Gym Class Heroes
This isn't about gym class or heroes, but it is about the gym.
Last night I went to my local gym. I admit to not going on a regular basis so the guy who checked me in noticed I still hadn't taken my complimentary personal training session. He immediately started telling me why it was so important to find out my body fat percentage and burn fat faster, and besides, he said, it's free. Okay, I might as well, right? Next thing I know Suzy Q trainers making me hold out a fat counter and charging me around the gym. I even got high-fived after every workout routine she had me do. Then came the sales pitch. I need her personal training expertise at least twice a week. that's 40 bucks a pop, so basically 80 bucks a week. ummm, no thanks. But she wouldn't budge. In her mind I needed her, I couldn't do it without her, but she was willing to let me off with the minimum of twice a month. How kind, only 80 bucks a month. Wow. I still told her no way. She insisted. I was sick of telling her no so I said I'd think about it (which was a polite way of saying I've told you no, you won't stop talking so I'm just going to tell you no in a way that might get me away from an already awkward situation). So she told me I could think about it on our next appointment and then put my name down in her book. I rolled my eyes and left. Fine if she wants to waste her own time by not taking no for an answer. The thing is I didn't even need the training session, hell if I was going to sign up for more, especially ones that cost money. Why do gyms insist on doing this to their customers? It just makes you feel uncomfortable. I just want to workout, not endure some sales pitch.
Last night I went to my local gym. I admit to not going on a regular basis so the guy who checked me in noticed I still hadn't taken my complimentary personal training session. He immediately started telling me why it was so important to find out my body fat percentage and burn fat faster, and besides, he said, it's free. Okay, I might as well, right? Next thing I know Suzy Q trainers making me hold out a fat counter and charging me around the gym. I even got high-fived after every workout routine she had me do. Then came the sales pitch. I need her personal training expertise at least twice a week. that's 40 bucks a pop, so basically 80 bucks a week. ummm, no thanks. But she wouldn't budge. In her mind I needed her, I couldn't do it without her, but she was willing to let me off with the minimum of twice a month. How kind, only 80 bucks a month. Wow. I still told her no way. She insisted. I was sick of telling her no so I said I'd think about it (which was a polite way of saying I've told you no, you won't stop talking so I'm just going to tell you no in a way that might get me away from an already awkward situation). So she told me I could think about it on our next appointment and then put my name down in her book. I rolled my eyes and left. Fine if she wants to waste her own time by not taking no for an answer. The thing is I didn't even need the training session, hell if I was going to sign up for more, especially ones that cost money. Why do gyms insist on doing this to their customers? It just makes you feel uncomfortable. I just want to workout, not endure some sales pitch.
Comments
I avoid the whole thing by working out at home with a medicine ball.
I was viewing your blog and then saw the little printer icon pop-up and I was like "Que pasa? I'm not printing anything." Then I realized I had somehow printed the whole thing so I had to sprint to the printer to grab it before some manager-type got to it.
It'll probably end up in the recycle bin.
btw-I think your blog made me fall in love with you.
First, I don't want to do any kind of physical labor. And second, I don't want to have to endure a sales pitch. It's a lose/lose situation when you make the decision to leave the couch.
CHEATS!
Truth is the whole reason I started my blog was to make people fall in love with me, so I'll be walking with a noticable spring in my step this weekend. Thank you.
Jefe - I'm telling you, a medicine ball is all you need. Maybe also a jumprope.
In general, most trainers are ok, some amazing. Most people work out incorrectly and waste valuable time and energy focusing on the wrong type of exercises for their goals. IE the girl that needs to lose 10 lbs and does situps for 20 mintues instead of doing 20 extra minutes of cardio.
I'm not a personal trainer, I just play one on tv.