You heard right! Yesterday there was a shooting in the parking lot at an Ottawa 'big box' fitness center. The victim is in critical condition. It was probably not a random act of violence. The victim had ties to the Rizzuto crime family of Montreal. Think crime family as in Sicilian Mafia! This is the same Rizutto crime family depicted in the TV series 'Bad Blood'.
Usually the only criminal activity at a 'big box' fitness center is the way management treats Fitness Trainers or the delay tactics used on cancelling payment withdrawals from a new member who has run out of fitness enthusiasm one week into the new year.
This is not to say that the world of exercise training is free of unsavory elements.
Likewise with public exercise facilities or private fitness centers.
Usually the only criminal activity at a 'big box' fitness center is the way management treats Fitness Trainers or the delay tactics used on cancelling payment withdrawals from a new member who has run out of fitness enthusiasm one week into the new year.
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This is not to say that the world of exercise training is free of unsavory elements.
- Boxing gym folklore has a long history of association with hustlers, gamblers, gangsters, and has beens. Go watch Rocky, Raging Bull, or Requiem for a Heavyweight.
- Body building culture has always had a creepy underside of nude modelling (mostly male), sex for hire (also mostly male), and extreme steroid abuse. Pro bodybuilders seem to have short life spans.
- Hard core weight training gyms often have no shortage of muscle heads, career bouncers, and locker room steroid mongers.
- When I lived in Edmonton, Canada, a certain hard core gym was frequented by members of a notorious biker gang with a California origin.
- There have been cases where underworld associates were taken out going to or from a boxing gym or a hard core weight room. This is more due to the fact that it can be a part of the victim's schedule and therefore easier to track or stake out. This is the first time I have ever heard of such a thing at a family oriented fitness center.
Likewise with public exercise facilities or private fitness centers.
- Workout centers are usually inhabited by people who are into self-improvement. The risk of being assaulted or getting 'whacked' is almost non-existent.
- A common crime concern may be the theft of valuables from the locker or change rooms. Take practical preventive measures.
- The parking lot may be an area of risk for robbery or assault if the fitness center is in a questionable neighborhood. Take precautions -especially women.
- Theft from vehicles, or theft of vehicles, can be an issue in any neighborhood. Get a reliable car alarm.
Supposedly the victim in the Ottawa shooting was trying to turn his life around. Working out was part of his new lifestyle. If so, this is a tragic set back! I will post updates of his condition as the press releases them.
Until Next Time, Keep Fit
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