What would you have done?

Ok so we have recently moved to VA and are temporarily in an apartment. I have been going to the little gym they have to work out a few nights a week. Usually there is no one else in there. Maybe another girl from time to time. And sometimes people walk through to get to the street. Anywho lastnight I am busting butt on the eliptical and watching one of the TVs mounted on the wall (there are also little tvs on every machine). This guy comes in about 30 minutes into my workout. He is wearing a long sleeved button down shirt, khakis, and a jacket so I assume he is just walking through. (Who works out in their work clothes?) But he doesn't leave. Instead he takes off his jacket and goes to the weights bench behind me and picks up two heavy weights and just starts swaying them back and forth. I can see him in the reflection of the tv on my machine and he is grinning at me. He doesn't look like the type that works out very often. He is small framed and kinda creepy looking. It was freaking me out so I turned around and offered him the remote to the tv. He said no thanks and continued to stand there holding the weights. Then he put them down and walked outside to the street and stood there for about a minute, and then came back in. I grabbed my crap and headed out. It just seemed too weird to me. I could see him picking up one of those weights and swinging it at my head. Am I being overly paranoid? I am thinking about joining the Y instead of going to this gym. I hate feeling paranoid like that but I would rather be safe than sorry.

Mmmm..good move!!!! I was in an apt when I first moved to VA too, but wouldn't use their little fitness center for the same reason. I like protection in numbers! The Sentara Fitness Center in Hampton is brand new and awesome! If you go to the VA board you'll see a post from earlier this week (from Jackie H) about getting together tomorrow at Aroma's at Oyster Point City Center at 6 pm. I can't make it until about 7:30, but we may be going to Saddle Ridge for karaoke. If you want to join us, PM me or Jackie and we'll meet up.

Oh I am so sorry I missed that! I just got your message. I hope you guys had a great time!!

Good move. I wouldn't have stayed there one moment longer either. Actually, I would have gone straight to the manager and told him what happened and described the man. Who knows, they may have had problems with him before and need one more complaint to kick him out. You are very right....can never be too safe. Pam

I am with Pam, I would have went to the manager. Maybe your not the first he did this too.

I too would have complained to the manager.

Leaving was the smart thing to do... ALWAYS go with your gut instict or your little voice. If it feels unsafe...get away. Better safe than sorry. He may have been harmless but why take the chance.. How often do you hear stories about women who have been attacked and they all say they felt like something was wrong and didnt act. Offering him the remote was a good idea to...making eye contact lets him know you have seen him and could quite possibly identify him if needed. Glad you are OK.. Becky

Thank you guys all so much for your responses. I really appreciate it. I am still thinking about going to the manager.

Yeah - nobody works out in those kind of clothes... he was up to no good and you're probably lucky you got out when you did. If you're not comfortable going to the manager - at least write a letter to the manager and drop it off anonymously then they know there is an issue! Glad you're safe... sometimes it sucks that we have to be so paranoid but there are way too many weirdos out there! Bekah

I may have missed this, but is the workout room part of your apartment complex? If it is, it really should be locked and only tenants should have keys. That doesn't keep out the creepy tenants, but could cut down on the through traffic. Ewwww, that guy sounds demented. You need a workout buddy or a safer place to workout. Good luck, honey, and be safe!!! Deb