The World Has Gone Crazy

I had a scary episode happen at the gym last night. I work out at 2 gyms on a regular basis. We all tend to gravitate to a favorite spot but it is a first come first serve basis.

I work out near 3 friends. I came to the class early and set up my weights, mat and other equipment. I turned to get a 10 lb plate and a lady tried to take over my spot.

i told her i was there first and asked her politely to move back. She refused. Seems she had given "her spot" to a friend and wanted mine for herself. she said she had stood there for years. Not true.

she took her weights and blocked me from getting to my mat. I stepped over them. She then put her 15 lb weights in my path so I could not move anywhere. If I stepped back, i would have fallen and for sure gotten hurt.

The instructor saw her and told her to move back-4 times. She refused. (her friend snickered)
The lady made reference to my age. Then told me she was going to give me covid. Threatened to cough and sneeze on me. ( I consider that assault)

The instructor finally embarrassed her in the class and said out loud that i had been there first-she needed to move. She hit the glass in the wall so hard (twice) the wall shook but still would not move.

I refuse to be bullied. I refused to move. I called the gym today and spoke to the manager. She said that she will be calling the member and if there is no remorse, she will be removed from the gym. If she continues, she will be banned from the gym chain permanently.

The worst part? My 3 friends did nothing. actually walked out. One flat out told me that she was not getting involved. Would not come to my defense at all. Would not tell the lady that i stood there for years.