No intimidation "gyms"

RealWorldStrengthLLC

Recently found out this is a thing beyond the obvious Planet Fitness.

I think this is a completely BS thing. I will admit it is a genius business model (Keep membership costs so low people will keep it even if they don't use it, discourage the culture of people who will put wear and tear on your equipment, and could possibly teach newcomers something). I will give credit to the idea from a financial standpoint.

From a fitness standpoint, it's completely pointless and is the embodiment of our lazy, overly PC, overfed American culture, at least IMO. It would be better for our country as a whole if there was less of this "you're fine the way you are, but if you want to work out you can but whatever is ok" and more of the attitude "you are obese, here is the means and knowledge to fix it - now put in some work."

That's just my .02. Debate

quiksylver296

While I use a powerlifting/bodybuilding type gym, I think there are people that need the PF or Curves-type gyms. Makes me happy, cuz less people at my gym in my way!

CSARdiver

At the heart of any good marketing campaign is fear. Previously this was applied to image - what the ideal looks like and fear of not meeting this ideal.

Planet Fitness flipped the narrative and did two things:

1. Recognized a market for victim status
2. Created a new politically correct safe environment of exclusion

This furthers the complications with human resiliency, so part of the problem, but a brilliant marketing campaign.

hesn92

It seems like a smart marketing strategy of course. I was interested and googled it one time and came across a forbes article that dove into it a bit more and found they weren't really all that profitable. I think this article was a few years old though.

kgeyser

From a fitness standpoint, people don't actually need much beyond what is offered at those gyms. If you have specific physique or training goals, you might, but for the average person, cardio equipment and some resistance training (they have machines and free weights) are enough to meet recommended activity goals for health and fitness.

As for why these gyms exist, you pretty much summed up the reason why people don't want to go to regular gyms and purposefully look for gyms of the no-intimidation type with your second paragraph. I wouldn't want to go a gym where people treat those who are overweight as lazy either.

Keto_Vampire

Well, on the (+) side, they make gym membership affordable for many & seems like a worthwhile investment to those who are actually committed to regularly using a gym. Some form of activity is better than none (re: criticism about over packing/emphasizing gyms with cardio equipment vs. weights)

There's plenty of PC rules you can get away with generally @ your typical commercial gym given you go @ the appropriate time of day (say 5am, when very understaffed with same old-same old workers)...pretty much everyone is just in-and-out ASAP and don't give a **** about complaining

The negative: those who join & don't have the willpower or motivation to use the gym frequently. I'm sure it's not very helpful to offer free tootsie rolls and various other treats as a reward for simply showing up (just sends the wrong message & doesn't seem right tempting people who are trying to change his/her life).

I really don't care about people slamming weights, grunting, exhibiting "bro" like behavior, etc.; as long as one is not breaking equipment & endangering others

RealWorldStrengthLLC

Keto_Vampire wrote: »

I really don't care about people slamming weights, grunting, exhibiting "bro" like behavior, etc.; as long as one is not breaking equipment & endangering others

This is another point I really have against these gyms. I kinda think there is a certain threshold of ones max where a grunt/growl/loud breath is almost inevitable and can even help on the last rep. Same with "dropping weights" the guys who purposely throw weights are jackwagons, but in the same sentence lowering a 450lb + deadlift that isn't bumper plates quietly is pretty much impossible unless your max is upwards of 550.

Packerjohn

CSARdiver wrote: »

At the heart of any good marketing campaign is fear. Previously this was applied to image - what the ideal looks like and fear of not meeting this ideal.

Planet Fitness flipped the narrative and did two things:

1. Recognized a market for victim status
2. Created a new politically correct safe environment of exclusion

This furthers the complications with human resiliency, so part of the problem, but a brilliant marketing campaign.

I would agree.

I would also tend to think most that have gym imtdation also have issues with social anxiety in other situations that are harder to deal with than a gym where weights clang.

RealWorldStrengthLLC

kgeyser wrote: »

As for why these gyms exist, you pretty much summed up the reason why people don't want to go to regular gyms and purposefully look for gyms of the no-intimidation type with your second paragraph. I wouldn't want to go a gym where people treat those who are overweight as lazy either.

I have never once seen someone criticized for being "lazy" at a regular gym - but showing someone where they stand in regards to obesity, bf%, strength, cardio, and teaching them how to rectify it through proper nutrition and training should not be demonized and seen as harsh. I have no qualms about someone telling me I'm fairly strong but I could stand to lose another 40+ pounds, because they are right. And before I started this when I ran into an old friend who last knew me fit he looked at me and said "dude you got fat, like really fat"...he wasn't being mean, he was one of the few people who was being honest.

happytree923

I think the marketing is ridiculous but I also don't think they're downfall of American society, jeez. I used to go to a Planet Fitness and most of the people there were Weight Watchers moms only interested in cardio equipment and teenagers because the membership is so cheap. There's no reason why there can't be different gym chains catering to different wants/needs, just wish they would throw out the dumb advertising.

MikePTY

I'm not sure I entirely get the post, but what is wrong with gyms targeted to people who do want to be bothered by strangers giving them unsolicited advice they didn't want or didn't ask for? There are plenty of different gyms for different type of people. But the gym going experience can be intimidating for a lot of people, made worse by wanna be experts who think they are personal trainers because they go to the gym every day.

It's not "PC culture" to not bother people who don't want to be bothered. It's basic decency. Let those who want to train in peace do so. There are plenty of other gyms to do other things at.

Keto_Vampire

youcantflexcardio wrote: »

Keto_Vampire wrote: »

I really don't care about people slamming weights, grunting, exhibiting "bro" like behavior, etc.; as long as one is not breaking equipment & endangering others

This is another point I really have against these gyms. I kinda think there is a certain threshold of ones max where a grunt/growl/loud breath is almost inevitable and can even help on the last rep. Same with "dropping weights" the guys who purposely throw weights are jackwagons, but in the same sentence lowering a 450lb + deadlift that isn't bumper plates quietly is pretty much impossible unless your max is upwards of 550.

Yeah, understandable for deadlifts & various other exercises where dropping weights on purpose is a must for safety concerns. I don't look to highly of gym bros who purposely slam a cable stack with EVERY rep (oddly feel sympathy for the lifeless weights)

comptonelizabeth

youcantflexcardio wrote: »

Recently found out this is a thing beyond the obvious Planet Fitness.

I think this is a completely BS thing. I will admit it is a genius business model (Keep membership costs so low people will keep it even if they don't use it, discourage the culture of people who will put wear and tear on your equipment, and could possibly teach newcomers something). I will give credit to the idea from a financial standpoint.

From a fitness standpoint, it's completely pointless and is the embodiment of our lazy, overly PC, overfed American culture, at least IMO. It would be better for our country as a whole if there was less of this "you're fine the way you are, but if you want to work out you can but whatever is ok" and more of the attitude "you are obese, here is the means and knowledge to fix it - now put in some work."

That's just my .02. Debate

Wow. This is one reason I workout at home rather than at a gym.
Marketing strategy or not, if it gets people exercising who would otherwise sit at home, then bring it on. People who don't want to use them don't have to

fishgutzy

PF is the opposite of the "no judgment zone." The rules are set up to judge people based on how they dress.
The only true no judgment gym i've been to is the YMCA. You will see teens to nonagenarians working out side by side.
No "lunk alarms." Everyone works too their own level. And they have at least one pool.

smolmaus

America is overly politically correct? That's a very tone-deaf thing to say, especially this week.

I don't know how it fits into this context either. Offering unsolicited advice to people you don't know is almost always unwelcome, usually rude and only serves to make the person offering the advice feel better. Slamming weights around is disruptive. It's manners, not politics.

People are telling gyms what is preventing them from going (I've seen a bunch of articles on gym-timidation recently tbh), and they are providing a solution. As far as I'm concerned anything that gets more people to a gym is positive, it normalises it for everyone. The wider range of bodies and fitness levels that can use the space, the better.

Packerjohn

MikePTY wrote: »

I'm not sure I entirely get the post, but what is wrong with gyms targeted to people who do want to be bothered by strangers giving them unsolicited advice they didn't want or didn't ask for? There are plenty of different gyms for different type of people. But the gym going experience can be intimidating for a lot of people, made worse by wanna be experts who think they are personal trainers because they go to the gym every day.

It's not "PC culture" to not bother people who don't want to be bothered. It's basic decency. Let those who want to train in peace do so. There are plenty of other gyms to do other things at.

My sample of 1 experience.

I've been going to gyms for over 40 years. Everything from college rec centers, YMCAs, local clubs, powerlifting gyms, national chains and had day passes at 2 places that make most lists of the most hardcore gyms in the US. I have never received unsolicited advice (although I have received good advice when politely asking someone).

Packerjohn

Keto_Vampire wrote: »

youcantflexcardio wrote: »

Keto_Vampire wrote: »

I really don't care about people slamming weights, grunting, exhibiting "bro" like behavior, etc.; as long as one is not breaking equipment & endangering others

This is another point I really have against these gyms. I kinda think there is a certain threshold of ones max where a grunt/growl/loud breath is almost inevitable and can even help on the last rep. Same with "dropping weights" the guys who purposely throw weights are jackwagons, but in the same sentence lowering a 450lb + deadlift that isn't bumper plates quietly is pretty much impossible unless your max is upwards of 550.

Yeah, understandable for deadlifts & various other exercises where dropping weights on purpose is a must for safety concerns. I don't look to highly of gym bros who purposely slam a cable stack with EVERY rep (oddly feel sympathy for the lifeless weights)

True, but you don't drop every rep of a deadlift from waist high (unless bumper plates and platform). *kitten* at my gym doing that and *kitten* up plates.

Noreenmarie1234

I have never heard the "no intimidation gym" term. What does this even mean and why is planet fitness one? This is probably a stupid question but I googled it as well and can't seem to find anything explaining fully.

I have never belonged to a gym, but do people usually comment on your workouts at most gyms? I always thought no one would talk to you unless you asked for advice and everyone just did their own thing. At most gyms it is the norm to have someone approach you every time and tell you how/what to do? I am genuinely curious because I never thought this was how gyms were but I have no clue since never been to one lol.

msf74

youcantflexcardio wrote: »

From a fitness standpoint, it's completely pointless and is the embodiment of our lazy, overly PC, overfed American culture, at least IMO. It would be better for our country as a whole if there was less of this "you're fine the way you are, but if you want to work out you can but whatever is ok" and more of the attitude "you are obese, here is the means and knowledge to fix it - now put in some work."

You got all that from the market providing a choice for people to exercise in an environment they feel comfortable within (which it seems to be would promote greater levels of adherence and ability to put in greater effort due to less fear of social judgment)?

Right you are...

The "right" environment or attitude is the one which reaps the best results depending on the individual's specific situation and personality.

Packerjohn

Noreenmarie1234 wrote: »

I have never heard the "no intimidation gym" term. What does this even mean and why is planet fitness one? This is probably a stupid question but I googled it as well and can't seem to find anything explaining fully.

I have never belonged to a gym, but do people usually comment on your workouts at most gyms? I always thought no one would talk to you unless you asked for advice and everyone just did their own thing. At most gyms it is the norm to have someone approach you every time and tell you how/what to do? I am genuinely curious because I never thought this was how gyms were but I have no clue since never been to one lol.

Gym intimidation is pretty much a marketing term developed by Planet Fitness.

Second question, no people don't usually comment on your workouts at most gyms (see my post above). I've had some issues and needed to do a few more unusual looking things (per doctor's orders) a few times and people have asked out of curiosity. I explained, they wished me luck and went on their way.

OddDitty

Excuse me if I respectfully disagree.

I joined CRUNCH, admittedly because it is affordable. However, I have found it a great environment, not because its PC (they have FOX on their televisions, so it can't be TOO "pc") but because the equipment works for me. You see, I've lost over 200 pounds (thus far 252) and as such, have a lot of flesh that hangs and droops. While exercise alone won't fix it 100%, it helps some, and some is better than none!

The staff there have been 100% helpful and supportive. My boss used to be a personal trainer before becoming a federal agent (good golly miss molly is that dude in shape!) And he says that what they're telling me, and for someone my age with my health issues, has been spot on advice.

If I am working on some equipment, and doing it wrong, younger people very respectfully approach me.

I see people in the classes working out, people of all ages, sizes and fitness levels. They show how to modify for your needs as well.

I think that what's meant by "no judgements" is just a way of letting people know that, if they're like me, nobody will be mocking them. Marketing? Yes. Useless? No. If it gets people who need the gym, into the gym, that's great!

I know a woman with a lifetime membership to one of the major chains. She spent thousands on it and never went once. People do that regardless of the type of gym. Its about individual devotion.

I like CRUNCH and recommend it to anyone interested in a good environment, with well maintained equipment, good people and lots of choices.