November 12, 2008
It’s All About the Money
I went to the gym today to meet with the trainer who seemed so willing to help me. I found him, and he told me to hop on a treadmill while he talked to me. He talked to me about the importance of stretching, strength training, flexibility, and exercises to work on balance. I was polite but I felt like telling him he was preaching to the choir. You don't remain oblivous to these things when you're an ACL statistic.
When he was finished telling me what I already know, he launched into his sales pitch. Been there, done that. He told me when I was ready to sign a contract, he'd be happy to help me. So much for that.
I spent an hour doing my arms work-out before heading out. If it wasn't for a ridiculous initiation fee to get into the program, I might actually consider it. Until they agree to waive it though, I'm not interested in giving them all my hard-earned money. I already paid to join the gym. A friend recommended another trainer who charges a lot less and I'm going to give her a call to see what she has to say.
I feel like writing to the owners of the gym to tell them their approach is shady and a big turn-off. I feel like not signing up for a contract just for spite. You shouldn't tell someone you want to show them an exercise that will help and then hang it over their heads until they sign a long contract. Plus, the sales pitch guys with all the so-called experience just turn you over to a less-experienced trainer for your actual work-outs.
Plus, I'm sure I can find some exercises on my own that will help my knee. That's what google is for people; and google is free.
Vultures. I know people have to make a living, but once you’ve joined the gym it shouldn’t cost a fortune to get a trainer.
You definitely should talk to the owner of the gym to let them know your own personal feelings. That can affect things for a business like that. And maybe they’ll waive the initial fee as a courtesy.
Thatta girl, BBM…Research, research, research! That’s my motto, too! I would let them know how I feel though about the pressure. You never know – they might just give you a bargain of some kind for tactfully voicing your constructive criticism.
there was an episode of friends where Joey tried to quit his gym. Hilarious!
With the injury you have, I’d be very careful and wouldn’t listen to someone whose only qualitification is that he/she holds the title of “trainer”. My wife was paying $100.00 per session with one of these clueless,juice-donkeys and he destroyed her shoulder-it took her one year to get rid of the tendonitis. To your bigger point, yes, sadly everyone is trying to squeeze money out of us(did you notice this at your closing?)My answer is don’t answer the phone. 90% of the calls I get at home are some form of solicitation.
I think you should let the gym know how you feel.