Creepy guy in the weight room advice

MikeSEA

One thing you could do is take a picture of him..let him see you do it. That way you don't have to interact but he will see you seeing him for sure and will know that his behavior has been noted. And if he's *not* a real creeper, chances are he will approach you after that hint and give up his agenda/malfunction. If he is a creeper, he'll probably vanish.

If you're hanging around at the gym staring at women, you're either a creeper or a douche. Either way, I have no sympathy. It's one thing to look, make eye contact, then move on. Quite another to just STARE.

I assume you'd have no problem with him taking a picture of the creepy person who's taking a picture of him, then. It seems completely appropriate. Or would that be too creepy?

I have done this several times in my apt complex...I take pictures of anyone who seems to be lurking around, and I photograph their license plates as well. It's not "randomly" walking up to someone...it's a reaction to someone who is already treading a thin line regarding personal privacy.

So your solution to what is essentially a highly debatable act of privacy invasion is to document the fact that you're invading their privacy by your own actions. I'm sure that's not how you see it. By all means, pay attention to your instincts, report it to someone if you feel the need, but don't go around documenting license plates because your hackles got raised. You're not nearly so omniscient as you seem to believe you are.

ShapeUpSidney

So your solution to what is essentially a highly debatable act of privacy invasion is to document the fact that you're invading their privacy by your own actions. I'm sure that's not how you see it. By all means, pay attention to your instincts, report it to someone if you feel the need, but don't go around documenting license plates because your hackles got raised. You're not nearly so omniscient as you seem to believe you are.

+1

Avalonis

Well, I have officially deduced from this thread that there are some serious whackos on MFP.

I bet you people think theres a government conspiracy that killed MLK too, right?

And Area 51?

Avalonis

So your solution to what is essentially a highly debatable act of privacy invasion is to document the fact that you're invading their privacy by your own actions. I'm sure that's not how you see it. By all means, pay attention to your instincts, report it to someone if you feel the need, but don't go around documenting license plates because your hackles got raised. You're not nearly so omniscient as you seem to believe you are.

+1

+2 defense. Oops, I mean +2

irridia

I agree with Hosed. Find out if anybody else has had any issues, if he's a long time member whose shedule may have changed etc. I also like the "don't stare at my class" Every female teacher I've ever had pretty much views her class as her responsiblity. Most men know not to F w/a Momma!

Now for a more serious note: EVERY SINGLE TIME I hve ignored my gut, I have regretted it! Every time! I can honestly say that paying attention to the "creepy vibe" hasn't been accurate everytime but IGNORING it HAS!

If you have a way to discreetly let your class know that they should go to the parking lot on a buddy system then do it and follow that advice as well until someone can vet the guy as okay. Screw speculation! TRUST YOUR GUT! When you trust it the worst case scenario is you look foolish... who cares! ?

hope it's just a conicidence.

ZachyABaby

I was physically attacked by some body builders at a gym because I "Looked Creepy"

I don't go to gyms now, and I wont either

How did you all miss this ****ing hilarity? This guy wins.

BellySoonGone

Actually the last time I was in a gym, there was this older lady" working out". She 1/2 *kitten* the weights around just to be around some of the younger guys (my guess anyway). Apparently I was the best thing going that morning (free weight room was almost empty haha!). Suddenly she just so happens to be doing "her workout" right next to me. I was going "wtf"? I just ignored her.

Next time I see her, I'm lighting her up with the maize.

Awesome dude! That's the spirit & post it on YouTube. Let it be a lesson.

hrobinson416

Also the guys in here that think we're being overly-paranoid...fortunately for you, you will never have to live life with the fear that somebody will attack you simply because you're viewed as an inferior and weak person due to your gender. You don't have to carry rape whistles, mace, pepper spray, tasers and other precautions when going for a jog. You don't have to worry like a woman does. Is this guy more than likely harmless, of course, but as women who deal with living life like this, we have to be overly cautious. Women are always blamed for everything. "She wanted it", "she was dressed scantily" etc. We're always blamed and told it's out fault we're attacked and raped. So yeah, we are paranoid, because god forbid this guy is a sicko and thinks that in her workout clothes, she's trying to seduce him or whatever. We have to be overly cautious because society teaches us that if we aren't, bad things will happen to us and they will be our fault. Be lucky, you can live a much more worry free life.

^^ This.

hrobinson416

That was sarcasm.

I can't tell if you think he's gong to attack you while at the gym? I think that's being paranoid.

If you think he's trying to size you up for something later, then okay. But if that's the case, then he's already revealed his hand. You already know who he is and I'm pretty positive you aren't going to let that guy within 30 yards of you while you're alone.

If he's actually checking you out THAT much, talk to the guy. Say "hey, what's up with the googily eyes man?"

Okay - you men are unreal on here.

My cousin teaches Zumba...She had a similar situation..a guy just "checked" out the class from outside....when she got in her truck to go home..he followed her HOME!! This crap happens ALL the time to women. I am sure the OP gets checked out all the time at the gym....its when the creepy vibe comes on that she needs to listen to it - be prepared - never be alone.

Also, if you want to act like a creepy stalker dude - you deserve to be treated like one...grow a backbone if you want to talk to someone - otherwise quit acting like a creep. Its that simple. Being a little shy - checking her out - thats one thing....standing at the door like Mr. Zombie to stare at them = too weird.

Its because of these types of reactions to a womans gut feelings that make her second guess herself and wind up raped or murdered.

OP - dont be alone when leaving the gym. If he does it again either approach him directly in the gym and tell him hes weirding you out or have someone else approach him that can tell him the same. If he doesnt stop after that - I would see about having his membership removed or something. Protect yourself. Who cares what these guys think about being paranoid. Its your life and your safety.

corieueber

Aren't you a bit too paranoid? I mean he could simply be checking you out or perhaps want to ask for advice but to shy too ask?

Funny how the posts about being over dramatic are from blokes - they don't get it sometimes (not being mean), my hubby doesn't understand that l feel uncomfortable walking/jogging after dark

Go with your gut instincts, l really believe that we have a six sense for feeling something's odd and please follow the feeling, rather be made to feel a fool for over cautious than it going the other way and something happening for the worst.

Someone can check you out without you feeling creeped out, let the staff know so they can keep an eye out for odd behavior

fiberartist219

I recommend taking a self defense class if you can find one. I also think you should try to be aware of your surroundings as much as possible. Don't wear headphones or hats. You want your field of vision to be open and your ears open so you can always be aware of who is nearby.

Tell your friends and coworkers that he gives you the creeps and ask them to keep an eye out for you. They might be helpful, they might not, but if something happens to you, you would want everyone to know who the suspects are.

sarahkatara

Also the guys in here that think we're being overly-paranoid...fortunately for you, you will never have to live life with the fear that somebody will attack you simply because you're viewed as an inferior and weak person due to your gender. You don't have to carry rape whistles, mace, pepper spray, tasers and other precautions when going for a jog. You don't have to worry like a woman does. Is this guy more than likely harmless, of course, but as women who deal with living life like this, we have to be overly cautious. Women are always blamed for everything. "She wanted it", "she was dressed scantily" etc. We're always blamed and told it's out fault we're attacked and raped. So yeah, we are paranoid, because god forbid this guy is a sicko and thinks that in her workout clothes, she's trying to seduce him or whatever. We have to be overly cautious because society teaches us that if we aren't, bad things will happen to us and they will be our fault. Be lucky, you can live a much more worry free life.

100% true. couldn't have said it better.