Gym sales people and self loathing

tigerlily42

So my gym does this "reprogram" thing where every month you get a "free" session with a personal trainer. They work you out - and it's always a good workout - and promise you a "personal workout plan" at the end. And then they ask how much money you can afford to dedicate to being healthier and out come the supplements and protein powders and PT session packages.

When you're slightly dizzy and holding back the bile as best you can you're not thinking clearly. I just signed a contract that I can't exactly afford simply because I can't say no when someone tells me they can help make me better. And this just makes me hate myself even more.

I know it's MY fault for being fat and it's MY fault for my financial situation but somehow I don't believe in myself enough to think that I can fix problems I caused.

I know on one level they are trying to help me but I also feel preyed upon. Is there a book or a video with low impact circuit training workouts for people who are so big their knees and ankles are in bad shape?

SoDamnHungry

Next time you should say you'll talk to them over the phone or next time you're in.

thatonegirl0619

I don't have an answer for the low impact video, but I do feel your pain about not being able to say no. I hope everything works out in your favor!

billsica

don't take the free kool-aid.

TeaBea

Here's a great low impact circuit workout video by Chris Freytag: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nm0C8awjNIQ

If you want a DVD - Amazon sells it (there are 2 low impact circuit workouts on it): http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_0_23?url=search-alias=movies-tv&field-keywords=walking+cardio+shape+up+max&sprefix=walking+cardio+shape+up,aps,256

Do this video a couple times and you can pick up low impact moves (to switch out) for any high impact ones that may be on other videos.

stealthq

You have since backed out of the contract, yes? You have 36 hrs (assuming you're in the US) ...

I can guarantee someone will be able to find you something workable and free or at least it'll be inexpensive. If you have access to a pool, that's a great place to start for low-impact exercise.

KenosFeoh

Fitness Blender online has a good low impact workout.

TheBitSlinger

Most states give you a three day window to cancel such sells contracts.

FWIW, I find throat punching sells people before they give me their spiels cuts down on me having to say "yes".

mandasalem

Ugggh I hate that mess. One of the makeup kiosk guys in the mall got me good once because he grabbed my hand and pulled me toward him and my claustrophobia kicked in so hard I couldn't function. Bad stuff.

Regardless, good luck on the videos. My knees are shot from wear and tear in my old job of event planning. I do a lot of upper body stuff now, plus yoga. Quads exercises that are light on the knees but concentrate the quads are good, like sitting leg lifts, etc.

Good luck.

singlefemalelawyer

Most states give you a three day window to cancel such sells contracts.

This - call them back and cancel right away. You usually have a few days to decide you don't want it. Have someone go there with you if you don't feel strong enough to do it yourself. They'll try to convince you not to, but just be strong. And learn from this so next time you'll be able to stay clear of those kinds of traps.

Nishi2013

So my gym does this "reprogram" thing where every month you get a "free" session with a personal trainer....

I know on one level they are trying to help me but I also feel preyed upon. Is there a book or a video with low impact circuit training workouts for people who are so big their knees and ankles are in bad shape?

I highly doubt they are trying to help you. At least thst doesnt seem to be like the main objective. They are trying to prey on your vulnerability. Don't feel bad about backing out if you still can.

LoggingForLife

I dislike gym sales people as much as I dislike car, mattress and time-share sales people. They aren't really interested in helping you get better, sleep well or have a nice vacation....they want your money and don't really care what they have to do to get it. (I might be generalizing a little...but that's been my experience)

BioMechHeretic

You're doing exactly what they want. Just ignore the guy.

"No thanks, I just showed up for the free trainer session since it's part of my membership, Thanks for the tips on those exercises though!"

And then walk away, and continue your usual gym routines. That's it.

djshari

You usually have a couple days to opt out of a contract like that.

VioletNightshade

My default answer for that type of situation is "Let me have a night to sleep on it and look over my budget," and then if they get pushy (which sales people tend to do), I say "I won't be buying anything today, but I'll give it some thought, and if I decide I want it, I'll certainly let you know. Are you on commission? If I decide I want it, I'll make sure you get your commission," if they still push, I start talking about other gyms I'm considering giving a test run. If all the subtlety doesn't work, which, it usually does unless the sales guy is particularly aggressive, I stop whatever I'm doing and look slightly annoyed and say "Look. I'm not buying anything today, and I don't appreciate being pressured. I understand part of your job is to sell these programmes, but if you don't give me some space and quit trying to make this sale, you'll lose my membership here completely." I had one guy continue with me after I said that, and I asked to speak with the manager. He started trying to backpedal, but I went through with it, contacted the manager, and told her that I had been a customer for a year, and the reason they were losing my membership (in front of the sales guy) was the aggressive sales attempts that I got tired of fending off, and when I filled the cancellation form, I crossed out their options for reasons and wrote "aggressive sales people pushing programmes too hard"

I don't enjoy being pressured or pitched to, and I consider it underhanded to make people vulnerable and then put the thumbscrews on. I don't like being confrontational like that, but it certainly shuts them up. Don't put up with it. Tell them that there is no hope of making that sale today, and that if they don't stop, it will result in the loss of your membership and then stick to your guns.

At the end of the day it's your pocketbook and they've no business telling you you "need" anything more. Rabbits, wolves and deer don't need supplements and memberships to get in shape, and neither do you if you don't want to.

StarChanger

Most states give you a three day window to cancel such sells contracts.

This is truth. Call NOW, if you're still in the window. Doing it by phone will make it easier to stand your ground on the matter, even though you WILL likely have to go in and physically sign something to cancel "officially". By doing it this way, it will give you a chance to own your decision and give you time to screw up your courage to speak to them face-to-face (because they WILL try to talk you out of cancelling...at least for 3 days....)

tigerlily42

Well the thing is they let me date the contract for the future since I don't get paid till the 31st. I am going to call and cancel as soon as I calm down a little. I've got a friend coming over to give me a hug and keep me from burying my face in a bag of chocolate.

corgicake

Is it possible to bite their head off and state that the contract is being cancelled via email? I imagine that would be the easiest.

AlteredSkates

I know how you feel. I had a 25 day gym pass. I went in to start working out and the sign up girl somehow manipulated me into signing up for a year contract and a personal trainer. I couldn't even afford this! All I wanted was to use my pass and get a feel of the gym that way. She said my pass had expired and needed to sign up to workout among other things.

There was a 11 day cooling off period, so I cancelled in time.

I'm currently studying fitness. I vow never to manipulate anyone to do something they don't want to do, I don't think I'd be any good at that anyway I want to help people and stay fit at the same time. That's why I'm doing this.

There was this hilarious episode on Family guy where Roger is a gym guy trying to manipulate Steve into joining his gym..It's pretty hilarious, with a lot of truth in it.

nyrina4life

So my gym does this "reprogram" thing where every month you get a "free" session with a personal trainer. They work you out - and it's always a good workout - and promise you a "personal workout plan" at the end. And then they ask how much money you can afford to dedicate to being healthier and out come the supplements and protein powders and PT session packages.

When you're slightly dizzy and holding back the bile as best you can you're not thinking clearly. I just signed a contract that I can't exactly afford simply because I can't say no when someone tells me they can help make me better. And this just makes me hate myself even more.

I know it's MY fault for being fat and it's MY fault for my financial situation but somehow I don't believe in myself enough to think that I can fix problems I caused.

I know on one level they are trying to help me but I also feel preyed upon. Is there a book or a video with low impact circuit training workouts for people who are so big their knees and ankles are in bad shape?

This sounds like something I did a while back. I got in a wreck and got out of it. But it sucked... being a sucker.

whitebalance

FWIW, I find throat punching sells people before they give me their spiels cuts down on me having to say "yes".

If you do enough of it and are careful about doing it from both sides, this can be a good upper body workout too.

EmilyEmpowered

Double post

EmilyEmpowered

Most states give you a three day window to cancel such sells contracts.

This - call them back and cancel right away. You usually have a few days to decide you don't want it. Have someone go there with you if you don't feel strong enough to do it yourself. They'll try to convince you not to, but just be strong. And learn from this so next time you'll be able to stay clear of those kinds of traps.

It is true!!! I had to do this once when I got swindled by a sleazy ( & out of shape) personal trainer about 3 years ago... Good thing someone told me what was up and I was able to get out of the contract! Good luck!

granitendirt

I was visiting a friend a few years ago and went with her to her gym. They allow members to bring a few guests each month, free of charge, so long as you fill out a release - which includes your name and phone number.

The next week I got a call from the sales guy. "Hey, did you enjoy your workout with us last week? Interested in becoming a member?" Me, politely: "No, thank you, I actually don't even live in the city where you are located. But if I ever move, I'll keep you in mind."

I got another call similar to that the next week, went through the same back-and-forth, hung up.

A few weeks later I was feeling pretty psyched. I was unemployed, but had put in my application for a number of different jobs, one of which was in my friend's city - and I thought I had a decent shot at getting an interview. My phone rings, and it's for an unknown number in that area code. I answered, feeling excited - and then heard, "Hi, it's Joe from ____ Fitness. Would you be interested in a full membership?"

Needless to say, my excitement abruptly deflated and any sense of polite discourse quickly exited my brain. That guy got an earful - I was pissed. I think it was along the lines of, "Look, how many times do I have to tell you? I AM NOT GETTING A MEMBERSHIP. STOP CALLING." *click*

Never heard from them again.

deksgrl

Well the thing is they let me date the contract for the future since I don't get paid till the 31st. I am going to call and cancel as soon as I calm down a little. I've got a friend coming over to give me a hug and keep me from burying my face in a bag of chocolate.

Oh, good. I'm glad that you can cancel it. You can totally find whatever information, motivation, everything you need elsewhere for free. Some people say if they pay for something that will make them use it, that totally doesn't work for me.

Doodlewhopper

Not sure of the state you live in but the contract is probably null if no money was exchanged.

I suggest a short note. (If you call to cancel be sure and note the time, date, and person you spoke with.)

Date

XXX Gym

Re: Cancellation of Personal Trainer Services Contract of July 31, 2013

Attn: XXX

After reviewing my budget I have concluded that I am unable to afford the training sessions that we discussed. This letter serves as my intention to cancel as per the above referenced subject.

Regards

Doodlewhopper

I was visiting a friend a few years ago and went with her to her gym. They allow members to bring a few guests each month, free of charge, so long as you fill out a release - which includes your name and phone number.

The next week I got a call from the sales guy. "Hey, did you enjoy your workout with us last week? Interested in becoming a member?" Me, politely: "No, thank you, I actually don't even live in the city where you are located. But if I ever move, I'll keep you in mind."

I got another call similar to that the next week, went through the same back-and-forth, hung up.

A few weeks later I was feeling pretty psyched. I was unemployed, but had put in my application for a number of different jobs, one of which was in my friend's city - and I thought I had a decent shot at getting an interview. My phone rings, and it's for an unknown number in that area code. I answered, feeling excited - and then heard, "Hi, it's Joe from ____ Fitness. Would you be interested in a full membership?"

Needless to say, my excitement abruptly deflated and any sense of polite discourse quickly exited my brain. That guy got an earful - I was pissed. I think it was along the lines of, "Look, how many times do I have to tell you? I AM NOT GETTING A MEMBERSHIP. STOP CALLING." *click*

Never heard from them again.

I generally refuse to give my phone number, but if I must, I always note, "do not share my contact info or solicit me" or make up a phony phone number

If you are solicited insist that they put you on their do not call list.

Also register with the National Do Not Call Registry - https://www.donotcall.gov/ .....and when you get a solicitation always file a complaint with the registry.

tigerlily42

I like the idea of the letter. I'd totally do that if I thought they'd read it and not charge my card.

Anyway, I'll give them a call tomorrow and if/when I'm approached again I am going to say, "I'm sure you could help me but this is something I need to do for myself."

Also IMHO $55 for a single training session is really steep. The other place I was a member I was able to talk them down to $35 a session. I really wish I hadn't changed gyms at all.

Sabine_Stroehm

I dislike gym sales people as much as I dislike car, mattress and time-share sales people. They aren't really interested in helping you get better, sleep well or have a nice vacation....they want your money and don't really care what they have to do to get it. (I might be generalizing a little...but that's been my experience)

For me it's hair salon folks talking about my "prescription".

hzliiz

I know it's hard to face it but I wouldn't call or email, I would suggest you go in person and get it in writing that the contract is in fact cancelled -- to protect yourself. And also it gets easier to say no and set limits with people the more you practice doing it. Best of luck to you with your goals!

snowmoon13

the only thing I can add as a recovering member of say yes when I want to scream no club...

Is to say " let me get back to you on that" we do not owe an intimidate answer to anyone...

Hope it works out..