Current Events > Tried a gym today - not the best experience

(+) Yeah! (+)

Ive never been much of a gym goer. I find them intimidating. I dont really know what to do or how to work any machines. The only gym I went to was the small gym at our old apartment complex and my husband would essentially coach me but that was years ago.

Ive been struggling with my self image postpartum and thought Id give this new gym a try. They offer a 7 day free pass and a free workout with a personal trainer. I really forced myself to go, which on its own was very difficult to even drive over there and push down my insecurities about it. Talked about my goals with the PT and how I want to lose pregnancy weight and strengthen my back because it hurts a ton.

Well the workout was fine he was helpful. Was hard to get over my insecurities seeing fit people everywhere and not really knowing what I was doing but he was encouraging. But come time to leave they got really aggressive with having me sign up then and there and also signing up for personal training. Just using my insecurities against me to try and sign up right away. I kept saying I needed to discuss the costs with my husband, the sign up fee was a lot more than advertised and the PT was pretty expensive. I also told them I wanted to continue to use my free pass and try things out more. They got super pushy and nearly rude about it. Asked me if my husband was the main decision maker, or pointed out that I was obviously there for a reason so why hesitate, etc. Really didnt make me feel like going back. I felt ganged up on.

Are all gyms like that? I ended up feeling worse after going.

Sounds like you just need a planet fitness imo

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I never been to one before i started working out which was around the middle of 2018. I was around 275lbs at the time. But now i'm 175lbs. I continue to go to this day. It's a new experience for everyone. But like all things you will get used to it. I basically just run for an hour on the tredmill and hit the weights for atleast an hour.
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https://youtu.be/g3EfZknhNrI

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What a buncha dickheads. Don't worry about the insecurities either. Nobody judges anybody at the gym unless they're total dick heads.

I used to go to one with a friend of mine who was an offensive lineman for an NCAA college football team. This guy was a fucking tank but we'd go every morning at 5am. He didn't help alllll that much. Just a few technique tweaks, but I would take your husband with you just to get the comins and goings of certain machines and excercises and then you'll be flyin solo in no time.

I'd also go to a different gym if they're pushy assholes.

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TheGoldenEel posted...

Sounds like you just need a planet fitness imo

When I went it was only like $10 a month so yeah at least it was cheap.

TheGoldenEel posted...

Sounds like you just need a planet fitness imo

Sadly the closest one to me is like a 25-30 min drive. This gym was less than 10 min.

[LFAQs-redacted-quote]

Ugh this is why Ive avoided them for so long.

Cleo_II posted...

Are all gyms like that?

Have you never seen any of the numerous scenes in sit-coms where they try to end a gym membership and they fail everytime

metallica846 posted...

Most gyms are going to be like that.

this tbqh. Every gym ive been too, they get real pushy about trying to sell you Personal Training.

which PT is wonderful if you need someone to push you, dont get me wrong, but holy lord is it expensive.

when i had a PT two years ago, he was always upset that corporate and the store manager were always trying to push PT sales and that you would get fucked if you didnt. Their pay is also commission based based on a percentage of PT subscriptions they have, so they needed to push as much as they could

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Planet Fitness is decent. No one has ever bothered me there. Not yet, anyway.

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Cleo_II posted...

Sadly the closest one to me is like a 25-30 min drive. This gym was less than 10 min.

If planet fitness doesnt work, is there a YMCA near you that would work?

alternatively there are some reasonably priced home cardio machines you could look into. Obviously a much higher up front cost though

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DuranOfForcena posted...

that sounds terrible. i've been thinking lately of getting a gym membership, but if they are that aggressive about it i wouldn't want to give them my money. i for one hope they aren't all like that. maybe look at the yelp reviews or something to see if that's a common occurrence at that gym and at others.

It's like any business. Best Buy is the worst for me. The second I walk through the door some little skinny punk bastard is already yappin at me "HELLO SIR CAN I HELP YOU FIND ANYTHING!?". Then when you find what you want and it's up on one of those high up shelves and you need to flag someone down to get one, they're all on their fucking drinking break.

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Jeez. No, most gyms aren't that pushy. Maybe they're trying to beef up their numbers now that things are opening back up? Either way, I'm sorry you had to experience that. Might want to look into a different gym that isn't so pushy. They shouldn't be pressuring you into anything.

Nothing wrong with not knowing how to work the machines though. Everyone has been at that point before, so I don't think anyone will judge you for it. If the illustrations/instructions on the machine don't make sense to you, try looking up the name of the machine on YouTube. There will usually be videos showing how to do the workout. That way, you can at least feel confident that you're doing things correctly.

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CalypsoDoom posted...

I'd advise maybe seeing if anyone in your circles can recommend a good gym or work out with you so they can show you proper form and how to use the machines. Most aren't terribly difficult but strangers are super comfy correcting you and will do so even if you have headphones on lol.

Unfortunately my only friend that is a workout nut lives 40 minutes away from me. Its hard to commit that much travel time alone with a newborn. Its hard enough to manage to find the time (and energy) to go at all

Johnny_Nutcase posted...

What a buncha dickheads. Don't worry about the insecurities either. Nobody judges anybody at the gym unless they're total dick heads.

I used to go to one with a friend of mine who was an offensive lineman for an NCAA college football team. This guy was a fucking tank but we'd go every morning at 5am. He didn't help alllll that much. Just a few technique tweaks, but I would take your husband with you just to get the comins and goings of certain machines and excercises and then you'll be flyin solo in no time.

I'd also go to a different gym if they're pushy assholes.

Yeah I know the insecurities are in my head. Its just hard to accept how I look now and then go to the gym and its all these fit and tiny women. I was proud of myself for going anyway but then deflated after. I would love if my husband could go but we dont have family nearby that can watch our baby. He has to be home with her while I go alone, which Ive never really done before.

NoxObscuras posted...

If the illustrations/instructions on the machine don't make sense to you, try looking up the name of the machine on YouTube. There will usually be videos showing how to do the workout. That way, you can at least feel confident that you're doing things correctly.

A lot of the machines in newer gyms have QR codes and getting an instructional video is as simple as opening your phone camera as well.

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No not all gyms are like that. Keep going, dont worry about what others think. Honestly everyone is so focused on themselves that they dont care what anyone else is doing, as long as you arent in their way they could care less. Ive seen people of all fitness levels in my gym. From those in superb shape to an old man in jeans on the treadmill.

Truth is, everyone looks weird at the gym. Youre not gonna see anyone looking extremely graceful and pretty while working out, even the beautiful people look a bit awkward at times. You just workout and focus on yourself and know that nobody is worrying about you, theyre too busy looking in the mirror at themselves.

Seriously though i seen old ladies in their 70s walking on the treadmill all the time.
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Cleo_II posted...

But come time to leave they got really aggressive with having me sign up then and there and also signing up for personal training. Just using my insecurities against me to try and sign up right away.

just gonna be straight up, they werent fiending off of your insecurity. this is just how they make their business. someone suggest Planet Fitness earlier; even they will do this. they will push things that make you spend more money no matter what.

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Planet Fitness is super-chill even if you venture into the hardcore areas

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Yeah, just shop around for another gym if the memberships or vibe made you uncomfortable. I've never had an issue with stuff like that

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I'm surprised so many people are saying all gyms are like that. I've been to three different gyms in my life and all have been really chill.

I know it's hard to overcome insecurities when you see fit people all over, but do your best to remind yourself that most if not all people there are only there to improve themselves and aren't concerned with anyone else.

If you can, look around for other gyms in the area with high reviews. If there aren't any others, see if you can get someone else (like your husband) to come join with you. Unless you're really into working out, having a gym buddy to come with you is almost a requirement.

If you mostly just want to show up, and go walk on a treadmill/elliptical/bike the whole time, then yeah Planet Fitness is probably the way to go. Either way, unless you're looking to get like, FIT fit, don't worry about getting a personal trainer.

Just out of curiosity, how much are they charging per month anyway?

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Worked in the fitness industry for years, that is exactly what globo gyms do, they are absolutely desperate for sales and money, it is absolutely disgusting how most places operate. I used to be a trainer, if you go to an LA fitness for example they will make it seem like they are hooking you up with a free pt session a free massage but they always try to upsell you afterwards. Also most of the trainers at globo gyms are absolute shit because of how pressured they are to meet their sales quotas. Having been a trainer myself i would never hire oneunless it was for a competition, in which case i would hire someone who actually knows wth they are doing for those who has done it before, most trainers are just kids in their early 20s trying to figure out what to do. Being an actual trainer is a super competitive field and extremely toxic. The turnover rate for trainers is super high, gyms just cycle through personalities trying to get as much profit as possible from each person they use. They also pay like shit. You are almost always better off working as a trainer on your own and just trying to get cash clients.

Gyms will treat you like that if they sense you arent a gym goer. When I signed up for a new one when I moved. I already knew it was the gym Im going to workout at. I told them I just want a basic membership, no free sessions, no help, Ive been to the gym before. They never bothered me again

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I would suggest forgetting the gym and get resistance bands at home. I've always had motivation trouble just going to the gym (like you alluded to), but having some resistance bands at home means that's not a problem anymore since all I have to do is turn around and there it is. It would be easier for your husband to coach you too since all it requires is for both of you to have a free half hour.

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I guess I will see if there are other gyms I can try. This one would have been great because its the closest. But I dont really want to go back after that.

Other than that, does anyone have any home stuff they can recommend, like an app or a YouTube channel? I have some dumbbells, bands, a yoga ball and an exercise bike. Maybe I could try stuff at home instead.

Most gyms arent like that, but I think its because youre doing the free trial with a PT. They have a small window to get you to join, so theyre going for it (although it sounds like theyre going about about it in a stupid way, being overly aggressive). At most gyms, you just join outright, so youre already a member.

Regarding your concerns about not knowing how to use the machines, just try to watch people as they are using a machine, or even ask them as they are finishing with one. Most of them take like a 10 second explanation, they wont mind. Theyll probably feel like they did a good deed, being helpful. And if you have any insecurities about seeing fit people, dont mind them. They are in their own world, just focusing on their workout and not looking at the other people. If you get into a routine and decide to stay a member at a gym, youll realize that you will also stop noticing other people, and just focus on your own thing.

Either way, good luck - and if you know anyone else that might be interested in joining a gym, maybe try to buddy up with them. Its harder to make excuses to skip a day in the beginning if you know someone else that will be there, and you can keep each other accountable.

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LostForest posted...

I'm surprised so many people are saying all gyms are like that. I've been to three different gyms in my life and all have been really chill.

I know it's hard to overcome insecurities when you see fit people all over, but do your best to remind yourself that most if not all people there are only there to improve themselves and aren't concerned with anyone else.

If you can, look around for other gyms in the area with high reviews. If there aren't any others, see if you can get someone else (like your husband) to come join with you. Unless you're really into working out, having a gym buddy to come with you is almost a requirement.

If you mostly just want to show up, and go walk on a treadmill/elliptical/bike the whole time, then yeah Planet Fitness is probably the way to go. Either way, unless you're looking to get like, FIT fit, don't worry about getting a personal trainer.

Just out of curiosity, how much are they charging per month anyway?

Yeah my husband cant come anymore now that we have a baby at home. Hes supportive of me taking the time to exercise to feel better about myself and will watch our baby, but we dont have family who could babysit her for us. I hate going alone.

PT was like over $500 a month for two 60 min sessions per week. Seemed steep but I dunno whats reasonable.

CalypsoDoom posted...

I'd advise maybe seeing if anyone in your circles can recommend a good gym or work out with you so they can show you proper form and how to use the machines. Most aren't terribly difficult but strangers are super comfy correcting you and will do so even if you have headphones on lol.

Her friends probably don't know how to work out either

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I never really thought about the difficulty of this process because my Dad started taking me to the gym when I was about 11 years old and I went through this then and that was just a standard thing in your life. Dad teaches you how to do something you didn't know.

My advice would be:

Start with a very low weight on the machines that don't have free weights. Basically anything with cables and get comfortable with the basic motions of the exercise at a low speed and increase the weight.

The whole point of those machines is to make it hard to fuck things up.

metallica846 posted...

Most gyms are going to be like that.

Most bad ones.

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Yea thats just the way it goes. Its their job to sell a membership and they earn commissions

you might get less pushy at small boutique gyms but they are pricey

Cleo_II posted...

I guess I will see if there are other gyms I can try. This one would have been great because its the closest. But I dont really want to go back after that.

Other than that, does anyone have any home stuff they can recommend, like an app or a YouTube channel? I have some dumbbells, bands, a yoga ball and an exercise bike. Maybe I could try stuff at home instead.

Athlean X is pretty much the best channel to learn about exercise. The instructor jeff cavalier really knows his stuff and does a fantastic job teaching folks what to do and what to avoid. Another great channel is hybrid calesthenics, its a young asian kid who is really down to earth that teaches you things you can do without equipment. Good luck. I can also help you if you want someone from here who knows what they are doing. I have over 5 years of fitness industry experience and have been training for over 15 years.

Perascamin posted...

Her friends probably don't know how to work out either

lol one of my friends is a total fitness junkie with some chun li thighs. But she lives too far away from me

TrollTrace posted...

Athlean X is pretty much the best channel to learn about exercise. The instructor jeff cavalier really knows his stuff and does a fantastic job teaching folks what to do and what to avoid. Another great channel is hybrid calesthenics, its a young asian kid who is really down to earth that teaches you things you can do without equipment. Good luck. I can also help you if you want someone from here who knows what they are doing. I have over 5 years of fitness industry experience and have been training for over 15 years.

Thank you I will look into those!

Try the FitOn app. I've been using it for over 20 weeks. Free workout videos you can do at home. All you need is a mat and some dumb bells (optional).

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Cleo_II posted...

PT was like over $500 a month for two 60 min sessions per week. Seemed steep but I dunno whats reasonable.

I can't speak for experience with PTs, but my old gym was $40 a month, and when they got bought by new owners and went up to $80, I joined a new gym which is $40 a month, but if you have a group/family plan under the same card it goes down per person, so I only pay $35 a month for myself. Either way, don't bother with physical trainers. Like other people said, look into online help.

Do you like anime at all? There's an adorable infotainment anime that does a legitimately good job on explaining a lot of basic strength training workouts and stuff about the gym to you, in a light-hearted, comedic manner. Also has the catchiest theme song of all time:

https://youtu.be/fZeQe_vEVCc


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PTs are a waste, search youtube videos on how to properly do whatever workout you want
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Zodd3224 posted...

Try the FitOn app. I've been using it for over 20 weeks. Free workout videos you can do at home. All you need is a mat and some dumb bells (optional).

Thanks Ill check that out!

LostForest posted...

I can't speak for experience with PTs, but my old gym was $40 a month, and when they got bought by new owners and went up to $80, I joined a new gym which is $40 a month, but if you have a group/family plan under the same card it goes down per person, so I only pay $35 a month for myself. Either way, don't bother with physical trainers. Like other people said, look into online help.

Do you like anime at all? There's an adorable infotainment anime that does a legitimately good job on explaining a lot of basic strength training workouts and stuff about the gym to you, in a light-hearted, comedic manner. Also has the catchiest theme song of all time:

https://youtu.be/fZeQe_vEVCc

Yeah the only reason I thought I could use a PT is that I had a c section and wanted guidance on the best exercises for my core without overdoing it or injuring myself. My doctor wants me to strengthen my core muscles and lose a few pounds to ease my back pain. My back has been killing me these past few weeks. But I think I could get by on my own. Maybe Ill ask my husband to help me come up with a routine at home.

Also on the topic of fitness, what do people think of the peloton bike? Ive been wanting one but my husband keeps arguing with me that its useless and I need to lift weights and a peloton is pointless. I dont think so and Ive heard great things about it. He gets mad whenever I try suggesting getting it.

Cleo_II posted...

Also on the topic of fitness, what do people think of the peloton bike? Ive been wanting one but my husband keeps arguing with me that its useless and I need to lift weights and a peloton is pointless. I dont think so and Ive heard great things about it. He gets mad whenever I try suggesting getting it.

I think exercise bikes in general can be a good at home workout. I don't think Pelaton does enough to warrant the huge price tag though.

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Cleo_II posted...

Also on the topic of fitness, what do people think of the peloton bike? Ive been wanting one but my husband keeps arguing with me that its useless and I need to lift weights and a peloton is pointless. I dont think so and Ive heard great things about it. He gets mad whenever I try suggesting getting it.

Peloton are absurdly expensive for what you get

do some research, you can get a good bike for a quarter of the price

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Cleo_II posted...

He gets mad whenever I try suggesting getting it.

As he should

ouch, sorry you experienced that..

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I feel your pain, so a few notes:

1) it definitely takes a few times to get used to the machines, but that's all it takes - they're pretty easy to learn. So don't be intimated.
2) Really, nobody cares. People expect like everyone is watching them, but really, people are there to do their workout and stick to themselves.
3) Some gyms have nice bonuses - I'm not typically much of a sauna guy, but I LOVE it after a workout. Mine even has a hot tub...which I can't use, because even though I like hot tubs, they keep theirs infernally hot lol.
4) You actually don't need to go to the gym at all if you don't want to. There's loads of ways to exercise. Every try something like tae bo? It's actually kinda fun, and you can start small, they even have 10 minute videos. I also really like basic trampoline workouts (just different variations of jumping around lol). I haven't been to the gym since quarantine, and though I'm thinking of going back once a week for some strength training, lately I've been doing 10 min of tae bo, 10 min trampoline, and 10 min of yoga for my daily exercise.


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