I hate my gym! (Vent, long)

[MScott1851]

DH and I recently joined a gym. He just wanted to start working out, and I want to lose weight and get in shape before I even think about starting a family. I haven't worked out in 10 years and was getting disgusted with myself.

We chose a small gym close to our house. What we didn't realize is that they focus on personal training. At $35 a session, I simply dont have that kind of disposable income right now. DH signed up to work out with one once a week for six weeks, then he'll be on his own. I chose to just join as a general access member and do my own thing.

ANYWAY....I have been going five days a week for a month, I lift weights, I run, I get on the ellliptical, I do crunches, etc. I cut out my sodas. I don't eat fast food anymore. I grill, I avoid sweets. I have lost 7 pounds, my cellulite is going away and I am very pleased with the results so far. I even bought a bikini for our cruise this month.

But when I go to workout, I get so discouraged. I receive NO encouragement at all. They ignore me, leaving me to figure out how to work the machines myself. When I ask for help, they remind me that if I signed up for training I would get a complete orientation. I was weighing myself the other day and was so excited, and one of the trainers said, "One pound. Humph. That's all water. If you drink something you'll put it right back on." The next day, one of them looked at the weight (62.5 lb) I was bench-pressing and sneered, "You'll never get anywhere with that little weight." It was literally all I can lift...When I told him I just was trying to get back into the swing of working out and make some good habits, he shrugged and said, "Yeah, but until you get serious about it (i.e. Pay me to train you) you're just wasting your time."

I went home in tears. I truly feel that they are trying to pressure me into paying them extra to have a personal trainer. However, I don't respond well to people trying to shame me, and it is going to get ugly soon. I'm about to go work out now, and if anyone says anything to me, I'm going to snap and shove their powerbar and tuna where the sun don't shine.

 

[Mimi Q]

Wow, I think I'd have to find a new gym. Sounds like your doing great to me. I know at our local gym everyone is oriented to all the equipment free of charge, and you can ask all the questions you like and get assistance anytime later.

 

[Serena]

I wouldn't go back. That is not the way to encourage you to spend your money.
Is there someplace else close by?

 

[Pop Daddy]

try the Y, there cheaper and very kind

 

[Rippington'sFan]

That's really bad! If I were you I would find a new Gym today and spread the word about that Gym that all they care about is getting your money and hopefully people will NOT join that Gym.

 

[MScott1851]

Yeah, but we had to sign a year contract for me to get my 20% RN discount. I am thinking about joining the Y at work and letting DH keep going to "The Place Where Washed-Up Ex-Jocks Who Are Now Personal Trainers Go To Die."

If DH joined alone, it would have been $50 per month. If I joined, which was an extra $10, with my discount, it knocks it down to $48 for both of us. So it was cheaper for both of us to join than just him, with my discount...does that make sense?

P.S. PopDaddy, thanks for not "longposting" me. I'm upset.

 

[princess pooh]

Those gym people are idiots! I hate it when you accomplish something and are proud of yourself and then someone tries to belittle you. Do those trainers really think that alienating you will get them your business .

Your cellulite is going away? You're my new hero. I feel I should build a statue in your honour

 

[Serena]

So it will cost $2 extra for him to go and not you. I think it'd be worth it.

 

[mtemm]

did you have to sign a contract? for how long? I would definitely be looking for a new gym...I've belonged to lots of gyms and not one was like that. I would be very annoyed. hmmm...1 pound? gee, it could also be a loss of fat/muscle gain result, too, don't you think? sounds like they don't even know what they are talking about. muscle ways more than fat so even though you lose size, its possible to gain or lose slowly and still be smaller and healthier. boo to them.

 

[snoopy]

Originally posted by MScott1851
However, I don't respond well to people trying to shame me, and it is going to get ugly soon. I'm about to go work out now, and if anyone says anything to me, I'm going to snap and shove their powerbar and tuna where the sun don't shine.

It sucks when people are derogatory or say things to try and make you feel bad. Those who hold such negativity for other people are really just very unhappy about themselves -- its a strange need for some people to put others down in order to make themselves feel better. My weapon is always to kill them with kindness, works every time.

That said, I don't go to gyms, never have. I prefer running or rollerblading -- but if I were to join a gym it would definately be one where I wasn't expected to be one of the "beautiful people" or be pressured to hire a trainer. If I were you I'd pick a gym that concentrates on motivating people rather than bringing them down.

 

[gina2000]

Sure does suck to be twittled, doesn't it? I'd feel like getting ugly about it also although rising above really does get the point across in a much more dignified fashion.

For some people UP WITH ME = DOWN WITH THEM. It's derogatory and immature. Let the trainer know that when you want his help, you'll pay for it. In the meantime, his helpful comments aren't appreciated.

 

[Pop Daddy]

Originally posted by MScott1851


P.S. PopDaddy, thanks for not "longposting" me. I'm upset.

defantly do the Y, and I wouldnt long post you because I could see your upset, and I bet its a good ideal not to get on your bad side

 

[FayeW]

The couple of times I've joined different gyms, I always had a complete orientation because there are liability issues if you injure yourself because you weren't shown how to use the equipment properly. I would remind those ********* of that next time they give you any grief. Meantime, even if you chose not to continue with that gym, keeping your membership means that your husband still saved $2. off what he would have paid.

Maybe you could go with your husband for a couple of sessions, and he could show you how to use the equipment. (Since he's already had his orientation).

 

[stinkerbelle]

Originally posted by FayeW
The couple of times I've joined different gyms, I always had a complete orientation because there are liability issues if you injure yourself because you weren't shown how to use the equipment properly.

ditto

my gym offers personal training as well - but I just can't afford it. However, even when I'm on the machines, if they're walking by they'll say "oops - you should be doing it this way" or "wow - your arms are really starting to show some definition."

i go to an all female gym though...could be why.

of course - i haven't been there in about two weeks! hehehe d'oh!

congrats on your loss though!

 

[Rippington'sFan]

Originally posted by MScott1851
DH and I recently joined a gym. He just wanted to start working out, and I want to lose weight and get in shape before I even think about starting a family. I haven't worked out in 10 years and was getting disgusted with myself.

We chose a small gym close to our house. What we didn't realize is that they focus on personal training. At $35 a session, I simply dont have that kind of disposable income right now. DH signed up to work out with one once a week for six weeks, then he'll be on his own. I chose to just join as a general access member and do my own thing.

ANYWAY....I have been going five days a week for a month, I lift weights, I run, I get on the ellliptical, I do crunches, etc. I cut out my sodas. I don't eat fast food anymore. I grill, I avoid sweets. I have lost 7 pounds, my cellulite is going away and I am very pleased with the results so far. I even bought a bikini for our cruise this month.



But when I go to workout, I get so discouraged. I receive NO encouragement at all. They ignore me, leaving me to figure out how to work the machines myself. When I ask for help, they remind me that if I signed up for training I would get a complete orientation. I was weighing myself the other day and was so excited, and one of the trainers said, "One pound. Humph. That's all water. If you drink something you'll put it right back on." The next day, one of them looked at the weight (62.5 lb) I was bench-pressing and sneered, "You'll never get anywhere with that little weight." It was literally all I can lift...When I told him I just was trying to get back into the swing of working out and make some good habits, he shrugged and said, "Yeah, but until you get serious about it (i.e. Pay me to train you) you're just wasting your time."

I went home in tears. I truly feel that they are trying to pressure me into paying them extra to have a personal trainer. However, I don't respond well to people trying to shame me, and it is going to get ugly soon. I'm about to go work out now, and if anyone says anything to me, I'm going to snap and shove their powerbar and tuna where the sun don't shine.

MSCott, I understand you have a contract signed so my advice would be to stick it out at that gym until your contract is expired.
There has to be other members there working out when you are.
Just ask for their help with the machines if you are not exactly sure how to use them. I belonged to a gym for 12 years and I always helped people that either asked or if I felt that they looked a little confused on how to use the machines I would offer them help. There are "some" nice people out there that would be more than happy to help you. What about your husband? Can't he show you how all the machines work? It shouldn't take long for you to understand how all the machines work.
So again, I would say since you have a contract stay with that gym at least until the contract expires. Try not to let the situation ruin your good intentions of working out. Somehow I know it will work out (no pun intended) for you.
Keep the Faith! Best of Luck to you

 

[minniepumpernickel]

I would join a different gym. My gym is much nicer than that. It is a JCC, so it's really laid back. The people that work there always offer everyone help and advice. I also get a really good rate, because I am a resident of the area.

I've gone to a lot of different gyms in my life, even one in Camp Lejeune. I wouldn't go anywhere where you feel intimidated, or somewhere they make you feel bad about yourself.

 

[Hercules10]

Just had to say....you're already a total hottie!!!

I joined my local recreation center. You'd be suprised at how up-to-date they can be. They do offer personal trainers, but these folks are salaried and don't rely on PT alone for their income.

They gave me an orientation (free) mainly because they don't want people hurting themselves on their turf and sueing them.

Lastly, don't let it discourage you. Stick with it and just ignore the meat-heads that upset you. Good Luck!!!

 

[JayBee]

Holy cow! I belong to a huge privately owned gymn-rated one of the best in the country. My first visit, one of the staff gave me a plan and showed me how to use those 10 machines. Now 3 years later, i've changed my routine added more weights etc.

Start with 3 pound dumbells. Do 10 repeats(one month)...then do 15 repeats(one month)...then go to 5 pound..10 repeats...etc.

As far as the machines go...start low(20 pounds) do 10 repeats...then 15...then up the weights. It does take 6 months to safely build up strength. Paying $35 per session for someone who will make you do too much is silly, IMO.


Or ....get a friendlier gymn!

 

[eeyore kelly]

defantly do the Y,

ITA!!!! My Dsis and BIL do the Y and they love it!!!

 

[gallaj0]

Tell them that since they charge you to speak with them, you can charge them to speak to you.

Every time one of the lunkheads criticizes you, it will cost them $35.

You do have a right to tell people to shut up and leave you in peace.