Breaking up with your gym

BoxerBrawler

I've been stressed out for a few days now. I have been going to an MMA School for almost 5 years. For the most part I love the work-outs, I love the skills programs and MMA training (kickboxing/boxing/Krav/Muay Thai). For the most part I love the members, sense of community, space and instructor. But lately I haven't been getting as much out of it. Some of the newer members just piss me off, for no specific reason, they just do. I used to be super excited to get there and get my work out on but now it just seems like so much effort getting there. I think, no, I know it's time for a change but I am having such a hard time making the change. I don't know why I feel so super loyal to this place. When I do another class at a different place I almost feel like I'm cheating! It's so weird. I usually welcome and embrace change so I don't know why I'm having such an issue with this.

Stella3838

I can relate. I've rowed crew for 5 years and there's been a change in the management board (not in a good way) and the whole dynamic of the place has changed. Last year I struggled to even get motivated to go to the boathouse. And I LOVE rowing. I finally just came to terms last fall that I had a good run of it and it was time to try something new. I have lots of friends there, very social group. But I know I'll still see them. Breaking up is hard to do, but when you don't enjoy it and it's a chore, what good is that? I'm trying out biking and running this year to find my new "thing". It's okay to do something different! Don't feel bad about it. You got to do what's best for you. Go find your thing wherever it is! Best of luck!

BoxerBrawler

Thanks so much Stella for the inspiration. It is really hard... I mean some of it is the social aspect too. I don't make it a habit to go out and be super friendly outside of the gym, that's just not me. But I do enjoy the social - in person interaction and Facebook stuff. Like in your situation, my place has become different over the years. I get it... it's a business and the owner wants to grow, add programs, recruit new members. But at the same time it has changed over the years and while some of it remains the same, a lot of what I originally loved about it has faded away. But you're right, it's almost become a chore getting there. Once I am there it's mostly great and sometimes just "ok". I always get a good workout because I push myself but... *sigh*! anyway, I found a new place near me that is also an MMA School offering women's warrior bootcamp, kickboxing, Muay Thai and Jui Jitsu, all right up my alley. So I am going to give this new place a try and see what's what. Oh and I admire you for rowing! That's not easy at all!!!!!

Stella3838

Sounds like you have a great plan then!! That new place sounds awesome. I have a good friend that does MMA and he loves it. I always tease him about his "Mai Tai's" though. LOL! If you ever at any time have a chance to try rowing, do it. That's a great sport. I really loved the time I did it, but on to new and hopefully better things!

EricaCraigie

Lol I felt that way when I left crossfit. But give it time and you will adjust

BoxerBrawler

I can imagine it's hard to leave cross fit, talk about a tight nit community. But yeah MMA is the same way. But... eh.... onto bigger and better things @Stella3838 Mai Tai's LOL!

bgh707

I had a similar experience with leaving my boot camp. It's a real mom and pop shop and owned by two really nice guys. But their class offering was way too limited and just didn't work with my schedule, and I stopped getting as much out of the classes. I wrote them a really heartfelt email when I left, and it really felt like I was breaking up with a significant other. But I've joined a new gym and am seeing more results now. Worth it!

BoxerBrawler

Thanks for the replies everyone. Makes it easier...

Tweaking_Time

Stella3838 wrote: »

I finally just came to terms last fall that I had a good run of it and it was time to try something new.

Exactly!

I have been using the gym for several years - weights/cardio - especially in foul weather. On a whim I tried a spinner class. Love it! I can't wait for the next one. I am sure I will be tired of it someday and I am not sure what the replacement will be.

Stella3838

Tweaking_Time wrote: »

I have been using the gym for several years - weights/cardio - especially in foul weather. On a whim I tried a spinner class. Love it! I can't wait for the next one. I am sure I will be tired of it someday and I am not sure what the replacement will be.

The nice thing is there's no shortage of the "next thing"! Glad you found something you enjoy. I love spin classes but don't have anything close where I recently moved.

cwolfman13

I've gone through a few different gyms in the last 4.5 years or so. I've always viewed it as basically a business decision and business transaction...for one reason or another it just didn't fit anymore. I might have some difficulty feelings wise if I left my current gym as the husband and wife owners are two of my very best friends.

BoxerBrawler

I guess the biggest problem I have with leaving this particular place is that it's not a gym per se. It's a martial arts school. The trainer, who I have been with since inception of the business provides an awesome space with kick-boxing, traditional boxing, Krav Maga and Muay Thai. He also runs boot camps and does 30 minute HIIT style workouts. There is nothing else like it around. I am hot and cold I guess. Yesterday I was looking for a change but last night I sucked it up and went to a late Muay Thai class and loved it all over again... decisions, decisions.