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Gyms are like tourist spots?

December 9, 2011 By HKearl

I was working out with a friend as a first time guest at the Planet Fitness, Elmwood Park, IL, location. At around 5 p.m. today my friend noticed camera flashes coming from behind us. When we turned around we noticed some old guy taking pictures of us! When my friend went to get a staff member, the offender ran into the men’s bathroom to hide the camera. When he came out, and the staff member spoke to him, he just let him walk away.

When I addressed the staff member, he said that the guy stated that he was ‘taking pictures of us for his family in Greece’ and that he couldn’t take the camera. Worse off, he said that he would only throw him out if he started taking them again. I said that it was definitely a lie and was APPALLED that nothing could be done! Why do I have to be violated twice in order for anything to be done about it?

It was also upsetting that the guy ran away so fast that I couldn’t take a picture, or address him directly…

UGH! Why is it that guys feel like they can treat women however they want??? I wrote on the Planet Fitness Facebook wall AND sent them an EMAIL AND I will be calling on Monday to request a manager to speak with! It’s just horrid that I can’t even go to my friend’s gym in peace! 🙁

– Earth Angel

Location: Elmwood Park, IL

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Filed Under: Stories, street harassment

Comments

  1. beckie says

    December 10, 2011 at 2:37 pm

    Keep at it. Good for you. That is horrible.

  2. Earth Angel says

    December 23, 2011 at 4:44 am

    Thanks Beckie! So far not that great though :(. I’ll post an update.

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