I’m unsure why this gym has created an atmosphere where assault is allowed, but I just want to make sure people know what type of environment they are getting themselves into and what is considered acceptable in this location.

I hope to hear from the owner, or management regarding the following incident that happened Friday 9/22/2024.

I got assaulted at this location by one of the gym members who proceeded to aggressively choke me against the functional trainer machine after an altercation that he started.

Here’s the over simplified scenario: I was using the functional trainer machine to do pull-ups, lateral raises and pushups, this guy randomly came towards me with an Olympic bar and without saying a word proceeded to try to force the bar into the T-row bar base while I was there (about to do pushups). I looked at him and let him know I was using that area, but instead of acting like a normal human and asking how much time I have left or if he could work in in between sets he got aggressive and told me that he was going to use that and that I could do push ups somewhere else. Confused, because of the audacity and entitlement of this guy I told him that no he wasn’t because I was there. After I asked him what his problem was, he lost it and used both hands to choke me while pushing me against the machine for a second or two. After he let go I stared at him like a parent looking at their toddler after the toddler lashed out for no logical reason, and even though I was LIVID. I got my things and walked to the front desk while thinking to myself “did this guy really just assault me because he couldn’t communicate and didn’t get his way? Why was he comfortable enough to do that here?”.

After talking to the front desk about the altercation, the employee proceeded to say “it’s more common here than it should be” and then something along the lines of “he’s usually not like this, he’s not himself because he’s preparing for his competition next week”. I then told her “that’s not my problem, that doesn’t justify assault.”

After the front desk employee was showing bias towards the aggressor I proceeded to ask the employee if we could fill out an incident report so I could get a copy of the video of the incident.

The cops were also called and a report was filed with them and of course legal action will be taken.

Note: There were multiple witnesses at the time of the incident that were just as surprised as I was.

I’ll keep everyone updated with all the details of the incident after I speak with the Sheriff’s Office and the Manager or Owner of this gym.