Stop Laughing at me. Why are you laughing at me?
Stop Laughing at me. Why are you laughing at me?
Warning. Another feeling post. Geez I am quite emotional this week aren’t I?
Thank goodness for this blog. It is a public diary essentially and I love sharing my stories with you. I want to thank you for coming every day to read what I have to write about. Today I feel like a defeated soul. I am sad, upset, shocked, and maybe a bit humiliated.
I wasn’t sure if I wanted to post about this because it has to do with my job at the gym but I needed to vent. So I wrote this on facebook:
“Guys, I’m raging. A really upsetting thing happened at the gym today and I am nearly in tears. No, no one died. But it made me wanna quit. And it takes a lot to make me wanna leave something I love for the purpose of principle. I guess I will be blogging about it tonight :(“
Tonight was my last Bootcamp class at the gym. You know the one I rave about every time I get back..”BEST CLASS EVER! Wish I could kick your booties in person!” I was told last week that another instructor would be taking over. I was really devastated last Friday when I found out. It actually ruined my whole day and I ended up going to sleep REALLY early (like 7pm) because that’s what I do when I feel like my soul has been sucked away and my baby has been taken from my womb. And it wasn’t because I couldn’t fill the class or anything, trust me, it gets packed each time, but for business-related reasons…
So tonight, we shared our last set of tuck jumps, bicep curls, lunge pulses, shoulder presses and then it was over. This Bootcamp class energized me so much. For those of you who take or teach Group Exercises classes, you know what I mean when I say…you can walk in feeling like poo and then you forget everything because you’re surrounded by motivating people, such a nurturing environment and thriving CONTAGIOUS energy!! You get a good sweat in and you love every second of it somehow 🙂 I always forget why I am down after a good class. I owe my positivity to my classes and the awesome students that make my job so much fun. Close friends have told me that I get cranky when I don’t teach for a while.
So anyway, when my students found out that tonight would be my last Bootcamp, they were outraged and got together to create a petition to save my class. Full on with signatures and everything! It was really sweet and it touched me so much. You guys are the best 🙂 We shared our goodbyes for a while, and then I went to stretch with a friend afterwards.
That’s when the reason for this post begins.
All of a sudden my manager storms up to our mats in the center of the gym and says “What’s the deal with this petition on my desk?” We both looked bewildered because he actually wasn’t joking at all. I explained that my students wanted to voice their opinion so they made a petition is all. He then started laughing. The kind of laugh that makes you feel like a stupid child. He said that it was inappropriate and unprofessional and that I need to handle the situation like an adult. We were like what??? My friend said that my students made that because they wanted to show how much they love the class. He laughed more. My self-esteem started to break down. He said that the petition was absolutely silly. My heart started beating faster and faster. He shot down everything we tried to say and laughed some more. We couldn’t even finish our sentences. He kept chuckling under his breath. He made me feel like I was worthless. He made me feel like I was the one who planted the petition…The blood boiled to my face and I finally said, “STOP LAUGHING AT US. WHY ARE YOU LAUGHING AT US?”
Then he turned around and walked away.
WHAT?
WHAT!!????
EXCUSE ME???????
Unprofessional am I? Hmm how about we talk about this in your office, not in public in the center of the gym, and how about you respect me a little?
I was so shocked. My heart sank so low I didn’t even know what to do. So I just sat there. Dumbfounded. I felt humiliated, disrespected, and unheard. I thought a manager would be happy to have someone who is so in love with her students and whose students love her back just as much. Isn’t that what Group Fitness is all about?
I mean, even if he didn’t like the petition, which I know is a stand against his power and decision-making, I think the situation should have been dealt with very differently. He could have said, “Hey, can you tell me more about this petition?” or “Let’s talk in the office.” Not what do you think you’re doing.
And now I feel really uncomfortable. REALLY uncomfortable. I know I will feel uneasy walking into the gym tomorrow to teach my Pilates Sculpt class. I feel like my heart will stop beating and I’ll stop breathing if I see him, even from a distance. I’ll feel judged. Outcasted. Bullied. Hated.
Guys, I’ve never ever ever felt so low at a place I like to call my second home. I love the gym. I love the people, and I love fitness. But tonight made me want to quit so bad. I don’t want to be around negative people and people that make me feel like sh**. Especially when those people, or person in this case, is someone you should be looking for guidance from. Sorry for the bad language. But that is how I feel.
But I am not quitting.
Because you know why. I have too many people there that do appreciate me for what I do. And I owe it to them to stay and do what I love. I owe it to me too. And so 1 class is gone. I still have 2 more there. As scary as it will be walking into class tomorrow, it will be ok after I step into the safety of the group exercise room.
Much love. Stay strong. I will too.
Cassey
186 thoughts on “Stop Laughing at me. Why are you laughing at me?”
There are 186 comments posted by our users.
Something similar happed to me yesterday. My workout buddy is really loud, and she always say things like “Good job” or ” I’m proud fo you”, she calls the attention a lot, not on purpose. This week is my second week at the gym in my life!! so i am weak and learning about this life, and I saw some girls and the guy in the registration desk laughing at us saying things like ” Oh my gosh! she is so loud, oh my gosh she is so weak, oh my gosh i can’t, so embarrassing!”. Honestly I have social anxiety and I am very shy; it was a huge step for my to decide to go to the gym, but those actitudes and comments make me feel so bad, that I do not want to go outside my home ever again.
I feel same that people hate me and laugh at me.
I am ugly, fat, brown skin, small eye.
I feel humiliated in public. Everyday I take bus to college and it sucks. No one says a word but you can see it on their face. And some people did say shit too.
I’m feeling sick. Mentally and physically and emotionally. I want to eat but I’m starving myself to loose weight and get thin. Doing your video too. Pilates.
But somewhere I feel may be getting thin is not solution to all my problems.
Hey Cassey,
After I saw your vid about pushing yourself through a workout i got curious about what happened. This brought me to tears, to see (or actually read :P) such a positive, bright and sweet young lady being treated in this horrible way. I hope karma will get that jerk one day, if it hasn’t already.
I also wanted to say that you are an amazing person, being able to continue being an inspiration to many people and teaching in the same place such an emotional thing happened. We are all here for you to support you during hard times, the same way you support us all the time.
Let’s all stay strong together!
Lots of love from the Netherlands
Sabrina
PS I may be wrong on this but it seemed like you didn’t want to post another emotional post, maybe because you are afraid of annoying us or so? Please don’t be, we are here for you and whenever you need to vent, you can do that right here. We all love you way too much to be annoyed by you ^-^
Hi Cassey! I remember you referencing this in one of your videos once, but I hadn’t actually read it until it popped up on my computer. Let me just say, wow. This manager guy, whoever he was, must be kicking himself right now. It’s crazy to think just two years ago you had to deal with this kind of crap, and now you are an international internet fitness superstar! Your journey as an instructor is really inspiring, and I hope that someday I will be as strong as you! Thank you!
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I was feeling really bad. I just wanted to quit, but now I am going to keep trying. Thank you for not quitting! You are now my new role model. We all love you so much! I am going to stay stong!
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Cassey….my sister and I only saw this post now (lol we were on youtube and saw your motivational vid, then came here to read about the incident out of curiosity, not stalking….promise 😛 ), and we agree, the manager was being completely rude and disrespectful. Is he some immature kid or something? You are amazing and we’re so glad you didn’t decide to quit. Stay strong, you go girl, and we love you so SO MUCH!!! <3 <3 xoxoxoxoxoxo Your POPsters will always be here for you 🙂
thank uuuu 🙂
Wow. Sorry you have to work with this guy :/ Somebody must’ve driven this dude’s self-esteem into the ground pretty hard, and he saw fit to pass it on to you. But luckily, you are (sorry manager guy) better than him and clearly know how to spring back. Way to be a fighter, Cassey! 🙂
Scandalous….What a douche! Petitions should always be considered, and your students’ voices must be heard… He must be such an unhappy person who like craves power in weird ways… I know it’s very humiliating but you can’t let his negative energy get to you: see, it’s contagious, because after speaking with him you felt so low. Stay away from that fascist!
Considering that the job of a manager is to create the conditions which would promote business? Poorly done on his behalf. Also, making the employees happy is another part of his job–happier employees makes for better workers and happier customers. Nice little circle of business responsibility paying off, right? Too bad the manager doesn’t know how to follow that basic model of responsibility and respect.
But one other thing, couldn’t writing this blog make for a reason to fire you? I’m not saying this to be petulant or negative, I’m just watching out for your job/you ’cause you’re my favorite instructor by far on the internet and I wouldn’t want people to miss out your classes in person.
PLEASE READ THIS POEM!
🙂 something I always keep in mind…this feeling is never permanent 🙂
“DONT QUIT”
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you’re trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest, if you must, but don’t you quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about,
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don’t give up though the pace seems slow–
You may succeed with another blow.
Often the goal is nearer than,
It seems to a faint and faltering man,
Often the struggler has given up,
When he might have captured the victor’s cup,
And he learned too late when the night slipped down,
How close he was to the golden crown.
Success is failure turned inside out–
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far,
So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit–
It’s when things seem worst that you must not quit.
– Author unknown
Wow, that was completely disrespectful not only to you but to the members of the gym!! If that happened at a class I was attending I would 100% have complained not only to him about his bad behavior, but to his superiors. He is definitely the unprofessional one in the situation. It says so much about you that the people attending your class love it so much they would go through the effort to try and keep you! Ignore him, and keep you’re head up. You inspire so many people with your positive attitude and great spirit. Don’t let him keep you down! =)
Dear Cassie.
I read an article called “The Meanies” recently, by a woman who shared her personal experience of bullying in school, then bullying as an adult.
She just wanted friends and good company, but there were some real ‘meanies’ around her, who just shot her down every time she tried to be her own sweet self.
There are goodies and meanies everywhere, its REALLY HARD to ignore the meanies because we naturally think ‘what? did I do something wrong?’ and other thoughts to, but our self confidence takes an awful battering anyway.
But the goodies are there to, like your group exercise class!
and everyone who posts their support here, and you!
(I’m feeling a bit emotional right now to, I hope this post isn’t too intense!)
I hope you can be happy and healthy despite this oaf! he’s crazy!
XXXX from New Zealand
Connie
Thank you 🙂
Wow, Cassey, I usually do not comment on your blogs but follow it consistently since last year. Just wanted to say that you are AMAZING and that your videos have inspired me to take control of my health and fitness (especially because I’ll be starting college this fall and want to be FIT). Anyway, keep up the amazing work.
This entry was really amazing. It’s great how you really poured out all of our feelings into this blog. Stay strong and ignore the “manager”. P.S. I thought managers were supposed to “manage” situations.
Thanks! 🙂
Hey Cassie…
As a marketing consultant, I’d advise the owner to replace the manager, since that one incident just destroyed the gym’s rep with everyone in your class & everyone they tell about the incident. The guy (and the gym) is lucky you didn’t name him & provide his e-mail address so your fans worldwide could let him know they’re joining the petition… 😉
You should NEVER have been subjected to that – but…
You also need to understand your own worth. By now, you should have bullet-proof self confidence from having helped so many. No external force or person should be able to shake your love for fitness or your ability to hold your head high. The work you’ve done online has raised you above the ‘gym employee’ level – so far above that the rantings of this pissant should be laughed at, not internalized and hurt over…
You’re a special, thoughtful, giving and loving person – know it, believe it and OWN it. You’ve earned that level of self-confidence.
Wishing you every continued success…
DC.
hahahahaoh how funny if i had the blogilates fans sign the petition!!!!! thanks for commenting 🙂
Cassey, a person like that does not deserve your attention. I could not believe that someone can behave in that way. I think he is envious of the light that comes from you. Your students love you, you are such a nice person, authentic, enthusiastic, you not only make people love pilates but also to be strong and to follow their dreams. You are a person that inspires others, this is only an episode in your live, only a step to be even stronger and realize how much people around admire you.
Hugs,
Caro
Thank you Caro!
Oh, poor Cassey.
I hate it when people belittle me and take away my selfesteem.
Let me reverse that:
You are one of the strongest people I know (well, not personally) and you helped thousands of people. And that isn’t even an exaggeration!
Don’t give up. We are here for you as you are in your blogs and videos and facebook updates and tweets! It’s time for us to shout back at you what we need to here from you: YOU ARE STRONG and you know it, too. I love your energy and it gives me strengh and courage to believe in my goals each day.
loads of love from Switzerland
Hi Cassey,
It is very unfortunate to be disrespected like that and I hear and feel your emotions just like the rest of your readers and followers online. I am glad that you shared it with us because this makes you more human (not to say you never were) and it’s ok to react the way you did, because you’ve always stayed so strong, motivational and picture perfect for most times. In so many ways people can relate to you and you have all their support.
So it seems that manager may have some superiority complex and whatever issues he’s got going. But there’s always the next day and this too shall pass. Soon enough a new door and opportunity will open.
I’m writing you all the way from Japan and your YouTube exercises have helped me out here a lot, especially when it’s freezing cold outside and I can only work out indoors! So thank you for sharing.
Thank you for your words! Wow Japan! I want to go!
First off, I was so mad for you after reading this post. Second, I went into instant problem solver mode.
First off, what gym do you work at? Is it a local gym or a chain gym? Are there people more higher up than him? Because, I think you should at least try to talk to him, and if it doesn’t work out, mention it to the higher higher up, and tell them what happened. That is not how it should have been dealt with. In the office and alone would have been better.
And from my perspective, the gym seems like a place very similar to theatre. A laid back atmosphere, everyone is really fun most of the time, but serious when need to be. What happened to you seems like something that would happen in a corporate office or something, and even then it would have been dealt with in the office in a meeting.
Let me know how it goes, but you need that to be put on the manager’s record.
Loves!
ohh man can I take that back, that was really bitchy and un called for. I have followed your diet plans, watched your videos and and loved this blog, then I re pay you with a big dose of bitch.
Sorry Casey! I had a crap day, you don’t deserve what I just said 🙁
Cassey,
Stay strong!I can’t believe i actually tear reading your post but i really feel so unjust and angry for you.There are too many kind words here and i’m sure you feel just better already.
Don’t ever feel ashamed with yourself because you have no idea what a big inspiration you are to many of us out here.
You are already an international fitness icon and yes,because of you i started taking interest in pilates 🙂
You are amazing girl and keep your booty up
Have a good day dear girl!
Greetings from sunny singapore!
Oh my gosh, Cassey, that is so disrespectful! I hate when I see managers yell or humiliate people in front of customers or students.
Don’t worry, he’s just another negative person! Don’t let that ruin your positive attitude! He WISHES he had your attitude 🙂
Also, don’t forget you have tons of popsters/friends who are right behind you 😉 Love you, Cassey!! xx
Dude, welcome to the real world. Crap like this happens in the workplace everyday. Writing a massive crying post about it just shows your not mature enough to deal with stuff like this. You should have being the bigger person and moved on.
Writing this big old cry just makes you look weak and sadly a bit pathetic.
Get over it
I don’t think it’s weak or pathetic to address issues that you’re passionate about.
I agree, I am seriously cringing re- reading this. I promise I am not as evil as I appear. I am really sorry 🙁
oh wow, I cannot believe this!!!!!!!
Is he jealous or what?! Sounds like he is a pathetic and unhappy person who wants to make positive people feel horrible as well.
Woah.
Really sorry this happened to you.
But yes, it just makes us stronger!!
Cassey, even though I don’t know you in person I must say that I’ve been doing your videos for a while. They had help me a lot, not only because they are good but because you have “that something”. You can make my day bright again, cause when I’m having a bad day I just need to do your workout videos and that gives me confidence and strength, through a video your words are encouraging and so positive. You truly glow! 🙂
You are an inspiration! I don’t know if you realize the goodness you send out to the world by doing what you do, empowering so many people. Sh*t happens, and there is a lot of negative persons in the world, don’t let that person ruin your day. You deserve so much better and will have it.
Blessings!
Thanks Anna!
I love being able to work out at home to your videos and appreciate the time/effort that you have spent in creating and sharing your work to others. You seem down to earth and not conceited at all. What happened to you at the gym would be upsetting to anyone and you are right to be angry because it was insensitive, immature and unprofessional. I think that he was reacting out of his own self-doubt and insecurities and you can’t control that. He didn’t make the best decision and reacted on his emotions instead. Maybe he was jealous, maybe he is just a bad boss. You can only control you, so be the bigger person and don’t dwell on it. Just do your next class to the best of your ability and don’t react to him. Sounds like he wants you to get upset but just remember that. If he is laughing and making a scene, and nobody else is really reacting, then he will probably be super embarrassed and start to learn to keep his mouth shut.
Cassey,
I am sending you huge hugs! How awful to have such a confrontation out in the open. And the manager has a lot of nerve calling you unprofessional. But, you are a wonderful instructor and advocate as evidenced by the petition your students presented and the outpouring of support on this board. Keep your head up and keep doing what you love; and let the naysayers’ comments and attitudes roll off your back. We are behind you and your product is solid. Thanks for sharing something so personal.
xo,
Gloria
Oh gosh! I can imagine how bad you must have felt at that moment and after, as if you want to melt into the floor… People who treat others like that are usually veryyy unhappy themselves. I imagine he is jealous that you are SO loved and seemingly happy that he thought he would make your day a crap one! Hope you went to work ok and got through it; if you do cross paths with him I would try and look as confident and unphased as possible to show him he hasn’t got to you.
By the way my mum and I LOVE you, your site and all your tips and videos! We especially love your quick cardio videos as we make playlists instead of repeating the same video 4 times; just makes it more interesting =) Keep going! Chin up!
Love from Lucy from the UK ( in France for studies!) XXXX
That loser can go piss up a rope, Cassie! You’ve got this, girl! If anybody can overcome the painful words of a louse like him, it’s you! You’re the best and don’t you ever, ever give up! <3
You’re so much fun. Even when I’m ‘feeling the burn’ I am having fun because your attitude is contagious. Have you thought about being your own manager? Start up your own workout central? I would be really upset if I were a client at that gym. If I like an instructor and feel comfortable with them, and what they teach (HOW they teach) is working for me, I’ll be inquiring where ‘we’ will be meeting next. Keep up the cheer Cassey, continue to be your infectious positive self – But I’m afraid that working under ‘horrible bosses’ will affect the key component you bring to your instruction – JOY.
Oh my goodness!! That is so terrible. I have been following your blog and doing Pilates videos because they are fantastic! I taught Pilates in college; and I would never compare myself to you; you are an amazing instructor, the kind I always wanted to be! You have an upbeat personality that just gets people in the mood to work out. I am so impressed by you! Don’t even pay any attention to your boss. When people have to belittle other people they are only insecure about their own lack of self worth. I think you are AWESOME!!! Keep up the amazing videos, cause my butt needs them!
What a jack***! You didn’t not deserve that! You need to take your wonderful skills and personality and take them to another gym. Personally, I would suggest starting your own! 😀 Remember Cassey, you will always have your Blogilates family supporting you!
I am so so sooooooo Sorry that this happend!He is an idiot!!!Stay strong and we all will be here no matter what!!!
I love you so much and you are the BEST! <3
I’ve had managers who either felt threatened of me or whatever (jealous, etc.) who’ve tried to undermine me and put me down every day, even though the main boss gave me glowing evaluations…it’s hard to deal daily with people who are trying to find anything to make you look bad, but just pray and stay strong–it’s obvious your students love you, and you are becoming famous on youtube, I think he’s threatened and jealous of you! Maybe I wouldn’t quit but I’d start looking for another gym that is more accepting of you and your growing fame in the meantime. Chin up Girl!!
Hi Casey,
I’ve been following you for a long time, but don’t often feel compelled to comment.
I’m so sorry to hear this happened to you, you certainly don’t deserve it.
I understand that you want to put the event behind you, but suggest that you tell a superior (the gym owner, senior management etc) about your manager’s behaviour. It’s not about getting him into trouble, telling tales, or making a fuss. You may be able to put the event behind you, but if your manager has treated you this way, it is quite likely that he has, or will treat other staff the same, who may not be able to handle it as well as you have. Regardless, it has made you feel uncomfortable, and question your position at the gym.
I have my own business with around 150 staff, it’s impossible for me to know what is going on all the time, but office bullying is very destructive. I am always very grateful when a staff member has the courage and maturity to tell me about issues they are having, because otherwise I simply wouldn’t know. Every business (I don’t work in fitness but it’s all the same) wants to be successful and retain staff that are both happy and good at their job. The gym wouldn’t have many members if it wasn’t full of great teachers like you.
Hi Cassey,
Looking at all the support and positive energy that fellow POPsters from all over the world are sending out to you, I hope you are feeling much better. You know, we know and your manager knows that what he did was unprofessional. I have been laughed at in public by people in authority, and I know how humiliating it can be. In fact, just thinking back to it, I can still feel the blood rush to my face. At the end of the day, despite what they did or thought of me, I am where I wanted to be. So my suggestion is to take it in your stride, and continue doing what you do because you are awesome at it.
Here’s something that I wanted to share with you for a while: When I found your videos, I was overweight. I had given up all hope of losing this excess weight. I started doing your videos (they KILLED me), and I continued to do them. The main reasons why I love your videos are: 1) your positive attitude, and 2) you have never once made me feel bad about my body. When I did your exercises, it felt more like I was fine-tuning my body rather than aggressively trying to alter it. I started eating clean ( I NEVER thought I could do that) and I actually resist chips now- for that alone, you deserve the Nobel Prize for Fitness. Having said all of this, I am now much happier with my body, on the road to achieve my goal weight, and have a better lifestyle in general. So thank you for what you do, and keep doing it regardless of what the ‘haters’ say….cuz love (from POPsters) is stronger 🙂
So this is one of the first times Ive commented, I love your site Im just not much of a commenter. However this incident changed that. Ive been on many health sites, and yours stands out from the rest but what strikes me as remarkable is that this is truly a community. Cassey I just want you to know that you have hundreds maybe even thousands of people all over the world supporting you. Dont let this man(if he can even be called one) with ego issues, shake you. Being humilated in front of a large group of people is one of the worst things that can happen to you, especially when its about your passion. Cassey you have so much going for you, just know that you have support, and that in the end you will make the best decision for you, whether its to stay or go. You are stronger than you know 🙂
I think you SHOULD quit and take your students to another gym WITH YOU. That is what *should* happen.
It was stupid of him. It was disrespectful towards HIS CUSTOMERS too. Those people are PAYING for their gym memberships, and what they want is important. The fact that he took such horrible offense to the petition shows that he is really insecure and doesn’t believe he deserves the power he has… and it really sounds like he’s right about his self-doubt.
I know how you feel though. People say things like that to me too and they make me feel the same way. I feel like a lot of people don’t take working women seriously. From an outside point of view though, I have more perspective and can point out these things, but when they happen to me I just feel like crap. We just need to be more confident though… when everyone around us is doubting us, that’s when we really need to believe in OURSELVES.
I know exactly how you feel!!! In more ways than one! Working in a gym environment can be so tough! It is intended to be a place where people can get away from it all and decompress. Employees of a gym are supposed to do what they can to make this happen but in the process they forget to keep their professionalism intact.
The important think to remember is that you control how you live your life and that you choose to take the professional high road and stick to your guns!! He can act like a child and forget that he is in a leadership position. Patrons of the gym will see that, but they will also see you acting like a strong woman with can overcome ordeals like this and move one to bigger and better things.
If anything good can be taken out of this situation, it’s that your students love you and your class so much that they are willing and want to fight for you! I teach fitness classes myself and i know what you mean when you say that you can be having the worst day for a number of reasons and that one class can change your entire outlook on life. My students and fitness have saved my life in this respect. I hope I can be like you and teach some kick butt classes and that my students would fight for me too!
Keep up everything you’re doing. I follow your progress regularly and you inspire me all the time!
Hi Cassie, I can see how you would be upset. And I’m definitely glad that you went up and demanded an apology. That took a lot of courage. But reading the previous comments, I think that Danielle pretty much hit the nail on the head… He was so upset because he realized that he had made a bad decision. He didn’t know who you are… you’re probably one of the most influential people in fitness today. Honestly your gym is lucky to have you as a teacher, because you definitely can do way better than that. Just wait and he’ll truely be sorry he even let you go!
What a completely horrendous thing for him to do! I recently just came across your blog and videos, and they have been absolutely life changing. Your videos are a bright spot in my day, and have made me look forwards to working out when I was being bored to tears of my routine. You’re beautiful inside and out, don’t let this get you down for a second!!! xoxo
hey cassey Ive been doing your pilaties videos since the very beginning with your super butt workout and let me tell you dont you ever let some tool bag manager get you down. You inspire so many women , I mean really look at all the comments you got for just this post alone. You have helped so many girls out there and everytime im looking to getting back on track i use your videos because they actually work unlike half of some of videos out there. If you inspire all of these women then you cant let one guy get you down. The laughs on him really because you have a successful workout community online and whole group of people who support you and trust me someone like him will never go that far in the world, but im more then positive that you will. I mean look how far youve come from a super butt workout now you have so many videos and you have your on community now girllllll you should be proud and celebrating instead of getting upset<3.
Cassey, I usually don’t comment or read your blog (though I will definitely be doing so on a regular basis from now on), however this story really touched me. I’m only 16 and basically live outside (running) and at the gym. I love your youtube videos because you have such a positive attitude. How someone could disrespect you like that is incredibly unprofessional. And you’re 100% right, he shouldn’t have confronted you in public. Obviously thousands of people are inspired by you every single day. I love that you take the time to respond to comments. I remember when I first found your youtube videos I commented on it and the next day I check back and see that you responded to my comment with a simple smiley face. It actually made my day knowing that someone as inspirational as you were reading my comment. I know it sounds simple, but it just shows how committed you are to helping others become healthier and better people in general, and that’s a quality that any gym should search for in their instructors.
-Ariana
I hope you come back and share more of ur thoughts and opinions w me too! Thank u for the support Ariana!
that guys an ass****!! how can he be a manager he obviously needs some lessons on how to deal with certain situations. he should be fired!! or at least apologized to you.
i know how much passion and love you have for your job i reckon you should open/start up your own business. im sure you will have many people that will follow you. And being your own boss you dont have to deal with idiots like him anymore.
dont let him get you down!! stay strong :):):)
big hugz all the way from sydney :):):)
This guy is a jerk! hes just mad cuz no one loves him 🙂
you are like so amazing at your job and are so beautiful. F him.
Everyone obviously validated that this was clearly an unprofessional act on part of the supervisor. He obviously in some way didn’t like the petition (which he has the right to) and felt insulted in some way. If you look at it from his point of view I guess he could have felt his decision was being attacked and he was backed in a corner (not your fault). If this was the case though how you confront this situation is pull the person in the office and tell them that the petition was offensive in some way and try to resolve the situation professionally. Instead he chose the defensive bully route. He confronted you in public to show his authority (because he felt attacked aparently) and wanted you AND the clients to know who was in charge (small man syndrome). Where I come from we say “bless his tiny little heart” and then pull him aside and tell him that that type of treatment is unnacceptable to you. YOU choose how you allow people to treat you. And don’t allow him to treat you that way.
It’s really difficult for someone to stay strong in a situation like that. You did the right thing, you were the bigger person. Stay true, stay motivated. Your fans LOVE you!
Laura
Jesus Christ, what an asshole!
Don’t worry Cassey, I KNOW that everything will turn out for the better.
I am a 15 year old girl from Quebec who discovered your youtube pilates videos last December and let me just tell you that your workouts are absolutely amazing! 😀 I want to let you know that you are MADE for this job. NOBODY has more positive energy than you do and NOBODY else can push me to move and feel good about myself as much as you do!!!
I know that despite the fact that you laugh and smile on the outside, sometimes you also suffer on the inside. But all the crying will be forgoten when you experience that rush and positive energy that you get from your classes. And even though they will end soon, you will find another workplace and meet new people, because sometimes change is necessary even if you don’t want it at this time. You obviously can’t let that douchebag win!
I mean c’mon! Do you SEE all the comments that you have posted on this article??? You have a whole army of women who got yo back sista 😀
You shall come out of this stronger my dear workout godess! 🙂
Keep smiling and NEVER give up!
Sincerely, Maria.
thanks for ur support maria!!
Open your own space, take all his clients, burn down his gym. KiDDing! 😉 But seriously, why don’t you move to another gym where you wont be treated like absolute crap or better yet, rent your own space. I bet my life there would be hundreds upon hundreds of people behind you.
That was such an inappropriate thing for your boss to do – I am so incredibly sorry that happened. But when you walk into the gym tomorrow to teach your class you are being the bigger person by moving forward – and that is what counts. You are doing what you love, and you fought for it when you had every right to. And we are fighting for you too! At the end of the day, you will be so glad to look back at a horrible experience you made the most of by continuing to be positive and loving what you do, no matter what pushes you down. Let’s hope karma takes care of the rest 😉
I’m sorry about what happened Cassey. That’s really lame! Know that if i had been there, i probably would have signed the petition too.
Why is there always one ***hole who can affect so many people in a negative way??? Well you are the polar opposite of this lunatic. We all LOVE you, you are just fantastic!! It has absolutely nothing to do with you. He is just a grade A scumbag!! xxxx
I’m sorry. That’s so awful. 🙁 Don’t give up and let him win. Try to stay strong. We all think you’re wonderful!
Cassey,
I know how it feels when that happens because my dance class used to be like that. Well in a different way, but similar.
I just wanted to say that maybe you could try going to a different gym and doing all your awesome classes there, AND take your students with you but that can be a bit difficult sometimes. You should talk to the owner or the next person in charge above the manager because you don’t deserve to be treated that way and he should be fired.
You are an amazing and inspiring person, don’t ever think otherwise. You are the reason I continue to play wheelchair basketball, eat healthy and try to be an overall positive person. After being on a weight loss show (in Canada) and having them portray me in a light that was not me at all and a rude trainer that made me feel like I wasn’t good enough, I felt horrible and had correlated weight loss with how they treated me. I just stopped working, I gained all my weight back (i had lost 30lbs). I just didn’t want to do anything anymore until I stumbled upon your tumblr page and I just watched one of the videos and was amazed at how positive you were. It made me want to work out really bad. YOU are the reason I made a change in my personality and helped me gain the strength and courage to make a womens wheelchair basketball team.
What a wanker.
You walk into that class tomorrow with your head held high.
It is because of you that people go to YOUR classes.
I have deffered my gym membership simply because I find your youtube classes to be more pleasing, beneficial and more achieveable.
I have lost more weight doing your online classes than 2 years of ‘gym membership’.
So thank you!
wow really??? that’s amazing.
Cassey,
I’m new to Blogilates (and pilates) and actually I stumbled across your page a few weeks ago while looking for Pilates workouts on YouTube. You are the first ever to get me so inspired to better myself and I absolutely love your workouts! Let your boss’ ignorance roll off your shoulders! How unprofessional and disgusting he was to do that! One would think that he would be thrilled to know that your students love the class and keep you teaching it. Really makes no sense at all!
I think your fantastic and I’ve told all of my friends about your blog!
Brittany
Cassey, just like your last post- do not allow his negativity to dictate any part of your success. He is toxic. Continue doing your best (you don’t need to work harder just to prove the guy wrong), because your clientele speak for your success- not any supervisor. 🙂
He cannot win unless you believe his crappy degrading tactics… and I hope you don’t! 🙂
hi C.
I’m with you. My week was sheety, my boss told me that he doesnt care about me, my boss from the other job made my the-best-project called off. The only thing that keeps me alive is this blog. Im not the best student (a bit lazy) but since i started i fell 100% better. i feel motivated even when i am on the other side of earth. You are amazing!
All i want to say to you: STAY STRONG! 🙂 this guy will have a lot of problems because of that! look at your blog, i bet half of the people that will read this post will think twice before coming to this gym again (if they go there again!).
thanks for what you do! for ALL of us!
Aleksa
x
Like many of the previous comments, HE was the one who was unprofessional. This matter should have been handled privately. And believe me it is not just you who was humiliated…so was he… people have witnessed what an irrational prick he is!! There has to be someone above him in the chain of command that you can report him to. Business decision or not — pissing off your clients is not a good move. Your students pay their club memberships which fund HIS salary. Stay true to yourself and what you love and you will find the inner strength to deal with that negativity and continue to bring joy to your students.
Wish someone could have piped up and said “The only person acting like a child is you!” Oh well, comebacks always come hours or days later.
I want to follow you here.. on your blog. How do I go about it? 🙂
Stay strong hon!! I’ve joined your facebook page, youtube just an hour ago.. N feel like We get each other!! That manager needs to be taught a lesson!! You should make him do the hardest pilates poistion haha..maybe that’s why he was so upset!! Anyways dear, you know where you stand in your life.. and don’t ever let anyone make you compromise in what you believe in!! Just stay strong like you are.. Because your fans, friends and family love you 🙂 And so do I.. 🙂 You will meet such people in life who need to get a life but we should teach them a lesson and move on 🙂
love you.. You are an inspiration Cassey 🙂
Oh, Cassey, what a horrible experience! I know so many people have already sent you love, but I wanted to add my own voice to the mix. You’ve inspired me so much; you’ve helped me get more fit than I’ve ever been in my life, and you give so much of yourself to all of us. I’m just so excited that you’ve created this community, and I’d give anything to be at a live exercise class that you teach! Plus, I love how you don’t feel threatened by anyone else. You just create partnerships and give other people a boost up when they need it.
On a different note, while I’ve never managed a gym, I have supervised groups of people before, and from that perspective your manager was way, way out of line, and, to be honest, very stupid. After all, if he focused on building up and opening doors for instructors like you, he’d be an amazing success at his job. If he made a point of listening to his clientele, again, he’d be an amazing success. He’s creating his own failure.
I’ve also been verbally harassed by supervisors before. From my own experience, I would actually encourage you to file a report about the incident. The thing I had to learn the hard way was that I wasn’t the only one this guy was harassing. If I’d reported what was happening with me right away, other people might not have been hurt. Or at least, there would have been a well-documented history that this guy was causing trouble, which would have brought about a faster and cleaner resolution. I totally understand that you might not feel this is a good idea right now. You’ve just experienced a lot of sh** from your manager, and this might open you up to more, and you still need to walk in and be there for your students. You’ve shown all of us how to make good, life-affirming decisions, so I know whatever you do in this situation will be awesome, and you will have the support of me and everyone else in this community behind you!
This is ridiculous! First off, I’m shocked one of your classes would get cancelled at all. Secondly, you really need your own space and work for yourself…I think all those who signed the petition would happily follow you. I went through something similar with the management at a former employer and left and started my own thing. You can do it too!
thats actually a very good idea:) listed to Ali! maybe its a good time to start something own! 🙂
“Some of the most successful people know when it is time to quit.”
As a dear friend this is my advice to you:
NOW is the perfect time to start your own gym/ fashion/healthy lifestyle business.
You are not quitting. Finish up your classes and move on. Your students will follow you. Cassie, you have done all that you can do…and now you have reached the breaking point. It is time for you to go on your own.
Think of Lorna Jane… what did she do? and look at all of the success that came out of it.
You have all of the skills you need. And millions of people behind you.
The wind is behind your back, go for it! I believe in you.
I’m so sorry Cassey i spelt your name wrong….but again I believe in you!
You need to find a job at another gym where you will feel appreciated. Real talk. Don’t bring business in to that ungrateful bastard. Your students will probably follow you to whereever you go. Stay there until you find a better place is my advice. And keep your head up.
Cassey, don’t let anyone ever get you down. I would’ve killed to take your bootcamp class, and I’m sure you’re a fabulous instructor. Never forget the support system you have in your readers and followers of your blog and other networking sites. Love you and keep your head high!
This guy sounds really sexist, like the type of guy who jumps on the opportunity to belittle strong women. Don’t let him get to you and ruffle your feathers, that’s just what he wants, for you to be the emotional woman and for him to be the overpowering man. Just keep being awesome and happy, because I’m sure you’re happiness is like salt in his wound of loneliness and at-large impenitence 🙂
I will try to make a long story short(er)
–A friend & neighbor asked me to work in her husbands Optical. I turned it down 4 times. I know you shouldn’t work for friends but they convinced me that all would be well so I went for it. I loved my job. It was not something I did, yet I found a natural fit & I thrived. and dang it -I was GOOD at it.
–I took on the inventory, a much neglected part of the office and made it look goood. It was controled, planned, coordinated, precise and trackable. I did most of the repairs and helped patients select from our great frames. Among many other jobs that somehow magically got done each day.
–About a year into it the friend/wife started coming to work. She had hired a fabulous & very competent staff. We had given her the highest sales they had ever had and the best patient feed back, yet she felt a need to be there daily. She hovered over everyone and micro-managed to a point that we felt like we couldn’t even answer a phone correctly. She treated us like 6 year olds. She would say to me “I don’t even know what it is you do around here”. Slowly she started picking away at pieces of the job where each of us thrived. I found that much of what she was doing was inserting her control and bully all of us. The tension was growing and there were lots of mean things being said behind her back.
–I turned to my friend and trusted that she would care about the health of the office. I tried to help her feel confident in the staff she had hired. She turned on me. After a very tense week she said that I had stirred up problems. That the staff “still liked me and would allow me to stay (???) But If I did stay she would ‘start’ watching what I did much more closely and if it has been miserable she would make it more so, Or you can choose to leave.”
–After a couple of thinking hours I figured I was over the misery part. I loaded up my desk and became the 13th employee she had run off in 3 years.
–Now a year later she is still my neighbor. My son plays with hers almost daily. I see her each week at church but I have NO need for her in my life. She send little messages never with apology but trying to make me all better. I finally sent a message back saying “sometimes a persons part in your story comes to an end.”
–A very direct result is that I haven’t been able to make my house payment so we are in the middle of selling. I can’t wait to never see her again. We hope to knock down my husbands hour commute. If I could go back and do anything different, I wouldn’t. I was honest and stood up for my co workers. I would not go back and work under that stress for anything. The thing I did wrong. I trusted her.
so I know this feeling of working so hard and being rewarded with be-littling. You feel hurt, empty. Like what am I even doing. I have spent the last year soul serching and trying to re find who I am and what I have to offer. I have serched for motivation and part of that search brought me to your site. I am now running or biking or doing some form of exercise daily. I am paying attention to what I eat. All to rebuild my strength and courage. I sent that last note just last monday. She responded with “I’m sorry you feel that way, good bye” and it finally freed my heart.
Some bosses need that “control” they need the Power and Final say. He got rocked when your class had something to add. What a great group who would stand up for you and he was 100% wrong to speak to you at all on the floor in front of everyone. That was a wimp move. The laugh was just him digging deep to try to hold something over you even though he had nothing.
So Cassey, I walked out of there alone. You still have quite a following YOU have built up. You have tons of support and a built in cheering section. So keep going and show him who actually has the power in this one. Good luck! you will be well.
I’m very sorry you had to go through that. If it’s any consolation, the way he acted was his problem, not yours. And he needs to live with himself. Some people simply have bully characters, and not much can be done to change them. Be at peace with yourself, it wasn’t your fault. Take care :*
I think that everyone else has pretty much said what could be said about the smallness of that man’s actions and how amazing you are, Cassey! I just want to add my hugs to theirs 🙂
Anyone treating u this way is NOT OK! Hes such an a*****e!!! On the contrary he should have respected the fact the people loves you and have gone all through the trouble to make a petition for u to stay for BootCamp! Im sure that one day he will be sorry and remember always that what goes around comes around!!!
Keep ur chin up, do not pay any attention to him, dont let him break u down! Above all do not spend another sec thinking about him and the way he treated you because he does not worth it!
Be strong, prove him wrong and just ignore him…! U r such a bigger person and think of this as a bad experience that u will come out of stronger!!!!!
We are all here for u Cassey.. im just sorry that u had to go through this..
What a small, small man.
I got so angry reading that. No matter who you are or what your position, that’s no way to behave towards an employee. Very unprofessional, showing a total lack of respect. I would consider having a word with his manager and just making that person aware of the incident. It may not be the first or last time he acts like that towards someone, unfortunately.
But go back in there tomorrow with your head high and teach a class full of people who love and respect you.
Dear Cassie,
First and foremost, everyone here at Blogilates LOVES you! You’re such a strong and level headed person. Believe me when I say I would have acted out and there would have been name calling and demeaning comments left and right coming out of my mouth.
Second, I wanted to remind you that everyone EVERYONE acts like a child sometimes. Someone can be thirty or even forty years old and they can still throw a tantrum when things don’t go their way or when they feel threatened. (Which must be the case because that guy seemed to go crazy about that petition!)
Remember that his little “show of power” was an attempt to save his own face and credibility as a manager. Your students and their love for you clearly caught him off guard and challenged his decisions as a manager.
As for your decision to stay at the gym and continuing to teach your classes, it’ll only make you happy. I want to say that it’ll psych him out or teach him a lesson about belittling people, but we don’t know that. So let’s just forget about him. Sure you’ll probably see him and it’ll be awkward, but who needs people like that in their lives?It’s not like you have to see him everyday or spend personal time with him.
What we do know is that if you keep doing what you love doing, you’re going to be happier. Don’t leave your fans hanging!! SO keep your chin up and every time you’re feeling down remember one of your Blogilistas (I just made that up.. but there should be a name for us!!) and how much YOU are the reason WE have good days!
Love ya girl!
Oh Cassey I’m so sorry. But there is an incredible quote by an incredible man I want you to remember. “No can make you feel inferior without your consent.” This is so true, don’t let your 6 year jacka** of a manager get you down. Your are incredible! Your are warm and bubbly and so passionate about what you do and every single one of your students love you! Look at us on here! 🙂 Don’t let him control you and take that away from you. (not that he could, we’d kick his a** because you have made us so strong!) haha 🙂 Your students are all that counts. We love you and support you!!!
~Athena
That pisses me off! It didn’t even happen to me! I dislike people very much when they belittle others in the work place. Very unprofessional. I used to be verbally and emotionally bullied at work and I threatened to take legal actions and report the person higher than me to the labor board. ALL businesses have an obligation to withhold a certain standard to their employees and he definitely broke that standard. You also have your friend as a witness. I hope he gets some kind of consequence for his actions. I hope your day is better today. Remember, even if you see him today, tomorrow, a week from now, don’t let him conquer your confidence. Look him into those jerk’s eyes and give him the most sarcastic smile EVER! Be strong and look forward!
Wow, I can not believe how childish and silly he was being. First of all you didn’t make the petition the students did and second of all its a very adult thing to do it happens all the time in government and business. Is he usually like this or could this have resulted from a really bad day? Not that its an excuse but if hes not usually like this maybe he will be easier to deal with down the road…I hope so. Please remember above all that was only one person regardless of his position still just one person and one person should never be allowed to out voice all the people that are fighting for you to teach the class…you are loved and respected by them, and by all of us who follow you. Keep you head high when you walk back into the gym and let your amazing personality, work ethic and knowledge speak volumes with the classes you do have!!!
Everyone has a boss. Talk to his.
I agree! Tell his boss what happened!
What a jerk!! I’m sorry Cassey! That is completely uncalled for 🙁 I hope that today will be a better day for you! Walk into your sculpt class with your head held high and just focus on doing what you love. If I were there, I would have punch him for you 😉
Let the manager do his thing & be who he is! You can be certain he’s treated other people like that too, in his unprofessional, bullying way. That’s his karma, his life, and it will unfold in the way in which he’s created it. YOU are the talent, the one who’s creating love & you’ll keep seeing it revealed in the best ways in your life because that’s what you’re creating. The bully is simply an opportunity to appreciate the love you create even more. We all love you & you’ve created that! Keep shining!! 🙂
And I’m really glad to hear you’re sticking with it because you are great. You have inspired me in so many ways! In the next few days it won’t feel so bad anymore.
He sounds like the biggest jerk I’ve ever heard of. How completely disrespectful and rude and ridiculous! “Unprofessional”?? Should have handled it a different way?? What different way? A petition is completely professional and I think the best way to handle it. What else were the going to do? Barge into his office and demand that you stay? That would have been unprofessional, not the petition. And there were so many different and better ways to handle that. I often find people in positions of power don’t actually know how to do anything. The administrators at my school are the same way.
oh my! he’s really really really rude! and stupid. you’ve made the right decision for not quitting. coz that is the best revenge you could give. show him how professional you are by being the same happy and good and kind instructor that you are. show him how unaffected you are despite him trying to degrade the greatest pilates instructor. You are strong and you have every right to be sad. tomorrow, i’m pretty much sure it’ll be ok. he’s just one person you have us.. each and everyone of us who love you and know how good you are. i’m sure he knows that. cheer up!
Cassey I am so sorry you had a miserable night last night; as I read your post I was in shock and just so sad for you! Especially with the awkwardness you have to deal with now. If he isn’t always like that, maybe try talking to him about it on another day. I’m no expert, we can only hope that it was a bad day for him and he’ll completely make nice later. I hope so for your sake!
I want to let you know that I’ve been wanting to get back to my healthy weight and lifestyle but after paying lots of money for 3 bootcamps, and quitting partway through, exercise clothes, etc. etc. I’m finally “in like” with exercising (hopefully I’ll be falling in LOVE with it soon) thanks to you & your wonderful Blogilates site. My friend and I did 4 videos last night and jogged 1 mile, then walked 1 mile and told each other how we had been looking forward to Blogilates all day. THAT IS SO AMAZING! It’s an incredible, empowering feeling that YOU made possible Cassey. Chin up gorgeous, you’re touching lives and he can just be a grump all he wants because you know how to truly be happy – by helping others achieve their goals.
I love you Cassey! Thank you for all you are doing for me!
Kayli
That’s so horrible for you Cassey! I honestly don’t understand this man’s behaviour AT ALL. You are such a great, driven, kind and inspiring person and don’t deserve to be treated like this at all! And I just wanted to thank you for introducing me to pilates. I’m feeling so much better ever since I discovered you and your youtube channel. I’m crazy about it! Stay strong and just remember that there are tons of people out there who DO appreciate you and everything you do 🙂
And I definitely feel that you have so much to give….have you ever considered opening your own gym? I seriously think that you would do well. Shoot, I’ll even apply to teach classes! I’m a college student training to be a group fitness instructor now 🙂
Don’t let ONE unprofessional man make you feel out of place, when you have a class full of people who love you enough to sign a petition.
I feel like him and his behavior is the thing that should be laughed at.
Cassey, he was totally out of line! People can be so mean and unprofessioinal! You are so loved! Your love for fitness makes me love fitness too, and I know that thousands, maybe even millions of people feel that way about fitness, because of YOU! Literally. Don’t let this bring you down, although I do completely understand how you feel. Situations like that make me feel depressed and sad too, you SO don’t deserve to be treated that, no one does. Feel better! <3
I can’t believe he did that. Perhaps I’m hasty with my decisions, but I’d take my teaching abilities elsewhere. I know all your students love you. I’d murder and pillage for the chance to get to work out with you. I’m sure your students would follow you if you chose to go to a gym or even start your own little place where you will be respected.
oh man that is not fair at all. he is the unprofessional one. just know there are tons of people who appreciate you! thank you so much for everything and keep going please.
Omigosh Cassey! I’m so sorry that you had to go through that! You will be triumphant in the end! You know it!
Something similar happened to me a few years ago. I had just quit the job I had for 3 years at a bookstore. There was a recent switch in management and I didn’t agree with a lot of the changes that had been made. I saw my coworkers being mistreated and a lot of ends started loosening and things were falling apart. I already had another job, so I really didn’t need that one either. So I sat down with my manager and calmly explained to her my reasons for leaving. It was right at the beginning of the day, so I said I’d work my full shift because I felt that was the right thing to do. And she was really sweet about it.
Of course, word got out to the owner right away who stormed over to the table I was working on and started SCREAMING at me, in front of customers! RIGHT BY THE FRONT OF THE STORE!!! I don’t even remember what about exactly, but it almost sounded like I let him down for getting me the job in the first place. Talk about unprofessional!
I am so appalled at the managers behavior. I am also a fitness instructor and would not stand for such unprofessional behavior from any manger. Keep your head up high at your next class and focus on the students who are there for YOU. Maybe it’s time to take your talents to a gym with less toxic environment. Life is too short!
Ok seriously what a big freaking JERK. And a dumb manager! I would take it to his bigger boss if he has one. He is not allowed to act that way, anywhere in a business setting. If he was working at a Fortune 500 we would all laugh at him and he would get fired immediately (at least at my company!)
I just wanna let you know you are truly inspiring. I take group classes often and I have my absolute favorite teachers. I know the feeling when they have to be subbed out, and one of my favorites actually took 3 months off for a chem class he had to take. I was literally sad every Friday that he was not teaching. It affects students a lot when their fave teacher is not there, trust me! I would have done anything to take his class anywhere…so don’t be afraid to venture off to a new gym! Or better yet, move to San Diego so I can take your classes =)
Chin up, girl <3
Erika
What a terrible situation! No one has the right to bully you, especially those you work with. There must be some formal or informal way to lodge a complaint against him? This is serious – if he’s behaved to inappropriately to one of this employees, he’s probably done so to others as well.
I’m not sure how your gym works, whether there is an HR department, or any other supervisor you can speak with, but what he did and said is inappropriate.
Of course, if that’s not how you want to handle the situation, and would prefer to forget it happened in time, I fully support you too! I’m so completely non-confrontational it’s pathetic, lol.
Good luck and remember, you could probably kick his ass anyway.
That is a horrible thing that the manager could do and he had the nerve to call you unprofessional….That is so not cool and you are a big motivation to me and everyone around you……..So try not to feel like s**** because you know you are better than that big jerk and keep motivating people and show that manager that you are better than him
Cassey! I am so sorry doll, what he did was completely unprofessional. Why don’t you contact HR or corporate (if it is a corporate gym) what he did violated like 100 policies, not to mention labor laws. It can’t hurt you to go talk to someone over him, once it’s documented he can’t retaliate, because that is illegal. If you need any help let me know, I can find you the exact business laws he violated.
Your favorite MBA student specializing in business law ;),
Sara
I can’t believe that!
Have you ever thought of opening your own business Cassey? Your own smaller gym? I think you would be really good at it and your class that petitioned to have you stay, would probably move with you.
Agree!!
This may not be the most *supportive* comment, but bottom line: He can’t make you feel anything, you let him.
I’ve been there before, and lost my shit and started crying because I was so angry, so hurt, and felt totally worthless. And crying is always interpreted as weakness, when in fact that was just how my body let out all the extreme rage I was feeling at how I was being treated in front of everyone I worked with! Later, after things cooled off for me, I realized that I didn’t, and SHOULDN’T, have given the “power” to them in the first place. Cause really? Who the feck is that person? They are NO ONE, and their opinion of me is worthless. I have the people I need in my life, just like you have wonderful family, friends, and customers. His opinion doesn’t define JACK SH1T!
Is it fair? No, not at all and the audacity for someone to call you unprofessional yet behave that way is quite telling about his life; He probably has a small, unhappy, fraught with jealousy filled life. It’s an extreme shame that he is in a position of power,but like others have said he was threatened by you, hence his acting out like a CHILD or a someone who is emotionally retarded.
Possibly he has a personality disorder… Whatever the case is, be a better person, you have the POWER TO SAY NO THANK YOU TO HIS GIFT OF NEGATIVITY.
He has no power over you in any REAL way, you can say “nah, no thanks, you keep that” when he tries to gift/infect you with his sh1tty attitude.
Also, as he is the manager, he doesn’t own the gym? Correct? It might be prudent to write a very “professional” letter to the owner to let him/her know how a representative of theirs is behaving, not just to you, but to their customers who valued you enough to make a petition, which is out of your control.
Godspeed!
Thanks for sharing this story, Cassey. You’re such a strong person, hard worker, and a wonderful example of positivity. I love to read your blog for motivation, but I really appreciate that you can be honest about your struggles and moments of doubt as well. Your boss clearly has no idea what an asset you are. I have a manager at work who has a similar attitude of disdain, and it’s such a challenge to bite my tongue and ignore her unsupportive words. I’m not sure she realizes just how much her attitude has driven me away — I’ll be giving my notice this summer to return to school! My only regret is that I could never find the courage to talk to her about how she treats me . . . and I hope you might find it inside yourself to (politely) confront your boss. Bullies deserve to be called out, and I have a lot of faith that if you needed to leave this gym, you’d find another one eager to hire you. Sending strong, positive thoughts your way!
Omg Cassey! This is horrible! What a mean man! Please dont feel bad. You know that you’re good at what you do and we love you and appreciate how much effort you put into your work 🙂
What a douche! Is there any way you could go to HIS boss and have a talk with him or her? Jerks like that are why a lot of people don’t even go to the gym.
So sorry that incident happened dont let it affect your self esteem and your feelings, I know exactly how that feels, the worst is to feel that way in your workplace, especially in your situation when you felt so proud and glad that your students really enjoyed your class!! im sure the class is incredible, and if that a-hole couldnt recognize that, his loss, im sure your students can take their business else where:) good luck & your amazing!!!!!!!! wish i was lucky enough to be able to take your classes in your town!
Had to pick up my jaw from the ground! I CAN NOT believe the way your manager handled the petition. I am a Group Fitness Instructor and I know what you mean.. a group can so energize and lift your spirits and I have made so many friendships from instructing classes.
Cassey, you are a very confident, strong, motivating, talented, inspirational, and loving person. The way the manager reacted is uncalled for..and I really really REALLY hope that you file a complaint (the way he comes off… don’t give the complaint to him.. talk to other instructors that you trust and brainstorm on who you should contact). This should NEVER happen. You are absolutely correct… a professional manager would have called you into his office – asked you calmly what the petition was about – given you time to respond – and NOT laugh in your face. I’m glad that your friend was sitting right next to you though. So later if you do file a complaint and he denies any of it.. you have your friend to back you up too. I know it may seem like a scary step to take. But it really does need to happen. Your strong and what if he does things like this to other instructors (laughing in their face).. what if he does this too a new instructor? That could really ruin a new instructors dream of continuing with Group Instructing. Anyway… I just strongly feel that you should bring this to the attention of whoever is above him professionally.
I’ll be thinking of you today (even though you probably already had the Pilates class by now).
I always make sure to tell my friends and family this everyday… but I think you need it to be said to you today as well. *And I mean it!*
Love you, Cassey!
We’re here to support you no matter what!
Hey Cassey,
I stumbled upon your youtube videos and blog 2 weeks ago and in this 2 weeks you have motivated me SO MUCH. To push myself harder during runs, to hang in there while doing your videos, to eat clean. You are AMAZING. It’s really horrid that your manager treated you that way and I truly respect that you are staying on for your students. I wish I could attend your classes in real life! But we’re in different parts of the world so I guess I just have to make do with the videos.
Hang in there babe. 🙂 you are such a great inspiration to so many of us out here.
Love,
Charissa
Cassie, he is projecting on you because you are so far ahead of him. He was laughing at you because he was taken aback that students would sign a petition and put it on his desk after he made a decision. In his eyes, they are challenging his decision. i agree with what the students did, and i would certainly do it too! DON’T LET HIM MAKE YOU FEEL INFERIOR. Just walk away and don’t look back and remember that all eyes are on you when you walk in, no question that this girl’s a ten. “Don’t hate me cuz I’m beautiful.” 🙂 Love you!
Ah I can’t believe I spelled your name wrong. It’s too early to be awake lol. I’m so sorry! Had a brain fart. 🙁
I am sorry he made you feel that way Cassey…It’s never a good feeling to be laughed at or humiliated especially in front of people, I know I have been there before. DO what you do best,stay strong forget the haters, forget him! You are great at what you do and obviously it shows when your students love you so much that they would try to save your class so that alone should make you feel awesome! Your beautiful, your talented, your strong! We all love you here and it makes us sad when you are sad:( You will walk into that gym with your head held high and show him that his rudeness and ignorance didn’t at all get you down! You got this and we love you xoxox
Wow. I’ll bet your classes are amazing, I only wish I could take them but I’m on the east coast! You and the class did NOT deserve to be treated like children. I deal with big male egos all the time at work and learned to handle this. If he exhibits this behavior again, and esp. in front of your class, I would calmly walk over to him, state we can discuss this privately in an office with his superior/boss present, and tell him his behavior is unprofessional, disrespectful, rude, embarassing, and will not be tolerated in front of paying customers. I would also document the incident, just in case, via a written statement as well as any witnesses. Or just leave and find another gym to offer your classes – but I would definitely at least alert his superior of his behavior. The customers witnesses the entire incident and were made to feel their opinions did not matter. Want to talk about business reasons? Satisfied happy customers is HUGE one. Luv u Cassey! Men or people like that just are not worth it.
Meant to say “The customers witnessed the entire incident…”
Hate typos. Sorry, English major. 🙂 Building a thick skin for assholes comes with my job. Wonder where that petition is now – I’d show it to his superior. 🙂 Humiliation comes with a price sometimes.
You’re such an amazing girl. You put yourself out there everyday in a honest and giving way – that’s why your students petitioned for you. I trust that you won’t give this “manager” another thought. You’ve got big plans that you have to make happen!
Seriously…how much do we all love your bags?!
Cassey don’t ever quit. This is beyond unprofessionalism. I watch your videos every single day and i see myself looking forward each night to do my workout and you are the reason for that. I’m also sure the you are one of the biggest motivation for people to come to gym.
Love you so much 🙂
OMG! There are assholes in this life, then there are even bigger assholes! I would head right in, get in his face in a low-key way, and tell HIM how unprofessional he was to interrupt your class with rude behavior. Go right ahead and tell him you are a darn good instructor, and you will not tolerate that behavior in your classes. What’s the worst that can happen, you won’t be teaching at that gym anymore.
You know what your post reminds me of? An editorial by Greg Smith on Goldman Sachs that I read a day or so ago. Although some may see this guy as a disgruntled, former employee, he’s simply calling it as he sees it–a toxic, destructive environment. I’d say the gym manager is a toxic person with destructive attitude.
Be upset about this for 24 hours, then move on. What goes around, comes around. Chin up, girl! This guy isn’t worth a moment of your thoughts anymore.
Hei Cassey,
That guy’s actions are so typical of people who don’t get motivation, compassion or a bubbly personality! I’ve been treated like that so often at school and uni, and it’s always so demeaning!
Of course you’re feeling belittled and not taken seriously! Don’t even think of taking him seriously, or worrying that you should have done anything differently!
YOU ARE GREAT THE WAY YOU ARE!
You have the gift of bringing joy and motivation to people’s lives!!!
He is just one of the millions of people who are not capable of insight and rather belittle people who they don’t understand.
These sorts have made me mad so often, as I hate to be called childish or “not adult enough” just because I actually show joy in the little things and may seem overly bubbly from time to time. It’s just one side of my personality, and it evens out my “I sit at home reading quietly”-side!
Even ex-boyfriends have taken me down for my joy of life, and that hurt so much. Just goes to show that whoever is your real friend will help you go higher!
This will make you stronger! Just like it’s not healthy to surround yourself with friends who bring you down, it’s not healthy to work under bosses who belittle their motivated workers. I’ve found a different job now, and it’s amazing when you feel like your work power is appreciated!
Cassey, excuse my french, but please don’t give a s*** about a boss like that. Don’t try to excuse yourself or even try to explain what really happened. He doesn’t sound like he would get it! Just focus on yourself loving your classes and your students loving you back! That’s all that he needs to see and understand, but you can’t make him – you shouldn’t have to!!!
He’s the one who’s serously lacking in compassion!
I feel for you. Focus on what you love about yourself!!!
*hugs*
inga
P.s. Just like Amy said: he attacks one of us, he attacks all of us. There are THOUSANDS of us Popsters!!! And we will fight for our Queen!!!
XXXXXXXXXXX!!!!!!! <3 U!!!!!!
Oh my god Cassey, I’m so sorry that happened. He was an asshole and a bully. YOU DID NOTHING WRONG!!! You hear me, NOTHING WRONG. He was an asshole and a bully, unprofessional, disrespectful, a coward, and he took advantage of his authority. He should have asked to speak to you in his office after your class. His only goal when he walked into YOUR classroom was to humiliate, disrespect, and bully you. YOU did then professional thing by writing a petition. Petitions were designed so people could all put their voices together to be heard. What you should do is go to HIS BOSS and tell them what happened. But just remember that everyone here loves you and supports you!!!!!!!
Sending you so much love and support!!!!! xxxxxxxxxxx!!!!!!!!
<3 U!!!
Ella
The attitude of your manager was seriously uncalled for. It wasn’t professional what he said to you let alone how he acted towards you.
If my manager ever pulled that on me, idc who he is. I would set him straight in a respectful way, ofc.
Don’t let what he did get to you, its what he wants. Don’t give him that satisfaction that he has won b.c he hasn’t. You have so many fans who love you! He’s just one little person who’s being negative. Hopefully one day he’ll come to his senses and stop acting immature.
I’m sorry for what he did. But stay strong and continue to teach! You are WONDERFUL at what you do! 🙂
Hi,
First of all – sorry you had this experience. This guy shows that all people who have ‘power’ positions within the workplace certainly do not deserve them. The good news is that he is the manager and not the owner AND he obviously does not speak for everyone (if he did, the petition would not have happened in the first place). No wonder you are thinking of leaving your job. A few questions/suggestions below.
1) What is your relationship with the owner like? Is there any way that you could contact them about this behaviour? Quite obviously it is the manager who was acting unprofessionally, not you. The students (who are PAYING members of the gym) have a right to speak about the service that they are receiving and who is the one providing it for them.
2) Are any of your students aware of this? If so, it would be quite powerful if THEY went above the head of the manager with the petition and a discussion of watching you being attacked for it in the gym. (If any of the students involved in the petition are reading this – GO ABOVE THIS MANAGER’S HEAD TO HIS BOSS. A complaining customer receives more attention than upset staff.)
I have had similar experiences with bullies in the workplace. They aren’t lovely people and they certainly do make us feel helpless. Just remember that there is ALWAYS something that is to be learned and that can be done in situations like this. It is frustrating and heart-breaking. You are strong, loved, and getting super successful. Remember all that positive and keep it in your heart when determining what to do about this d-bag.
Best,
Katie
I put this on your facebook page: This is extremely unprofessional and also irresponsible on his part. It is obvious that this person does not have respect for you or even other people at the work place; and also the clients (they can each tell 10 friends about their experience, the gym could be in trouble and possibly lose their clients). When someone does this no matter if it is a: boss, co-worker, parent, partner, friend, ect; they have no self love (no love for themselves inside or out) and no self-confidence themselves so they feel powerful doing this when in reality they are not. Think about it this way. What open doors has this experience created for you? Here is two thoughts for you: “My talents are in demand. I allow other people to love me and see my greatness. I now discover how wonderful I am.” and “What we give out we get back.”~ Louise L. Hay ~ I hope this was helpful.
Here is what happened to me once. I had a female manager do this to me before (unfortunately a lot of female managers seem to do this especially to other women and they go on a power trip) in front of everyone as I stood there and listened. She asked if I was going to cry or run away (laughing) and I simply said “no, I will not,” she left early that day and I transferred my self to another store. She got demoted very quickly for her actions not only because I filed a complaint but also to my surprise my co-workers told HR and the area manager what had happened to me. When asked my co-workers (one of them happened to be her friend) why they said that I have respect them and she does not.
I’m really sorry your manager made you feel this way. Managers are supposed to make sure everyone in their work environment feels safe and respected, clearly he failed at that. Laughing at you and the petition was highly unprofessional.
However, blogging about your complaints with your boss is highly unprofessional. Especially since you know that hundreds of people frequent this page. You should set up an appointment with your manager to discuss how you feel about this situation, and if he still laughs and disrespects you then you should go to the next person above. You should be careful about what you post on your blog because in your managers eyes you have now made him look bad to many many people, which therefore can make the gym look bad. Many people have lost their jobs over what they post on the internet about work. Be careful!
Good luck dealing with this disrespectful person! (Quite honestly I bet you could find a better gym to work at 🙂 )
OMG, like seriously I am furious reading this, how could he, you are like the nicest person I don’t know you but I do my pilates every morning with you…and I do have a good sense about people (got it from my mum) anyways recently I was also humiliated at the gym (I just work out I don’t teach) and I cried a lot bc of it didn’t go to the gym for a 2 weeks and started hating this place I thought I would never ever work out in a gym again. On my friend’s advice I changed it and I LOVE my new gym+ something similar happened (of that incident from my old gym in my new gym) last week but I stud up for myself & at the end this person ended up being nice to me. But than again this is your job and than again you have your students on your side this guy probably no one and than again (love saying it alot hahah) they don’t most likely don’t have respect for him now and probably everyone who red this post. YOU ARE AMAZING GIRL, KEEP GOING YOU ARE MY INSPIRATION SERIOUSLY YOU MAKE WORK OUT SO FUN I do have pilates at my gym too I preffer here though hahhah!!ACTUALLY JUST CAME BACK FROM LUNCH AND I’M GONNA WORK WITH YOU NOW!
WOW. I cannot believe an adult that is a so-called professional would act that way. What a douche. I’m a group fitness instructor as well (Zumba, hip hop cardio, abs, etc), and I would hope that my classes would have the same reaction if I was to be asked to leave. I’m so very sorry this happened to you, but please know that your worth is not determined by this incompetent tool who obviously has some sort of power ego complex. Is there someone that you could report him to at your gym (owner, perhaps)?
Saying a prayer for you – stay strong and know you are loved!
Im sorry this happened to you:/ I hate being in an awkward situation like that ad especially when the other person won’t hear you out. Keep going to the gym and don’t let him get to you, be strong and show him your above all of this; show him youre better than this.
Xoxo
Rys
I agree this “manager” was extremely unprofessional! He should be happy to see the impact that you have on peoples lives. I hope you have an amazing day and keep your head held high. You have no reason to feel these feelings of shame that you are, this so called manager should be! We love you and sending you lots of hugs and kisses!!!! xoxo
I rarely comment, but I am appalled at what happened. That was COMPLETELY inappropriate behavior on HIS part! How dare he?! He should be so greatful to have an instructor that people WANT to learn from, feel good from and are motivated by. In a country today where health seems to sit on the back burner for most people, YOU actually make people want it and strive for it. You have motivated me incredibly so that I’ve lost 8 lbs and have 5 more to go. My goal weight always seemed out of reach and YOU CASSEY, YOU have helped me achieve great things. People like this “manager” need to roll off your chest, because the great things you are doing for this community should trump anything he had to say to you. It’s hard, I know, I’ve been there. He is not worth your tears and your anger. You are obviously doing something right if your class petitioned for you to stay and when you start your own studio one day, he will regret the day he ever cut your class. Keep your head up Cassey. Just a bump in the road and it will lead to things, even greater than what’s happened for you. I believe in you Cassey, because you believe in all of us!
Oh, Cassey! That is the worst feeling in the world. I know EXACTLY how horrible that moment is.
I’ll tell you what my boyfriend told me in a similar situation. I love myself and all that, but I’m so focused on my own thing (acting) that I never even looked at my situation this way…My manager at my day job and I don’t exactly get along. I work my butt off there, and he fields calls all the time from customers praising me, but he still looks at me like he can’t quite believe I’m the one they’re talking about. One day, I mused to the BF, “It almost seems like he’s afraid of me.” And he said, “I guarantee he is. He doesn’t realize you’re not interested in this job for very long. What he does know is that if you stay, you could have his job very very quickly.”
And I think this is exactly your situation. A manager who is insecure is threatened by a real go-getter, especially one they continue to hear praise about when they don’t often get it themselves. I think it’s especially threatening to older men who have been taught that they will be in charge to see beautiful young women suddenly threatening not only their position, but their worldview. He probably doesn’t realize how much more invested your energies are in your entrepreneurism and fashion, and is scared you’ll be gunning for his job soon. And his insecurities tell him he won’t be able to find another one.
Hopefully that gives you a little perspective. I know I don’t know the whole situation – it just sounded sooo similar, I had to share. I kind of almost feel maternal towards my manager now, instead of like a whipped dog wondering what I did wrong…
Just a thought. Hope you had a good, angry cry. Have a great Pilates class!
wow, what a great way to turn that situation around! You have yourself a very supportive boyfriend, congratulations!!!
I think that twisting this thing around answers a lot of questions – it’s not just that people look down on motivation and joy, but also that they’re intimidated by it.
I will keep your ideas concerning this situation in mind for the next time something like this happens to me.
The worst is always to start thinking “What have I done wrong…” I’m sure this will help.
Thanks…!
Cassey,
Getting yelled at by a boss always sucks, especially at a job that is really a lifestyle. I am a running coach, so I can understand the way you talk about the energy your students give you. Everytime one of my new runners signs up for their first race, a new distance, or reaches a milestone, it makes me want to train harder and motivate them further. When its such a big part of your ’emotional’ and ‘social’ life, its often easy to forget that some people see fitness as just their job–a business, a ‘professional’ life.
I think that fact that you’re so enraged by how this manager of yours acted, just speaks to your passion and your conviction for health and fitness. Its crazy to think that someone supposedly in the same ‘business’ wouldn’t appreciate that, but alas, to your manager it may only be a job (one that he doesn’t sound very good at, at that).
When you look at the numbers, you have a heck of a lot more people behind you than against you, so try not to be embarrassed when you go in there today. As I see it, the feelings should be reversed–your manager embarrassed the most popular instructor at his gym…I wouldn’t be surprised if he cowered in his office for the day after realizing he’s the one with no support here.
Oh Cassey!
I’m not a fitness group teacher, I have no authority whatsoever in any situation, but I’ve been in a similar case as you where you just want to pull out your hair out of frustration. It’s unfair. For me, it was at the airport in the Philippines where lines moved really slowly, and some Canadian chubby man thought he was superior to the rest of the people waiting in line and decided to cut… when I confronted him, he’s like, “Yeah? So what?” and it drove me crazy.
Biggest cyber hug to you, and don’t let that ass of a manager bring you down! You’re way too awesome. 🙂 <3 Love you!
Hi Cassey,
First of all thanks for sharing this post. It takes a lot to share something like this but it helps others as well who may be going through something similar.
Your manager did that because he is threatened by you. Or he wants what you have. Or he hates himself. He KNOWS how good you are. He KNOWS how much your students love you. He KNOWS he is lacking in some area and wishes he could be better. That’s why did he what he did. I imagine he feels guilty for replacing you–albeit I don’t know all the details behind that story. But he is in the wrong.
Cassey, some people NEED to laugh at others to feel better at themselves. Some people need to belittle others. It’s true and a harsh reality.
The worst thing you could do is feel shame or embarrassment or less than the amazing, life-changing woman you are when you show up for your class. Yes, go through the emotions and feel them but don’t live there! Walk in with a big smile–even if you are faking–and I even challenge you to smile at him! He is hurting and needs love. And yes I know you may not want to be the one
To give it to him in that moment–completely understandable!! But that’s the reality of the situation, lovely Cassey.
This event will make you stronger than ever and it is a BLINK in your life. The next moment is coming sooner than you think!!
Thank you so much for all you do!!
Love,
Ash
Hi Cassey,
I am a new reader of your blog and have spent the last few days pouring over old posts and videos. As a fellow fitness professional (yoga instructor and yoga therapist) I wanted to comment on this….
Very recently I was in a similar situation with a yoga studio, the place where I taught 8 classes a week and had a strong following. Long story short, I had the rug pulled out from under me a couple weeks ago due to reasons I will never fully understand, but I now know in looking back on this situation that is was more about the owners and whatever was/is going on in their lives than anything within me. I suspect the same holds true in your case.
Take a deep breath, shed those tears, feel the pain, accept it and move forward. Take the higher road and find out what else exists on your path. The “closing” of this teaching opportunity with the class has “opened” up the possibilities for something new and better.
Best of luck!!!
Hannah
Cassey,
Pls be strong. You are a great person, instructor n teacher
I hope everything will be ok again
Cassey, I just recently started following your blog after watching (and working out hard!) your YouTube videos. Any gym owner/supervisor should feel lucky to have you as a trainer. Please know that you motivate and inspire lots of people to stay healthy and fit even in far away places like Ukraine (where I live 🙂 Stay +
aww cassey, good on you for sticking up for yourself! that is absolutley disgraceful!
small man syndrome, that is all that is!
don’t let it get you down! you are so inspiring i love your videos. i have only recently found your blog and it is bookmarked so i can reference it each day to be inspired.
try not to let it get to you <3
Lots of Love from Australia
🙂
How did u know????!!!!!
There’s going to be haters, detractors, nay-sayers, and distracters who try to knock you down and make you second-guess and doubt yourself. Whether they show up at work, at school, or at home, there’s always going to be someone laughing at you for being awesome in the hopes that you’ll falter and quit.
But so what?
The trick of life isn’t to avoid being laughed at. It’s to do something so big …and amazing that it causes that reaction in the first place – to be so brilliant that you force the haters to resort to childish, stupid tactics just to make themselves feel important and better than you.
The best thing you can do is laugh right back and keep being awesome anyway.
– Ellie Di, The Headologist
Ellie, that was so well written!!!! Almost like poem!
Cassie, I’m so sorry this happened to you. That really was not dealt with in an ideal way and I’d bet anything he did it because of his status in the business. Some people value money more than service, so your students loving you means nothing to him. As far as he concerned, you and your students just attacked his power and his ability to rake in every cent he can. Why else would they be changing the class in the first place? It isn’t fair, nor is it right. He should have known to handle it better. His customers were speaking to him and he laughed at them as well as you.
How old is this guy? The laughter sounds very patronising. I work in an office and there is one guy one our collection of desks, and he clearly has an inferiority complex and thinks he’s in charge. He is the same level as us – we all joined at the same time and we’re all told what to do by a manager. Yet he bosses female co workers around, taking extra work to show off then trying to dump it on others. Once, when a female co worker rightly refused, he said”You WILL f******g do it.”and brandished his work at her. He’s also said things like “Oh she just needs a good f**k” about women when they’re frustrated about something. He’s been pulled up on it by a manager and told off BECAUSE he isn’t in a position of power and should not be treating us like this, but unfortunately this guy you’re having issue does have power and he’s abusing it.
Stick with the “No giving up” attitude. Go back and teach the classes you do, and enjoy the heck out of them. Show him that you still enjoy this work and that his patronising, rude way of handling your situation hadn’t had its desired effect. Of course, if work DOES get to a point where you consistently feel uncomfortable going in, you should probably take it up with someone else of power who you trust. A workplace should never be somewhere you *don’t* want to be. But you should be the one laughing, and he needs to know it. He is the joke, and I’m so sorry he made you feel the way he did. I hope he receives comments from your students about how they want you back. It should be about the customers and the people you’re serving – not just the business and the $$$.
Chloe thanks for this. He’s only a couple years older than me and he definitely seems to have some sort of complex. Yes I’ll take it day by day and see where this goes. Thank you for your advice.
Omg…he is really rude, childish and ooh just a dumbass!! I mean he could be really happy cuz you keep “clients” happy, motivated and keep them coming! Well he has really wrong view on fitness and relations between trainer and students… Being humiliated by boss is really painfull, I know it for sure. Like you are a doll or just stupid girl. And you are not!! Hahahah unprofessional?? Well…no comment here:(.
And you are so not giving up, I know. You are definition of fitness, health, power, will and energy! Students loves you in every fitness where you were teaching, Blogilates community loves you, you are Youtube trainer, you got into Shorty awards, you are notinated in Fitness magazine….and you are roll model for me and for many other girls! You are my bright point and idol on reaching my dreams!! You are a brand girl!! You should show all this to your boss!
But all that you do wouldn’t be that great if you weren’t Cassey Ho. You are amazing, you really care about us, you are smart, beautiful, you believe in us and you gave us soooo much. And let’s not forget- everything for FREE!! And girl you are a designer too!! And not just casual- every piece of your gear/bags… are just amazing!! You should be proud of yourself. Don’t forget all this just because he doesn’t get fitness spirit. He is sooo not worth it. I hope you are feeling better after all this replies. I love you, I really do<3
Omg lea I love you too. You made me smile a big one with your words of encouragement.
<3
You are reaching so many people via social media and are making a difference in your local gym. Someday you are gonna be a star. There are lots of great gyms in your area so start seeking a better environment. Put it on your vision board. One day when you are nationally recognized he is just still gong to be MEAN! Someone sings a song about that. Sing itwheneve this nasty experience comes into your head.
TAYLOR SWIFT!!!!!
Hey Cassey. This dude needs to realize his place in life. That he’s a Gym manager, not your Alpha. I’ve worked for similarly small minded people in the fitness industry myself. I would personally seek out his boss and explain in detail what happened. Filing an official report against such outright disrespect and ultimately, discrimination, is probably your safest bet moving forward. That type of workplace abuse trickles down to everyone and can absolutely poison a workplace environment. Him laughing in your face is outright employee harassment, and as a previous manager myself at a fitness club, I’m apalled at his behavior.
Best,
Roxi
Thanks Roxi. I know…but I feel like if I did that I’d feel so uncomfortable going to teach class. You’re right though, the laughing in my face in public killed me.
Cassey i can relate sooo well to you’re experience in the gym! I started bodybuilding 5 months ago (i have 4 Weight+ 3 cardio WO/ week) and in my already fragile state the most horrible thing happened the second month of my new adventure. The GYM OWNER, who is an old and cranky bodybuilder, started yelling at me out of nowhere in front of THE WHOLE GYM annoyed that i always carry a list of my sets & reps i have to do for the day. He said i’m unprofessional because i don’t know all the exercises and machines! OMG I WAS SHOCKED! BLOOD RUSHED TO MY FACE. But i didin’t quit. Now, 5 months later he respects me soooo much more BECAUSE I’M STILL THERE. and his insults couldn’t get to me. I HAVE A GOAL AND NO ONE WILL STAND IN MY WAY OF REACHING IT. Be strong and prove them you’re above them. I <3 U
OMG WOW!!!! How unprofessional of him!!!!!!!!! UGHHHH. Go YOU. So what if you want papers. DO YOUR THANGGGG and get it done!
Wow, I’m upset now. That is so NOT OKAY! I actually feel your anger and sense of humiliation. In fact, I was considering skipping my pilates (at home) today, but now I feel a need to let off steam. So I’ll work out to your videos right away, as a sort of silent protest 🙂 I now I’m thousands of miles away (Denmark), but you should now that I’m with you. Keep your head high, Cassey! You inspire so many people, and you’re the reason I’m now working out regularly and actually liking it, for the first time ever…
I love your silent protest
Cassie I feel so much for you. I have been following you for about 2 months now, and I am so excited to come across such a powerful and positive person! You are so inspiring to me and so many others all over the world.
To hear that someone has treated to you with such disrespect and in such a hurtful way, it’s disgusting. He should be trying to keep you with everyone thing he has. With your energy and knowledge towards health and fitness, you could take over the world! There are so many people out there who need someone like you to inspire them to literally keep on living, you will have your own empire one day and then you laugh at him for being such a petty, horrible person (who probably lives a very unhappy and sour life)
I hope that this rolls off your back quickly and you can keep on smiling 🙂
– Karen
Thanks karen 🙂
WTF?!!! He is LUCKY to have you taking classes! How dare he?!
He is obviously embarrassed that he has made a bad decision by changing instructors. It is his loss, and all of your students who clearly love you and have demonstrated that by their petition. The fact he couldn’t even talk to you about it in private just emphasises even more what a low life he is.
Keep strong, gorgeous! You have so man, many fans who have helped every day and we love you. Xoxoxo
thanks meg
Hey Cassie! As beautiful as your new background is, it makes the posts a little difficult to read :/
Other than that, your manager is a total jerk. That is the absolute most unprofessional thing he could have done. Now, I’m not going to tell you to pick a fight with your boss, but allowing that incident to pass without doing anything about it will only enable him to behave that way in the future. Confronting him, with another co-worker as a witness, in a professional manner, may be a good idea. Let him know flat out that you did not put that petition on his desk, and the way he approached you was very disrespectful, and made you uncomfortable. Any reasonable professional would have been more tactful in asking about the petition, and done it in a private place, not laughed at you in front of a bunch of people. Reporting the incident to his superior might not be a bad idea either.
You should not have to feel uncomfortable in your workplace. This guy needs to know immediately that you don’t stand for that kind of treatment, so it doesn’t happen again.
Good luck Cassie!! I hope everything turns out alright! <3
thanks, that’s some really good advice! and the background, just refresh, the white should come back.
Cassey-
So sorry you had to go through that- you seem like such a nice person- how could anyone treat you like that? I am a group fitness supervisor and would NEVER treat one of my instructors like that- I am also an instructor so I can see both sides of the business – but his actions were beyond professional….you obviously have a strong following and I know that will help get you through this…you have lots of people who appreciate you!!! Many more than you could possibly know! Love your website and videos!
Oh yay! a person coming from the supervisor side. I don’t know why he did that. It was really mean. I mean, fine you took away my class, but not fine the way you treated me.
Unfortunately it appears as though there really are some people in the world who get off from making others feel low, I’ve probably met a good load of them. But can I be a little honest? Most of the people I’ve met who behave like that would be furious at the idea that people care enough about you to take it upon themselves to raise this petition. After all, who would do it for him?
I personally would be furious too, and I probably wouldnt have had the self-control that you had (my temper is always my worst attribute) but at the end of the day, try going in with a smile on your face. After all he’s only trying to put you down because he realised you’re liked a LOT more than he is and he couldnt bear it.
nolite te bastardes carborundorum!
I’m very sorry fou you, that you lost your class…
Some people just don’t know and maybe don’t even want to think about, what they are causing in other people with their actions. Clearly it was pretty rude he laughed at you, but I’m sure he isn’t aware of what great depressing effect that had on you. So it really isn’t worth it, to feel so bad about it. He probably didn’t laugh at you as a whole person, but at the situation. You should try to keep your confidence and don’t loose it just because of some unthoughtful, tactless behaviour of someone else. If he’s ignorant towards your feelings, you should ignore his unrespectful behaviour in the same way! It probably wasn’t a big deal for him, so it’s a waste to make it a big deal for yourself.
I hope you understand what I mean, such things are hard to explain, in something else than your motherlanguage…
I know exactly how you’re feeling. It hurts in the worst way for someone to be little you and laugh as if you were a joke! It’s happened to me many times and I often think back to those times and feel awful. But keep in mind that his laughter doesn’t matter. Who exactly is he to make you feel this down? No one has that right or power. But I know it’s hard to forget when someone does something that hurtful to you. Just sleep well knowing you’re helping so many people (including me, I read your blogs all the time) reach their goals! You rock! Don’t let any one person tell you different. 🙂
Thanks Krystle.
Hi Cassie,
I am an avid follower of yours and I usually don’t post things too often, but I just want to say one thing: don’t give up.
He’s not the boss of you, your life style, your livelihood. He’s just a lame power tripper and you are the bigger person. He threw a tantrum. He doesn’t own fitness, he doesn’t own you.
You are the bigger person in this situation. I know you have the power (and the drive!) to be cordial and control your emotions the next time his (horrible) face shows up again. Don’t let one petty person in a foul mood get you down. Think of the thousands (!) of followers who have watched your videos. Think of all the people you’ve inspired to be fit and healthy. These people love your energy, your positivity, and your driven spirit. =]
(By the way, you really should get some sleep. I’m on the west coast too and it’s almost 3am here.)
Thanks for being an inspiration,
Jennie
It def is 3 am 😛 you should get some sleep too!
I’m sorry that you had to go through that. I know it may be difficult but, try to focus on your students. You know that they respect you. Also, if you continue to be respectful to your boss, you may cause him to feel bad about the way he reacted to something that was obviously innocent.
I feel motivated to try to be more beneficial to the goals of my students after reading this.
Cassey, you are the reason I am alive today. It’s dramatic, but it’s a fact. I’m a 10000 miles away in Jo’burg South Africa and 9 months ago, I tried to commit suicide. I wasn’t even overweight, eating disorders destroy people. I stumble on your videos…because I was looking for more ways to emaciate, thin out myself. What I found instead was hope, strength, someone who cared about me but had never met me. I live on Blogilates. You taught me to love myself, slowly, bit by bit. I created a different journal, one where I taught myself to eat again, I used all you health tips, I saved all your videos where you talk to us and tell about recipes and food – and your recent trips to Sydney and China pushed me to follow my own dreams.
What I’m saying is that, in that moment this manager attacked you, he unwittingly attacked thounds of us – we are I don’t know, like extensions or something. I cried reading this post but you are strong, I know you’re strong and you will pull through – because you dragged me out of hell and brought me back…and you’ve never even met me. That speaks to a powerhouse soul that can’t be beaten down by a manager on a power trip.
Be strong, you have resevoirs of strength that you send to all of us everyday – it’s time we return the favor.
*positive energy coming your way* wooosh
OMG Amy…you are an amazing girl…your comment really touched me. I am so proud of you for gathering that strength and willpower to get better. I so so so respect you for that. Keep it up. And stay close! I’m here for ya!
Cassey, I have also got so much positive energy from you. I live in Scandinavia, and long, dark winters used to make me very depressed. I was always feeling very bad and worthless, and I truly lived only in summertime, when I wasn’t so tired all the time. But then I found your videos in Youtube, and I started to read your blog. You have given me strenght to change my whole lifestyle. Today I enjoy my life and feel good, I love to exercice and eat healthy, it makes me feel like a different person. You have made me realise, that happines comes from inside. I can now take care of my self and my menthal health by doing things that I love. Thank you so much! There is many people, who want to give you something back and support you. Don’t let mean people put you down.
And Amy, your comment was so inspirational, I hope all the best for you 🙂
Cassey that guy really did insult all of us because I’m sure every person who follows you would have signed that petition. I’m amazed that even when he was laughing at you, you and your friend were able to handle it in a very professional way. I sure wouldn’t have been so nice nor brave enough to continue saying your reasons it happened. I’m really outraged that he did what he did. I live in Kansas and my roommate showed me your site and we have our own little group down here watching your videos. It keeps us going, energized, and encourages us through your blogs and fitness at college. We absolutely love you!
I have major depression and am on medication that makes me hungry but I watch your videos and it inspires me to lift my head up, eat clean and workout. I really can’t thank you enough for that. It’s all that keeps me going sometimes.
We love you so much! ~Steph
Ow no!!! That is horrible!
I really do not understand the behaviour of your manager. It really is the quality of the instructor that can make or break a gym. So the petition is something he should have dealt with differently and with great care. In the end you are there because you want to teach not to please the manager so s(&**%*%*%*^ him and keep on doing what you do best! 😀 Much love & hugs. Marilyn
I’m sorry this happened. He showed EXTREME unprofessionalism! His actions were bully-like (he meant to demean and belittle you) because he felt his “power” threatened. It is his job to please the clients and keep them coming, and this obviously didn’t please them. If you are no longer happy or comfortable at that gym, I’m sure that there are other gyms that would be happy to have you. Don’t spend time where you are not valued or appreciated or at the very least, not treated professionally.