I joined a gym this past week. Last year I got off track with my exercise and whatnot for various reasons but learned that I am the “if I pay dues I will do it” kind of exerciser.
Previously, I was in a gym for five years so when this one called for my “free” workout with a trainer I knew what was up … I knew it was a setup to sign up for ongoing physical training. In my lifetime I have belonged to three different gyms and they are all the same in this regard. I went ahead just because I figured … hey I payed for it by signing up… why not.
So, we get through a really good workout and we sit down at the table. He can tell I have had training and been in a gym before. That’s cool… so then he starts pitching the personal training packages. I tell him that I am not signing up today but would appreciate him breaking it down for me … in case I want to sign up for a later time. He explains the different plans, asks me what my goals are and then …
“So let’s sign you up!”
“No, I am not signing up today.”
“Why not?”
“because I don’t want too and I already told you I wasn’t.”
“Is it too much money?…. here I will give you free sessions.”
“… that’s great and when I get home and take a look at my budget … but I cannot sign up today.”
“So…why are you scared of this number?
“I am not scared and like I said, I am not going to sign up today ….”
So he knocks more money off and says with a tinge of irritation to his voice,”Now that’s something you can be comfortable with and you can meet so and so blah blah blah. So let’s get you signed up today, I’ll go get …” Then he gets up to walk away and I say to his back, “Excuse me but I told you that I am not going to sign up today.”
Angry trainer’s voice rises a notch as he comes back to take his seat, “Why are you so uncomfortable with this number?”
“I am not uncomfortable with the number … I am not signing up today.”
Then…with a literal smirk on his face, “Don’t you want to feel good and fit in your jeans better?”
“Yes I do, but I will not be manipulated into doing this.”
“I am not manipulating you …”
and once again I say, “Not today.”
By this time the other trainers standing around are looking at us. Then all of a sudden a smile bursts across his face, he starts complimenting me on a good workout. He asks me to give it some thought and to give him a call when I make up my mind.
I think he has already helped me make up my mind. Plus, I already have a trainer (who is actually a friend now) if I want to hire someone. I highly recommend hiring a personal trainer to help teach you what, how and why you exercise. If you can afford it, they are great for ongoing encouragement and accountability. I am sure the man who helped me today is an excellent trainer. We did have a great workout but just know before you go (if you are trying to decide to join a gym) that the “free” sessions usually include a pitch.
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February 11, 2008 at 11:11 pm
[...] I posted about the bad experience I had with a trainer at the new gym. I will now refer ...