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Once you get into a solid gym routine, you tend to become quite attached to the gym you use and the community around it.

That’s not a jibe at CrossFit because it’s true across the board.

For one tight-knit Cape Town gym community, it’s been a torrid few weeks after it emerged that the gym co-owner had allegedly used his cellphone to film a female member while she was in the shower.

TimesLIVE has not named the gym but calls the man at the centre of the allegations a “respected trainer and co-owner of the business which has attracted professional athletes”:

In a message sent to gym members, he said, “It is with deep shame and regret that I confess to you I violated the privacy of a person, who is not only a member … but also a friend who trusted me implicitly.”

…The incident took place about two weeks ago when the member left the shower and noticed a cellphone pointed towards her in a bathroom cubicle. Initially she believed someone had left it there by accident. When she picked it up, she realised it had been recording her and who it belonged to.

The woman, who has asked not to be identified, has been left unimpressed by the apologies issued by the co-owners and the lack of remorse for what allegedly happened.

Gym members gathered on Saturday expecting a public apology from the co-owner. That was postponed and replaced by an “open forum” where members could raise concerns.

Word of the incident spread like wildfire in the gym community and someone who previously attended the gym and asked to remain anonymous, said, “There’s a big hero worship thing that goes on … It’s a big deal because the gym kind of revolves around him.”

The gym co-owner, in his written apology, has committed to “seeking professional counsel” and taking a leave of absence.

The final word goes to the female member who was allegedly filmed:

“It goes way beyond an invasion of privacy, it’s sexual assault. I pray that these videos have not been shared with others. How many are there? Who else did he film? I feel ill thinking what he used them for.”

It’s unclear whether any criminal charges will be laid.

The co-owner has deactivated his social media accounts.

[source:timeslive]