In Tampa, Florida, a woman valiantly protected herself when she was assaulted at the gym complex located in her apartment building.

CCTV footage captured the startling moment when Nashali Alma, 24 years old, attempted to escape from the man and subsequently defended herself.

Subsequently, the local police released the footage on social media, with the aim of inspiring other women to come forward if they encounter a comparable situation.

Alma, despite her ordeal, found the bravery to report the occurrence and recount her experience to others.

Xavier Thomas-Jones, who is 25 years old, was waiting beside the glass door, and Alma presumed that he was there to exercise at the gym, until he attacked her.

"I didn't think anything out of that." she said.

Additionally, she mentioned that she had encountered him at the gym on a previous occasion.

Alma exercised alone for a while without interruption, until Jones came up to her and repeatedly tried to grab her waist.

"As soon as he was approaching me, I pushed him. I said, 'Bro, what the f are you doing? Get away from me. Stop trying to touch me,'" she said.

Following multiple minutes of attempting to avoid her assailant, Alma was eventually overpowered and held down.

Nevertheless, she persisted in defending herself.

Jones eventually let go of her and fled the area, giving Alma the opportunity to escape to a nearby apartment and contact the authorities.

Thanks to her courageous actions, the police were able to apprehend Jones in under 24 hours.

He now confronts charges of sexual battery, false imprisonment, and kidnapping.

According to Sheriff Chad Chronister, he was "grateful" that she chose to come forward and share her encounter.

"I was disgusted by the suspect's actions, how he preyed on this young woman. This woman's strength, courage, and determination are inspiring." he said.

He added: "I know her story is going to be an inspiration to other women."

Alma has since discussed her assault and urged other women to resist their attackers in a video interview with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.

"My advice would be to never give up," Alma said, adding: "My parents always told me in life to never give up on anything and that's one thing I kept in my mind when I was fighting him,"

The bodybuilder added: "As long as you fight back and show him that you're strong and you're not giving up, I believe it's possible to escape."