Fitness First Opens Itself for Legal Action for Sexual Harassment (Ire)

29 March 2006

Hey Manager,
I am a bit miffed.
Here’s why…

Part of {teacher ’s name} charm is his patter of sexual innuendoes that are usually directed at himself. However, during the Body Jam launch he chose to direct it at {client name}, whom he declared he “wants to father his children.”

During one track, to pattern it after the song lyrics, he kept asking different clients, “Are you horny?”

This is a question, which, I think, is inappropriate.

The other teachers should also refrain from making comments regarding the sexual state of clients. I am referring to one step when the rest of the teachers said that the step would determine whether a female is a virgin or “dalaga.”

Actually, this is the second time I’ve heard this said. The other time was during the Fitness First Philippines Plus RCBC Body Jam launch, still in reference to the same step.

Although these comments may amuse and delight at least half of the clients, I cannot say for certain that it is the same reaction of the individuals concerned.

Furthermore, I think it’s quite dangerous because it opens up Fitness First to legal action for sexual harassment.

I think limits must be set regarding sexually laden comments. Yes, they may be used to lighten the atmosphere but boundaries must be set.

Thank you for your kind attention.

Sincerely,
Lorna Gay Lopez

Note: Aside from writing the Hey Manager card, I spoke with the teacher in question and informed him of what I did, since I knew him personally.

I spoke with another gym member and he tried to reassure me that it was the teacher’s usual behavior. I, myself, have attended his classes before but I’ve never seen him so aggressive.

But, the point is, I felt uncomfortable listening to these comments. If the people concerned wish to flirt in private, then there’s no problem, but to bring it to the class setting was, in my opinion, utterly unprofessional and inappropriate.

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