with the gym management. That is completely unacceptable and extremely dangerous, especially if you were benching when they did that. Those guys should be kicked out for that kind of behavior. You could have been seriously hurt.

[Surely]

I'm shocked. I didn't think that things like that occurred in real-life with grown people. How old are you? How old are they? Do they know you, or are they complete strangers?

I've been a member of multiple gyms (Powerhouse in Chicago, Extreme, Premier, Bally and Goodlife in Toronto, and LA Fitness here) for 10 years, and I've never seen anything like that before. Ever. Not acceptable.

What a bunch of A-holes.

Get the cops involved and then cancel your membership. A gym that doesn't respect you doesn't deserve your presence or money.

Once you get the cops involved, don't go back to that gym- you wouldn't want those morons to be able to find you (ie wait for you outside to jump you).

[Big-TDI-Guy]

Unless you're IN the Marines and it's an on-base Gym -yeah, charges are in your future. If you're not the charge-pressing type (a pair of dangle-berries on my chin would convert me in a jiffy) then ask for a refund on your membership, and find a new Gym.

[italiano40]

they are just frat kids, just deal with it, if this gets under your skin then you need thicker skin
you sound like an old man

[NT1440]

they are just frat kids, just deal with it, if this gets under your skin then you need thicker skin
you sound like an old man
Are you kidding?!

Did you even READ what they did?

[Surely]

they are just frat kids, just deal with it, if this gets under your skin then you need thicker skin
you sound like an old man

You're condoning treating perfect strangers like this?
What, are you one of them?

Wow. Just wow.

What happened to respecting people?

[és:]

they are just frat kids, just deal with it, if this gets under your skin then you need thicker skin
you sound like an old man

Somebody pulled down their shorts and sat in his face - 'just deal with it' - are you kidding?

[italiano40]

Are you kidding?!

Did you even READ what they did?

yea i did read and it didn't sound as bad i thought it would be

You're condoning treating perfect strangers like this?
What, are you one of them?

Wow. Just wow.

What happened to respecting people?

i respect people but this isn't that bad, he should just deal with it, i go to my local gym and i am lucky if i don't get a gun pulled on me so he needs to get tougher skin

[shfreelance]

they are just frat kids, just deal with it, if this gets under your skin then you need thicker skin
you sound like an old man

Bloody hell, I am 18 and I would have been beyond pissed... I may be gay and would not mind a pair of... You get the point... But not some complete strangers, that's sick. What if they have something? What if I dropped the weights on me? Come on think, this not acceptable behavior... Now if they just misplaced my water bottle or took it... Not that big of a deal. But no, they dangled there berries in his face and exposed him!

[mlemonds]

they are just frat kids, just deal with it, if this gets under your skin then you need thicker skin
you sound like an old man

nothing makes frat kids grow up like a night in a holding cell, at least until their parents bond them out.

it would be a nice $3000 bond in my county, just for the assault charge

[leekohler]

they are just frat kids, just deal with it, if this gets under your skin then you need thicker skin
you sound like an old man

You obviously don't get to a gym often. What they did was EXTREMELY dangerous, not just a funny prank. You don't ever mess with people at the gym, especially when they're lifting free weights.

[NT1440]

yea i did read and it didn't sound as bad i thought it would be



i respect people but this isn't that bad, he should just deal with it, i go to my local gym and i am lucky if i don't get a gun pulled on me so he needs to get tougher skin

Ok, how would you feel to have someone pants you in front of dozens of people.

If that doesnt bother you, how bout someone sits BARE ASS NAKED on your face while your benching.

If you can put up with that, theres something wrong with what you expect from common decency.

[Big-TDI-Guy]

You obviously don't get to a gym often. What they did was EXTREMELY dangerous, not just a funny prank. You don't ever mess with people at the gym, especially when they're lifting free weights.

If there is one thing I know - seeing your pic, you DO go to the Gym often.

I still wish I looked half as good as you.

But back to it - I 100% agree it's really dangerous. Completely unacceptable - wouldn't even tolerate that in a Junior-High Gym - let alone one with people over the age of 15. :mad:

[iJohnHenry]

If you were pressing 150, you could accidently drop the bar over the stand. Just saying.

This is why we need co-ed gyms, so a face-sitting would not necessarily be a bad thing.

[leekohler]

If there is one thing I know - seeing your pic, you DO go to the Gym often.

I still wish I looked half as good as you.

But back to it - I 100% agree it's really dangerous. Completely unacceptable - wouldn't even tolerate that in a Junior-High Gym - let alone one with people over the age of 15. :mad:

Thanks! :)

But yeah, if anyone ever did that to me while I was lifting, I'd put his head through the wall. That is completely ridiculous.

[Schtumple]

Another file charges and take them to court if necessary, it's not acceptable the gym didn't do anything...

[Surely]

yea i did read and it didn't sound as bad i thought it would be



i respect people but this isn't that bad, he should just deal with it, i go to my local gym and i am lucky if i don't get a gun pulled on me so he needs to get tougher skin

Really? Lucky? So I guess you get a gun pulled on you 4 out of 5 times you go to the gym? And that 1 time you don't you say, "Boy, was I lucky today." Really?

If you think that bare-assing a total stranger during (or even not during) a 150 lbs bench-press or pulling their shorts down "isn't that bad", then you need to learn what respect is.
Remember, the OP is a stranger to these idiots- it's not like it's a bunch of buddies screwing around with each other. Come on.

[Schtumple]

i respect people but this isn't that bad, he should just deal with it, i go to my local gym and i am lucky if i don't get a gun pulled on me so he needs to get tougher skin

Yeah sure... Cause you would obviously willingly repeatedly go to a place where the chance of getting shot is high.

[iSee]

Flat-out, that's assault. Call the police.

Seriously, call them right now and just tell them exactly what happened. Don't wait for it to happen again. Call now.

Even if nothing happens right away (e.g. I don't know if you can identify the person/people that assulted you), building up the case history is important--especially if things escalate (and they will). And certainly, if someone touches you again, get away and call the cops immediately.

[Big-TDI-Guy]

If they're brazen enough to pull this - they likely have a significant size or number advantage against him. I doubt fighting would help him any. That said - I don't think I have the build to fight off a pack of gym-gorillas, but bet your @$$ if he sat on my face, I'd personally take a bite out of crime! :D With those.

[mlemonds]

throw a nice little can of OC into your gym bag and when someone pulls down their pants, spray them from their cornhole to their twig-n-berries. checkmate

seriously, go to the police. only way that they will learn. one of you going against 10 of them in a physical altercation with all the heavy equipment around is begging for trouble

[rdowns]

yea i did read and it didn't sound as bad i thought it would be



i respect people but this isn't that bad, he should just deal with it, i go to my local gym and i am lucky if i don't get a gun pulled on me so he needs to get tougher skin

Oooh, a real tough guy we got here. :rolleyes:

[themoonisdown09]

I would definitely press charges.


Last week I was throwing up around 150 on the bench, when the one douche comes over, pulls down his shorts and sits on my face for about 2-3 seconds.

Now that's what I call getting tea bagged!

[raggedjimmi]

Yeah sure... Cause you would obviously willingly repeatedly go to a place where the chance of getting shot is high.

After reading both his posts it sounds like he's just joking, to be honest.

OP- press charges. Simple as. That behaviour shouldn't be tolerated especially when lifting heavy weights.

[rhsgolfer33]

File charges, consult an attorney, and possibly sue both the gym and the people who are doing it to you. The gyms flat refusal to do anything substantial about it is outrageous and would be cause enough for me to consult my attorney.

[Leareth]

yeah that is not funny and downright dangerous

in the very least it should be reported to the management and floor staff.

I had a similar issue at my gym: there are two fitness areas; women's only and co-ed. the Co-ed on is bigger, has more equipement and heaviers weights than the womens, so I tend to use it more.
So anyway one time I am doing squats with free weights and this guys comes up behind me and squeezes my tit. :eek: his buddies laughing. :mad:
fortunately I was able to whack him with the weights :D
and I reported it to the staff and he was banned from the gym :)

[Rodimus Prime]

Call cops, press charges and cancel you gym member ship.

The guys deserves to have the rest of there lives ruined because just the charges of assault and sexual harassment stay with them for ever and they will get convected. While just a slap on the wrist punishment in jail and fine it will effect there careers for the rest of there lives.

They will have that huge black mark on there back ground checks and have to admit to it on job applications. I see some one who says yes to blank charges like that in the trash it goes.

[SFStateStudent]

Since when do we just grin and bear it? Easily, chargeable offenses as misdemeanor assault, and for the gym management to not take immediate action, makes them culpable by condoning such action. Next time, bring a video camera or iPhone camera; then when they pull their pants down over you on the weight machine just reach up and grab ahold of whatever is dangling in front of you and bodyslam 'em! Then wash your hands...;)

[Sun Baked]

If you complained about criminal sexual harassment at the gym, and they are still members with it continuing.

The gym is setting itself up for a rather large sexual harassment judgment, especially if the management is participating in the laughing.

It isn't any joke, it is criminal, and can lead to a multimillion dollar judgment.

---

Go ask a lawyer, likely one would be extremely willing to write a letter settling for 10-20 times your membership fee for you to leave ... and help you file criminal or civil charges if the gym does not act immediately to end the problem.

Basically for an ambulance chaser, this is a dream case if it is more than a mom and pop place.

---

If they are actually frat members, it would get really interesting, since the frat could get dragged into it.

[Gray-Wolf]

A good threat of Law suit to the management if he doesn't kick those bozo's out should work, if it doesn't. sue any way.

[bradl]

Even if these are frat boys, and especially if they are, wouldn't hazing laws apply on top of sexual harassment and assault?

BL.

[Surely]

Well, I'm off to the gym. I hope no one pulls a gun on me. I'll sure feel lucky. :D

[Sun Baked]

Even if these are frat boys, and especially if they are, wouldn't hazing laws apply on top of sexual harassment and assault?

BL.

If they are frat boys, doing this as a group can get their national charter yanked at the worst and/or kicked out of the frat.

All depends on how much the rest of the frat and the officers knew about it.

[duncyboy]

I'm unfamiliar with 'Powerhouse'- is that a kind of gym chain/franchise?

If so, you may have more joy going higher up the food chain- the manager of your local gym might not be interested but the upper echelons could be?

Either way, I hope you get this sorted. A bit of banter or fun is one thing, but this is outright bullying. Good luck and keep us all informed.

[toolbox]

If that were me i would be either filing charges, complaining to management or going else where.

There are plenty of gyms out there. But still what there doing is totally unacceptable. That kind of stuff could ultimately put someone from going out at all in fear that some idiot might do that again.

[TSE]

Definitely not good. Leave the gym and find a new one ASAP, before something worse happens.

I am only 15, but was taking the city bus to the mall once and was going to meet up with some friends. I live in Saint Paul which is a pretty big city for the Midwest, but isn't nearly as big as the east coast or west coast cities. I was standing in the middle holding onto one of the handles when some jackoff while the bus driver was driving just punches me as hard as he can in the back of the head. It hurt like a bitch, so I turned around and looked at him and he told me to move. The busdriver didn't notice. I looked around at the people on the bus and every single one of them was looking at me with blank stares. Needless to say, I didn't want to start anything so I just moved up into the front of the bus.

What is wrong with people? Can't they help enforce what's right anymore?

[toolbox]

What is wrong with people? Can't they help enforce what's right anymore?


Some people are just disrespectful twats that have nothing better to do than upset someone else

[descartes]

I don't know how you stuck it out this long

[synth3tik]

A couple things,

With out knowing your business I am apt to say that bulking up and intimidating co-workers is not the best solution.

But, more importantly. Find another gym first of all. If management would rather you be sexually harassed instead of kicking out a couple of punks then that gym do not deserve your money. Secondly get the police involved, both the group and management are criminally liable here. Third I am not one who likes to go out and sue people, but this is a prime example of why we have a civil court system. Sue the S*** out of that gym. There is nothing more ruthless and ethnically questionable then management that does not care about the safety and well being of their clients.

Remember gyms are for everyone, even chubby gutted people like myself, you have every right to get physically fit as the next guy.

[teflon]

they are just frat kids, just deal with it, if this gets under your skin then you need thicker skin
you sound like an old man

I don't even know where to start with this. But some previous posters have covered it, so I'm just going to say this: so what if he is an old man? Do old men deserved to be treated like this? It's ok to walk around and sexually harass old men?

Again OP, consult with a lawyer and file charges. If you don't do anything, even if they leave, they'll go on and do the same thing to some other innocent guy. And maybe this time, that guy will accidentally drop the 150lb weight and seriously injure or even kill himself. Don't let those jerks get away with it.

[Alt10]

If some one sit on my face, i would hit him, no matter with how many they are. Besides if you tell it a little blown up to your colleagues, with your fresh black eye, you should get your respect at work ;)

[QCassidy352]

Criminal charges (and a civil suit against the gym) are warranted. This is straight up sexual assault. We're talking felony charges. Anyone who doesn't think this is ****ing serious needs to rethink the way they see the world.

[daneoni]

While violence never helps...if someone sat on my face i'd be ENRAGED and find something metal-ish like dumb bell to slap him with...make sure i draw blood. That is disrespect that should not be condoned under ANY circumstances 10 men or not

In your case though you need law enforcement intervention. Set up a camera to record you or use their CCTV as evidence and other members testament. Should be enough to put them behind bars

[No1451]

Not much advice is new at this point, mostly just wanna post to help alleviate the sense of "WTF?!?!" thats building in me. I just didn't that think anyone over the age of 10 would find anything like that funny, or even consider doing it in public.

How old were these guys? Behavior like that is...juvenile doesn't even begin to describe it, frigging absurd.

[mac88]

Bro, listen, the guy pulled down his pants and sat on your face. You have open and gross, lewdness, and possibly rape charges. The open and gross charge alone, if convicted, he would have to register as a sex offender. If they are doing it to you, then they are as sure as hell doing it to someone else. Speak up. File charges and have this nut possibly ruin his life by being a registered sex offender. Good luck!

[Queso]

I've just thought of something else. The gym should have its insurance certificate on display. Take down the details of their insurance company, draft a letter to them explaining these incidents (especially the benchpress one!) and management's inaction in stopping them, then present said letter to the manager stating that unless he bans the ringleader to set an example to the others you'll send it.

It may be an idea to find the name of a local reporter and newspaper too, just so you can write that on there as a CC.

[Tymmz]

This is some serious harassment going on there. The gym definitely needs to be take into responsibility for what's going on at their place.

[thecritix]

wheres the OP?

my guess is stuffed in a locker right now... sorry too harsh!

I'd tell the Gym i'm quitting and demand damages, i'd call the police on the assault and find a better gym with the damages.

Or just tool up.. (with your increasing muscles and knock his head off)

[Keebler]

well, i don't care how big these guys are, i would have f'n snapped if someone sat on my face like that.

as the others say, talk to the police/lawyer and also threaten those guys again...even before they do anything. tell them you've spoke to the police/lawyers and you're ready to press charges if they mess with you again. I know it won't be easy to approach them, but maybe they'll bugger off at that point?

whatever you do, don't stop working out. don't let these wa-hoos stop your desire to change your lifestyle.

[leekohler]

I'm sorry, but why hasn't the OP been back in this thread once? I'm beginning to think we may have been taken for a ride, guys. I could be wrong, but it's starting to look that way. Sorry to the OP if I'm wrong, but something's fishy here. I'm finding it hard to believe that any gym owner who wants to keep his/her business would allow this kind of thing.

[shfreelance]

I'm sorry, but why hasn't the OP been back in this thread once? I'm beginning to think we may have been taken for a ride, guys. I could be wrong, but it's starting to look that way. Sorry to the OP if I'm wrong, but something's fishy here. I'm finding it hard to believe that any gym owner who wants to keep his/her business would allow this kind of thing.

I'm going to hope he's one those. I check the forum once a day, kinda guy.

I've just thought of something else. The gym should have its insurance certificate on display. Take down the details of their insurance company, draft a letter to them explaining these incidents (especially the benchpress one!) and management's inaction in stopping them, then present said letter to the manager stating that unless he bans the ringleader to set an example to the others you'll send it.

It may be an idea to find the name of a local reporter and newspaper too, just so you can write that on there as a CC.

I think before I took it that far. I would call the police and talk it out with the manger. File charges with the police on the harassers. The gym manger would then be more then willing to help. If not that's when you take it to court and expose them to the media.

[Surely]

I'm sorry, but why hasn't the OP been back in this thread once? I'm beginning to think we may have been taken for a ride, guys. I could be wrong, but it's starting to look that way. Sorry to the OP if I'm wrong, but something's fishy here. I'm finding it hard to believe that any gym owner who wants to keep his/her business would allow this kind of thing.

Maybe..... but still an interesting discussion.

I mean, it's no pomegranate thread, but still...... :D

/I kid, I kid.... ;)

[leekohler]

Maybe..... but still an interesting discussion.

I mean, it's no pomegranate thread, but still...... :D

/I kid, I kid.... ;)

Haha! Touche!

I just don't like feeling as if I'm being taken for a ride. The thread is three pages long and the OP hasn't posted except in his initial post. You'd think given the situation, he would have responded.

[Surely]

Haha! Touche!

I just don't like feeling as if I'm being taken for a ride. The thread is three pages long and the OP hasn't posted except in his initial post. You'd think given the situation, he would have responded.

Hehe. :p

I agree with you Lee. It is kind of weird, especially considering the topic.

And for the record, I'm totally joking about the pomegranate thread.
And speaking of pomegranates, does Chicago have Pinkberry or Red Mango? They have a version of their yogurt that is flavored with pomegranate! It's really good.....

[themoonisdown09]

I just don't like feeling as if I'm being taken for a ride. The thread is three pages long and the OP hasn't posted except in his initial post. You'd think given the situation, he would have responded.


I agree with you Lee. It is kind of weird, especially considering the topic.


Maybe he had another run in with the guys from the gym?

[iJohnHenry]

Maybe he left his I.D. logged-on, and some prankster posted under his name??

[shfreelance]

Maybe someone TBagged him while he's lifting weights? :(

[KyPosey]

another reason i dont want to bring kids into this world. No one can respect anyone anymore.

What ever happened to treat others how you want to be treated?

[leekohler]

Hehe. :p

I agree with you Lee. It is kind of weird, especially considering the topic.

And for the record, I'm totally joking about the pomegranate thread.
And speaking of pomegranates, does Chicago have Pinkberry or Red Mango? They have a version of their yogurt that is flavored with pomegranate! It's really good.....

I don't think we do. I'll have to check. And I knew you were kidding. :) Still no OP. I just checked his profile and he was on at 2 pm today.