Humiliated by bully at the Gym

flyovertom

Just to give an update on this, I went in to the gym today and made a formal complaint, the gym staff could not have been nicer, they were also shocked with what happened, I was told he was previously fired from the gym but got back in and he is currently on his last warning.

I was told they couldn't say what he did, I was told he would most likely be fired, and I said I did not want that to happen but his mentality has to change, I was told whatever happens to him is for the owners to decide and not to worry either way as I wasn't the one that put him in the position, so I'm a lot happier about that.

Also thanks for words of encouragement!

Big Bag of Chips

I'm glad you went and spoke to them, and I'm not surprised it's not his first time doing something like this. And the gym are absolutely right, even though you don't want to see him fired, that's not your choice! It's the gyms business he is affecting and they have every right to not want to associate with someone who is so damaging to their business. And now you can be absolutely certain that you're not alone in being badly treated by him. Hopefully he'll grow up someday, but you know what, he mightn't. Arseholes tend to be arseholes. And he sounds like an arsehole.

Well done, on tackling this. Whatever happens now is on his head, not yours.

Ursus Horribilis

Well done on going to talk to the gym. Unlike you, I believe him receiving his marching orders would be a very positive thing. He didn't learn anything from his previous warning. So it's just possible that he's a horrible human being who isn't suitable for this line of work. It's great that you were strong enough to tackle him and to talk to the gym. If he had pulled the same stunt on someone who's more fragile, they could be in a very very bad place right now. I hope he loses his job and that somebody nicer takes his place there.

cmyk

First off, as a part-owner of a small gym I hate hearing of incidents like this. Gyms can be intimidating enough environments at the best of times without this sort of incident.

Personally I'd absolutely want to know if there was a trainer operating like that here so you've done the right thing in reporting it to the gym.<Snip>

On the other hand dropping that amount of weight is a great achievement and hope it hasn't put you off either the industry entirely, or your motivation to continue... <snip>

.......

This post has been deleted.

flaneur

OP, I think most gyms would be utterly horrified that someone in a position of trust would do this!

It’s good that you reported it and I’m glad to hear the gym is responding.

If you have screenshots and so on, make sure to give them access as they will need to create a watertight case to ensure they’re able to take action too.

This individual has clearly caused you a very serious distress and has also put the gym and all his colleagues livelihoods at risk too.

endacl

Just in the offchance any of the gym staff/management are reading this....

The OP did you guys a huge favour bringing this to your attention. I’d say a nice chunk off next year’s membership might be in order? As a ‘sorry that happened here’, a ‘thank you’ and gesture of goodwill?

Big Bag of Chips

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cmyk

Big Bag of Chips wrote: »

Mod Note:
cmyk, I have had to snip your post, as even though I believe your intentions are good the moderators have no way of verifying any poster is who they say they are. This works in both directions - both those seeking and offering advice.

Yep apologies I hadn't realised that. I don't post in this forum at all, just linked to it from a client.

Rubberchikken

Op well done. Youve stood up to this person and you've probably saved others from.his terrible behaviour.

Purple Mountain

Well done for having the courage to stand up to a bully.
I know from personal experience the humiliation of bullying but you did well to bring it to light.
The gym in question has a lot to answer for by taking him back again after his previous misdemeanour.
I'd be looking for a new gym along with a new trainer.
I'd actually follow up your meeting with something in writing to the effect of thanking the staff for meeting with you on x date in relation to x person and give a brief outline of what he did. I'd remind them that they said they would follow up the matter which you trust they will and remind them that you have a screenshot as evidence of his dispicable actions.
If you don't intend going back there again, I'd politely ask for a refund of any prepaid membership.
I just think this will give them food for thought on their disciplinary processes in the future.
Well done man!

cloudatlas

flyovertom wrote: »

Just to give an update on this, I went in to the gym today and made a formal complaint, the gym staff could not have been nicer, they were also shocked with what happened, I was told he was previously fired from the gym but got back in and he is currently on his last warning.

I was told they couldn't say what he did, I was told he would most likely be fired, and I said I did not want that to happen but his mentality has to change, I was told whatever happens to him is for the owners to decide and not to worry either way as I wasn't the one that put him in the position, so I'm a lot happier about that.

Also thanks for words of encouragement!

Welldone! You have probably spared others humiliation as well. They should have thrown in free P.T. for good measure. They fired him and then let him back in, how weird.

Alf Veedersane

OP, fair play for doing what you have done. I hope you completely disregard what this so-called personal trainer has done. No personal trainer worth their salt would ever do something like that.

Besides, the irony is that if they were posting on social media what they saw as someone doing something wrong, sane people would look at it and ask why a PT was filming rather than addressing any issue with their client. That is after all part of their role.

Think it's best to end on this note: congratulations on your success his far and for making sure the gym knows what this a$$hole is like and to make sure he knows what you think.

I hope you haven't let it discourage you from continuing your efforts.

Katgurl

I am horrified by this story. I will be honest, when i read the op i assumed you were paranoid and the pt must have put up something positive about your achievements.

How dare he? Of course your form won't be perfect, you are not the professional. He allegedly is.


If people didnt need assistance he would have no clients. Would he be able to do your job to your level without any training?

His behaviour is stupid on every level imaginable. To actually post something like that on social media is beyond the scope of rational behaviour.

Having said that i understand how you feel. I have felt vulnerable in the past regarding my weight and would feel devastated and humiliated. I always trusted people i was paying to support my efforts however.

I would tackle this from all angles; with the gym, with the guards, on social media or else seek legal advice. He is way way out of line and deserves to suffer the consequences.