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No intimidation "gyms"
Replies
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gallicinvasion wrote: »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
Do you think that intimidation is important for habit changing? Nothing wrong with encouraging people to put in some work (that's what all gyms generally are for, regardless of if they're considered "intimidation gyms" or not), but why is intimidation necessary? Don't you think that people are more likely to make changes when they don't feel like they'll be judged for their beginner fitness level? Everyone starts at the beginning, and fear of judgment holds an awful lot of people back from what we know they can accomplish.
The problem is, you can/will be judged anywhere you go. It's not like Planet Fitness is filled with a different species of human being that has had judgment magically removed from their minds. You'll be judged in the grocery store, the post office, at work, walking down the street, sitting in a restaurant - basically anywhere you go. There are judgmental and non-judgmental people in any gym/workout environment. The only way to avoid it is to either work out at home, or find a gym which has individual, isolated cubicles where you can work out without anybody else seeing you - or that only allows one person in at a time.
The vast majority of people in any given gym are far less judgmental than the people you're around in your life the remainder of the time. Even the most fit people there started out unfit at some point, and have traversed a long, hard road to get to where they are. They understand what a newbie goes through, because they were there once too. If they notice you to any extent beyond a fleeting glance while they're busy with their own workout, the thought is most likely that they're happy to see you taking that first step and trying to improve yourself. Basically the only way anybody is judged negatively in a gym is if you're doing something stupid and/or purposely drawing attention to yourself. And about 90% of the people in any given gym are just as insecure and worried about judgment as you are.
Gyms are not places filled with superhuman people. They're the same people you deal with every day as you go about your life.
Yep, I feel the people that join PF because of "gym-intimidation" (as opposed to has stuff they, need, location, price, etc.) are intimidated/have social anxiety issues in a lot of situation in addition to a gym.2 -
Actually, the vast majority of "gym pet peeves" threads I see aren't complaining about noobies (other than the influx of "resolutioners" which pack the gyms for a few weeks at the beginning of every year) - they're about people who are inconsiderate and/or have poor gym etiquette. Which is in no way related to noobies. I see some of the worst, most egregious breaches of gym etiquette from people who have been going to the gym for years and should know better - but they either don't care or never bothered to learn.gallicinvasion wrote: »gallicinvasion wrote: »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
Do you think that intimidation is important for habit changing? Nothing wrong with encouraging people to put in some work (that's what all gyms generally are for, regardless of if they're considered "intimidation gyms" or not), but why is intimidation necessary? Don't you think that people are more likely to make changes when they don't feel like they'll be judged for their beginner fitness level? Everyone starts at the beginning, and fear of judgment holds an awful lot of people back from what we know they can accomplish.
The problem is, you can/will be judged anywhere you go. It's not like Planet Fitness is filled with a different species of human being that has had judgment magically removed from their minds. You'll be judged in the grocery store, the post office, at work, walking down the street, sitting in a restaurant - basically anywhere you go. There are judgmental and non-judgmental people in any gym/workout environment. The only way to avoid it is to either work out at home, or find a gym which has individual, isolated cubicles where you can work out without anybody else seeing you - or that only allows one person in at a time.
The vast majority of people in any given gym are far less judgmental than the people you're around in your life the remainder of the time. Even the most fit people there started out unfit at some point, and have traversed a long, hard road to get to where they are. They understand what a newbie goes through, because they were there once too. If they notice you to any extent beyond a fleeting glance while they're busy with their own workout, the thought is most likely that they're happy to see you taking that first step and trying to improve yourself. Basically the only way anybody is judged negatively in a gym is if you're doing something stupid and/or purposely drawing attention to yourself. And about 90% of the people in any given gym are just as insecure and worried about judgment as you are.
Gyms are not places filled with superhuman people. They're the same people you deal with every day as you go about your life.
I see what you're saying; yes the gyms are full of the same people we always deal with. However, people are more self-conscious when they are in an environment where they don't know all the recommendations or right ways to go about their business. They don't want to offend, inconvenience, or bother people with their lack of knowledge/confidence, especially when they constantly see people threads and articles complaining about gym noobies. They don't want to be seen as dumb or ignorant, and they don't know the right people to ask. All of this roots from fear of being judged as a dumb fat person (which many are honestly fearful of THROUGHOUT their lives, yes even at the supermarket and the bank).
Here's Gym Etiquette 101 - pretty much all the basics one needs to know to avoid looking dumb/ignorant in most gyms:
1) Dress appropriately for the gym (workout attire).
2) Bring/use a workout towel - wipe your benches/machines down when you're done using them. If your gym has cleaning wipes, use them.
3) It helps to know what you're going to do when you walk into the gym. If it's a lifting workout, have it written down in a workout log, on your phone, etc. If you're going to do cardio machines and don't know how to use them, ask the gym staff to give you a quick demo. This will avoid the standing around looking at things and feeling like you don't know what you're doing. It will also help you get the most benefit out of your workouts, rather than wandering around the gym and randomly using machines/equipment.
4) If you're not actively using a machine/station or resting between sets, don't hog it up. If you're going to text, read/post on social media, play games, etc., go find a chair or out of the way place somewhere so you're not interfering with other people's workouts. If you have to make/take a phone call (assuming your gym allows phones on the gym floor in the first place), go to the lobby or locker room.
5) If you're using free weights or dumbbells, rack them/put them away in the proper place when you're done with them. Don't make others have to pick up your toys.
6) If you're not a certified personal trainer and you're not being paid by somebody to train them, don't offer unsolicited advice. If you think somebody is doing something stupid and/or has a high chance of injuring themselves or others, report it to gym management and let them handle it.
7) Don't stare and don't be a creep. The gym isn't a meat market.
Bonus points:
8) Don't set up a 6-station circuit of your own and hog up all those stations (and every dumbbell from 5-35 pounds) for an hour in a crowded gym. Go to a Crossfit gym if you want to do those kind of workouts.
9) The squat racks/power cages are for specific exercises. Don't take up a squat rack/power cage to do curls, triceps kickbacks, ankle weight donkey kicks, one-legged bosu ball overhead presses, etc. Basically, if it's an exercise you can do somewhere other than in a squat rack/power cage, do it somewhere other than in a squat rack/power cage.15 -
It's almost a meme to crap all over PF in the fitness community, but I think it's pretty stupid. PF fills a specific niche and it's important not to get too presumptuous and uppity about other people's exercise preferences or motivations. Any exercise is better than no exercise, not everyone is about to throw themselves full force into powerlifting. Some people have no need for more sophisticated or equipped gyms and don't want to pay for it. I had a PF membership at one point because it was the cheapest in my area and I really just needed it for the barbells, dumbbells, and an elliptical machine. Never ran into any troubles with people "discouraging me" from working out too hard (and, quite frankly, when I had a Lifetime membership, I didn't like that some people would practically throw their weights to the ground and scream at random, it was just 1 or 2 regulars who would do this but it seemed pretty dramatic and obnoxious). I'm a small woman who had just started out with weight training and I wasn't about to outgrow the weight range PF had available any time soon so their available selection was no issue for me.
Then, and now, I exercise mostly to maintain a decent level of fitness or to burn some calories and that's it -- I am not bodybuilding or training for a particular sport. I think that is probably most people who go to gyms. So far it's worked out more than fine for me.
Maybe the gym's concept doesn't suit your needs, and that's fine, that's why there's other gyms. But I think it's weird that the same people who *kitten* and moan about how people don't exercise regularly are probably the same ones turning around and saying "oh, well okay they're exercising but *sniff* I don't like the gym they're going to". Grow up and mind your business, it doesn't matter. Not everyone needs to be you.16 -
I never get unsolicited advice. I’m pretty good at putting on my game face and my headphones in. Once you are in your own zone people don’t even make eye contact. I use to work out at the gym on Fort Bragg where the special forces guys went and occasionally I’d get a flirty look or whatever but never advice. And as with most anywhere if you don’t encourage conversation the majority of humans are good at knowing their attention is not wanted.1
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Meh. I've been a member at both PF and a privately owned gym and to be completely frank, the only differences I see are PF has worse decor, and far more equipment. The same type of equipment and people are in both types of gyms in my area. PF is cheaper, open 24/7, and has a spa area for tanning and massage. Nothing against the privately owned gym, but it's a lot more expensive with nothing extra to offer. I go to PF and it's not because of the lunk alarm or no intimidation. It's just a more sensible way to spend my gym membership fee - also, no one leaves "toys" laying around. They clean the machines after use, put up their weights, and move off to the side to text or use their phones. I completely agree that people should have good gym etiquette, but it seems to me that bad behavior has very little to do with the name on the gym's sign or the marketing strategy they use to fill their ranks.7
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Packerjohn wrote: »gallicinvasion wrote: »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
Do you think that intimidation is important for habit changing? Nothing wrong with encouraging people to put in some work (that's what all gyms generally are for, regardless of if they're considered "intimidation gyms" or not), but why is intimidation necessary? Don't you think that people are more likely to make changes when they don't feel like they'll be judged for their beginner fitness level? Everyone starts at the beginning, and fear of judgment holds an awful lot of people back from what we know they can accomplish.
The problem is, you can/will be judged anywhere you go. It's not like Planet Fitness is filled with a different species of human being that has had judgment magically removed from their minds. You'll be judged in the grocery store, the post office, at work, walking down the street, sitting in a restaurant - basically anywhere you go. There are judgmental and non-judgmental people in any gym/workout environment. The only way to avoid it is to either work out at home, or find a gym which has individual, isolated cubicles where you can work out without anybody else seeing you - or that only allows one person in at a time.
The vast majority of people in any given gym are far less judgmental than the people you're around in your life the remainder of the time. Even the most fit people there started out unfit at some point, and have traversed a long, hard road to get to where they are. They understand what a newbie goes through, because they were there once too. If they notice you to any extent beyond a fleeting glance while they're busy with their own workout, the thought is most likely that they're happy to see you taking that first step and trying to improve yourself. Basically the only way anybody is judged negatively in a gym is if you're doing something stupid and/or purposely drawing attention to yourself. And about 90% of the people in any given gym are just as insecure and worried about judgment as you are.
Gyms are not places filled with superhuman people. They're the same people you deal with every day as you go about your life.
Yep, I feel the people that join PF because of "gym-intimidation" (as opposed to has stuff they, need, location, price, etc.) are intimidated/have social anxiety issues in a lot of situation in addition to a gym.
Then why is it so awful that there are gyms that make a point of trying to allay those anxieties so that those people might actually have a place where they will exercise? Because if you're right about their general social anxiety issues, the alternative for those people if places like PF didn't exist wouldn't be going to a gym that doesn't market itself that way. And it won't be going outside for a walk or a run. At best, it might be working out to a video at home. Maybe.2 -
lynn_glenmont wrote: »Packerjohn wrote: »gallicinvasion wrote: »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
Do you think that intimidation is important for habit changing? Nothing wrong with encouraging people to put in some work (that's what all gyms generally are for, regardless of if they're considered "intimidation gyms" or not), but why is intimidation necessary? Don't you think that people are more likely to make changes when they don't feel like they'll be judged for their beginner fitness level? Everyone starts at the beginning, and fear of judgment holds an awful lot of people back from what we know they can accomplish.
The problem is, you can/will be judged anywhere you go. It's not like Planet Fitness is filled with a different species of human being that has had judgment magically removed from their minds. You'll be judged in the grocery store, the post office, at work, walking down the street, sitting in a restaurant - basically anywhere you go. There are judgmental and non-judgmental people in any gym/workout environment. The only way to avoid it is to either work out at home, or find a gym which has individual, isolated cubicles where you can work out without anybody else seeing you - or that only allows one person in at a time.
The vast majority of people in any given gym are far less judgmental than the people you're around in your life the remainder of the time. Even the most fit people there started out unfit at some point, and have traversed a long, hard road to get to where they are. They understand what a newbie goes through, because they were there once too. If they notice you to any extent beyond a fleeting glance while they're busy with their own workout, the thought is most likely that they're happy to see you taking that first step and trying to improve yourself. Basically the only way anybody is judged negatively in a gym is if you're doing something stupid and/or purposely drawing attention to yourself. And about 90% of the people in any given gym are just as insecure and worried about judgment as you are.
Gyms are not places filled with superhuman people. They're the same people you deal with every day as you go about your life.
Yep, I feel the people that join PF because of "gym-intimidation" (as opposed to has stuff they, need, location, price, etc.) are intimidated/have social anxiety issues in a lot of situation in addition to a gym.
Then why is it so awful that there are gyms that make a point of trying to allay those anxieties so that those people might actually have a place where they will exercise? Because if you're right about their general social anxiety issues, the alternative for those people if places like PF didn't exist wouldn't be going to a gym that doesn't market itself that way. And it won't be going outside for a walk or a run. At best, it might be working out to a video at home. Maybe.
I believe people get pissed off with the advertising campaign that stereotypes the appearance/actions of people that belong to "intimidation gyms" (which PF marketing whats people to believe that is everywhere besides PF, which isn't true). To be honest, if you took the the late afternoon crowd from 10 random gyms and asked a number of people to judge which group were PF members they couldn't do it outside of a random guess.
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I like pf because with my current work schedule going to the gym often is inconvenient. I have equipment and videos at home. I want to go to the gym sometimes because their equipment is more upgraded than mine. With low fees I can keep my membership and it is there when I decide to use it. I have taken advantage of the classes and fitness training on occassion. It works for me.1
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lynn_glenmont wrote: »Packerjohn wrote: »gallicinvasion wrote: »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
Do you think that intimidation is important for habit changing? Nothing wrong with encouraging people to put in some work (that's what all gyms generally are for, regardless of if they're considered "intimidation gyms" or not), but why is intimidation necessary? Don't you think that people are more likely to make changes when they don't feel like they'll be judged for their beginner fitness level? Everyone starts at the beginning, and fear of judgment holds an awful lot of people back from what we know they can accomplish.
The problem is, you can/will be judged anywhere you go. It's not like Planet Fitness is filled with a different species of human being that has had judgment magically removed from their minds. You'll be judged in the grocery store, the post office, at work, walking down the street, sitting in a restaurant - basically anywhere you go. There are judgmental and non-judgmental people in any gym/workout environment. The only way to avoid it is to either work out at home, or find a gym which has individual, isolated cubicles where you can work out without anybody else seeing you - or that only allows one person in at a time.
The vast majority of people in any given gym are far less judgmental than the people you're around in your life the remainder of the time. Even the most fit people there started out unfit at some point, and have traversed a long, hard road to get to where they are. They understand what a newbie goes through, because they were there once too. If they notice you to any extent beyond a fleeting glance while they're busy with their own workout, the thought is most likely that they're happy to see you taking that first step and trying to improve yourself. Basically the only way anybody is judged negatively in a gym is if you're doing something stupid and/or purposely drawing attention to yourself. And about 90% of the people in any given gym are just as insecure and worried about judgment as you are.
Gyms are not places filled with superhuman people. They're the same people you deal with every day as you go about your life.
Yep, I feel the people that join PF because of "gym-intimidation" (as opposed to has stuff they, need, location, price, etc.) are intimidated/have social anxiety issues in a lot of situation in addition to a gym.
Then why is it so awful that there are gyms that make a point of trying to allay those anxieties so that those people might actually have a place where they will exercise? Because if you're right about their general social anxiety issues, the alternative for those people if places like PF didn't exist wouldn't be going to a gym that doesn't market itself that way. And it won't be going outside for a walk or a run. At best, it might be working out to a video at home. Maybe.
My only problem with it is when people need to talk about how great PF is because it lacks all these horrible things that other gyms supposedly have. It's falsely representing how other gyms are, and creating fear among people that in other gyms they will be treated badly. If someone wants to ignore the obnoxious marketing and go to PF because it's convenient, open 24/7, or is cheap, I certainly don't care.
It's all the posts about how PF is better because it's clean, or lacks people who treat you rudely, or doesn't have obnoxious gym rats or has equipment available or whatnot when I find it slightly annoying. So do other gyms, plus in many cases other things PF does not have (and yes, that many people might not want).
My gym is more expensive than PF (PF isn't near my home or office so isn't an option, but there are cheaper gyms that are). I pay for that because it has some things that are worth it to me. I don't go on MFP and go on about how my gym is better than other gyms, or claim the people are nicer or that other gyms would be icky, and it kind of bugs me when PF fans do that -- I think it's as common as people being negative about PF, and I also think people are ONLY negative about PF because it has intentionally "us against them" advertising. Too bad that in this day "us against them" seems to be the way to make money, ick.5 -
Packerjohn wrote: »lynn_glenmont wrote: »Packerjohn wrote: »gallicinvasion wrote: »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
Do you think that intimidation is important for habit changing? Nothing wrong with encouraging people to put in some work (that's what all gyms generally are for, regardless of if they're considered "intimidation gyms" or not), but why is intimidation necessary? Don't you think that people are more likely to make changes when they don't feel like they'll be judged for their beginner fitness level? Everyone starts at the beginning, and fear of judgment holds an awful lot of people back from what we know they can accomplish.
The problem is, you can/will be judged anywhere you go. It's not like Planet Fitness is filled with a different species of human being that has had judgment magically removed from their minds. You'll be judged in the grocery store, the post office, at work, walking down the street, sitting in a restaurant - basically anywhere you go. There are judgmental and non-judgmental people in any gym/workout environment. The only way to avoid it is to either work out at home, or find a gym which has individual, isolated cubicles where you can work out without anybody else seeing you - or that only allows one person in at a time.
The vast majority of people in any given gym are far less judgmental than the people you're around in your life the remainder of the time. Even the most fit people there started out unfit at some point, and have traversed a long, hard road to get to where they are. They understand what a newbie goes through, because they were there once too. If they notice you to any extent beyond a fleeting glance while they're busy with their own workout, the thought is most likely that they're happy to see you taking that first step and trying to improve yourself. Basically the only way anybody is judged negatively in a gym is if you're doing something stupid and/or purposely drawing attention to yourself. And about 90% of the people in any given gym are just as insecure and worried about judgment as you are.
Gyms are not places filled with superhuman people. They're the same people you deal with every day as you go about your life.
Yep, I feel the people that join PF because of "gym-intimidation" (as opposed to has stuff they, need, location, price, etc.) are intimidated/have social anxiety issues in a lot of situation in addition to a gym.
Then why is it so awful that there are gyms that make a point of trying to allay those anxieties so that those people might actually have a place where they will exercise? Because if you're right about their general social anxiety issues, the alternative for those people if places like PF didn't exist wouldn't be going to a gym that doesn't market itself that way. And it won't be going outside for a walk or a run. At best, it might be working out to a video at home. Maybe.
I believe people get pissed off with the advertising campaign that stereotypes the appearance/actions of people that belong to "intimidation gyms" (which PF marketing whats people to believe that is everywhere besides PF, which isn't true). To be honest, if you took the the late afternoon crowd from 10 random gyms and asked a number of people to judge which group were PF members they couldn't do it outside of a random guess.
Totally agree with this.4 -
lynn_glenmont wrote: »Packerjohn wrote: »gallicinvasion wrote: »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
Do you think that intimidation is important for habit changing? Nothing wrong with encouraging people to put in some work (that's what all gyms generally are for, regardless of if they're considered "intimidation gyms" or not), but why is intimidation necessary? Don't you think that people are more likely to make changes when they don't feel like they'll be judged for their beginner fitness level? Everyone starts at the beginning, and fear of judgment holds an awful lot of people back from what we know they can accomplish.
The problem is, you can/will be judged anywhere you go. It's not like Planet Fitness is filled with a different species of human being that has had judgment magically removed from their minds. You'll be judged in the grocery store, the post office, at work, walking down the street, sitting in a restaurant - basically anywhere you go. There are judgmental and non-judgmental people in any gym/workout environment. The only way to avoid it is to either work out at home, or find a gym which has individual, isolated cubicles where you can work out without anybody else seeing you - or that only allows one person in at a time.
The vast majority of people in any given gym are far less judgmental than the people you're around in your life the remainder of the time. Even the most fit people there started out unfit at some point, and have traversed a long, hard road to get to where they are. They understand what a newbie goes through, because they were there once too. If they notice you to any extent beyond a fleeting glance while they're busy with their own workout, the thought is most likely that they're happy to see you taking that first step and trying to improve yourself. Basically the only way anybody is judged negatively in a gym is if you're doing something stupid and/or purposely drawing attention to yourself. And about 90% of the people in any given gym are just as insecure and worried about judgment as you are.
Gyms are not places filled with superhuman people. They're the same people you deal with every day as you go about your life.
Yep, I feel the people that join PF because of "gym-intimidation" (as opposed to has stuff they, need, location, price, etc.) are intimidated/have social anxiety issues in a lot of situation in addition to a gym.
Then why is it so awful that there are gyms that make a point of trying to allay those anxieties so that those people might actually have a place where they will exercise? Because if you're right about their general social anxiety issues, the alternative for those people if places like PF didn't exist wouldn't be going to a gym that doesn't market itself that way. And it won't be going outside for a walk or a run. At best, it might be working out to a video at home. Maybe.
My only problem with it is when people need to talk about how great PF is because it lacks all these horrible things that other gyms supposedly have. It's falsely representing how other gyms are, and creating fear among people that in other gyms they will be treated badly. If someone wants to ignore the obnoxious marketing and go to PF because it's convenient, open 24/7, or is cheap, I certainly don't care.
It's all the posts about how PF is better because it's clean, or lacks people who treat you rudely, or doesn't have obnoxious gym rats or has equipment available or whatnot when I find it slightly annoying. So do other gyms, plus in many cases other things PF does not have (and yes, that many people might not want).
My gym is more expensive than PF (PF isn't near my home or office so isn't an option, but there are cheaper gyms that are). I pay for that because it has some things that are worth it to me. I don't go on MFP and go on about how my gym is better than other gyms, or claim the people are nicer or that other gyms would be icky, and it kind of bugs me when PF fans do that -- I think it's as common as people being negative about PF, and I also think people are ONLY negative about PF because it has intentionally "us against them" advertising. Too bad that in this day "us against them" seems to be the way to make money, ick.
I agree with all of this! In addition, if one has social anxiety, how is PF any different than any other social situation in any other gym. They are preying on people's fears for profit. So, double ick!4 -
This thread is basically full of people gatekeeping fitness. People are SO quick to link 'PC culture' to anything they like, which is ironic because those folks are the ones who seem to get offended over everything. I think anything that gets people more active can only be a good thing. Fitness and body image is something deeply personal and stigmatised, especially for women (who tend to get approached more in the gym unsolicited, let's be honest), so I'm not surprised that some people find it easier to go to a gym where these behaviours are discouraged. Even if it just acts as a gateway, at least it's a start for people who may never have found their feet otherwise. If you're really so offended by the idea that different people have different needs, try a 'no-intimidation' world...12
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Packerjohn wrote: »While I think the concept itself of "no intimidation" gyms is silly and unnecessarily instills fear of gyms, I have no problem with the existence of 'less hardcore' gyms. Not everybody is (or wants to be) a hardcore powerlifter or bodybuilder, and that's perfectly fine. In terms of general health, any exercise is better than no exercise.
I do have a problem with the blatant hypocrisy of Planet Fitness' marketing strategy. They label themselves as a "no judgment zone", yet they're highly judgmental of fit people and their commercials stereotype and mock them in various ways. If any other gym chain wanted to project a more 'hardcore' image and made TV commercials stereotyping, mocking and belittling fat people and scrawny non-lifters in a similar way, they'd be crucified for it.
Well said!
I kinda had to laugh because I’m pretty sure I go to an “intimidation gym” lol
I guess as long as people are getting fit and healthy right? 🤷🏼♀️
I belonged to a Gold’s Gym in the late ‘80s/early ‘90s that was the home gym for several bodybuilders, both pro and amateur, men and women, so I guess some people would consider that an “intimidation gym”. Thing is, they were the most chill people in the whole gym - so into their own workouts that they hardly even noticed anything going on around them. They always racked their weights, put away their dumbbells and wiped down the equipment because it’s what they were taught to do, and because the other bodybuilders would call them out if they didn’t. They’d say hi, but never offered unsolicited advice or harassed anybody. The only times I ever saw them do anything like that was when the high school gym bros would get rowdy and start acting stupid - a few quiet words from one of the bodybuilders and the stupidity would cease very quickly.
I’ve had worse experiences in the “non-intimidation” type gyms - brain dead people hogging stations while they text, take selfies for their instasnapface accounts, or sit there and gossip about their dates. If you’re there to workout, then workout - if you’re there to socialize and impress your social media followers, go do it somewhere where you’re not hindering everybody else from getting their workouts done. That kind of garbage is more likely to happen in those kind of gyms because everybody is afraid to say anything to them because of the “judgment free” thing.
I’d much rather be in a gym with a bunch of hardcore “lunks” going quietly (or even noisily) and efficiently about their workouts than with a bunch of sheeple randomly stumbling around from station to station, competing for social media ‘likes’ and leaving a trail of their “toys” strewn around the gym behind them.
Spot on:
Heaven forbid you have to ASK to work in during someone's set! And god forbid they use an app to track their training, lest they be judged by Ye Olde School Gym Bros. This is ridiculous. If someone is hogging the squat rack, use your words and ask them politely to move. It's not that hard.10 -
lynn_glenmont wrote: »Packerjohn wrote: »gallicinvasion wrote: »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
Do you think that intimidation is important for habit changing? Nothing wrong with encouraging people to put in some work (that's what all gyms generally are for, regardless of if they're considered "intimidation gyms" or not), but why is intimidation necessary? Don't you think that people are more likely to make changes when they don't feel like they'll be judged for their beginner fitness level? Everyone starts at the beginning, and fear of judgment holds an awful lot of people back from what we know they can accomplish.
The problem is, you can/will be judged anywhere you go. It's not like Planet Fitness is filled with a different species of human being that has had judgment magically removed from their minds. You'll be judged in the grocery store, the post office, at work, walking down the street, sitting in a restaurant - basically anywhere you go. There are judgmental and non-judgmental people in any gym/workout environment. The only way to avoid it is to either work out at home, or find a gym which has individual, isolated cubicles where you can work out without anybody else seeing you - or that only allows one person in at a time.
The vast majority of people in any given gym are far less judgmental than the people you're around in your life the remainder of the time. Even the most fit people there started out unfit at some point, and have traversed a long, hard road to get to where they are. They understand what a newbie goes through, because they were there once too. If they notice you to any extent beyond a fleeting glance while they're busy with their own workout, the thought is most likely that they're happy to see you taking that first step and trying to improve yourself. Basically the only way anybody is judged negatively in a gym is if you're doing something stupid and/or purposely drawing attention to yourself. And about 90% of the people in any given gym are just as insecure and worried about judgment as you are.
Gyms are not places filled with superhuman people. They're the same people you deal with every day as you go about your life.
Yep, I feel the people that join PF because of "gym-intimidation" (as opposed to has stuff they, need, location, price, etc.) are intimidated/have social anxiety issues in a lot of situation in addition to a gym.
Then why is it so awful that there are gyms that make a point of trying to allay those anxieties so that those people might actually have a place where they will exercise? Because if you're right about their general social anxiety issues, the alternative for those people if places like PF didn't exist wouldn't be going to a gym that doesn't market itself that way. And it won't be going outside for a walk or a run. At best, it might be working out to a video at home. Maybe.
My only problem with it is when people need to talk about how great PF is because it lacks all these horrible things that other gyms supposedly have. It's falsely representing how other gyms are, and creating fear among people that in other gyms they will be treated badly. If someone wants to ignore the obnoxious marketing and go to PF because it's convenient, open 24/7, or is cheap, I certainly don't care.
It's all the posts about how PF is better because it's clean, or lacks people who treat you rudely, or doesn't have obnoxious gym rats or has equipment available or whatnot when I find it slightly annoying. So do other gyms, plus in many cases other things PF does not have (and yes, that many people might not want).
My gym is more expensive than PF (PF isn't near my home or office so isn't an option, but there are cheaper gyms that are). I pay for that because it has some things that are worth it to me. I don't go on MFP and go on about how my gym is better than other gyms, or claim the people are nicer or that other gyms would be icky, and it kind of bugs me when PF fans do that -- I think it's as common as people being negative about PF, and I also think people are ONLY negative about PF because it has intentionally "us against them" advertising. Too bad that in this day "us against them" seems to be the way to make money, ick.
I agree with all of this! In addition, if one has social anxiety, how is PF any different than any other social situation in any other gym. They are preying on people's fears for profit. So, double ick!
Or any other social situation period. Are we going to start seeing marketing for no intimidation grocery stores, restaurants, etc?6 -
mortuseon_ wrote: »Packerjohn wrote: »While I think the concept itself of "no intimidation" gyms is silly and unnecessarily instills fear of gyms, I have no problem with the existence of 'less hardcore' gyms. Not everybody is (or wants to be) a hardcore powerlifter or bodybuilder, and that's perfectly fine. In terms of general health, any exercise is better than no exercise.
I do have a problem with the blatant hypocrisy of Planet Fitness' marketing strategy. They label themselves as a "no judgment zone", yet they're highly judgmental of fit people and their commercials stereotype and mock them in various ways. If any other gym chain wanted to project a more 'hardcore' image and made TV commercials stereotyping, mocking and belittling fat people and scrawny non-lifters in a similar way, they'd be crucified for it.
Well said!
I kinda had to laugh because I’m pretty sure I go to an “intimidation gym” lol
I guess as long as people are getting fit and healthy right? 🤷🏼♀️
I belonged to a Gold’s Gym in the late ‘80s/early ‘90s that was the home gym for several bodybuilders, both pro and amateur, men and women, so I guess some people would consider that an “intimidation gym”. Thing is, they were the most chill people in the whole gym - so into their own workouts that they hardly even noticed anything going on around them. They always racked their weights, put away their dumbbells and wiped down the equipment because it’s what they were taught to do, and because the other bodybuilders would call them out if they didn’t. They’d say hi, but never offered unsolicited advice or harassed anybody. The only times I ever saw them do anything like that was when the high school gym bros would get rowdy and start acting stupid - a few quiet words from one of the bodybuilders and the stupidity would cease very quickly.
I’ve had worse experiences in the “non-intimidation” type gyms - brain dead people hogging stations while they text, take selfies for their instasnapface accounts, or sit there and gossip about their dates. If you’re there to workout, then workout - if you’re there to socialize and impress your social media followers, go do it somewhere where you’re not hindering everybody else from getting their workouts done. That kind of garbage is more likely to happen in those kind of gyms because everybody is afraid to say anything to them because of the “judgment free” thing.
I’d much rather be in a gym with a bunch of hardcore “lunks” going quietly (or even noisily) and efficiently about their workouts than with a bunch of sheeple randomly stumbling around from station to station, competing for social media ‘likes’ and leaving a trail of their “toys” strewn around the gym behind them.
Spot on:
Heaven forbid you have to ASK to work in during someone's set! And god forbid they use an app to track their training, lest they be judged by Ye Olde School Gym Bros. This is ridiculous. If someone is hogging the squat rack, use your words and ask them politely to move. It's not that hard.
Believe me, I have no problem asking someone hogging a piece of equipment to move their *kitten*.
Thing is, God forbid, people should have enough common sense to do it without being asked8 -
Packerjohn wrote: »mortuseon_ wrote: »Packerjohn wrote: »While I think the concept itself of "no intimidation" gyms is silly and unnecessarily instills fear of gyms, I have no problem with the existence of 'less hardcore' gyms. Not everybody is (or wants to be) a hardcore powerlifter or bodybuilder, and that's perfectly fine. In terms of general health, any exercise is better than no exercise.
I do have a problem with the blatant hypocrisy of Planet Fitness' marketing strategy. They label themselves as a "no judgment zone", yet they're highly judgmental of fit people and their commercials stereotype and mock them in various ways. If any other gym chain wanted to project a more 'hardcore' image and made TV commercials stereotyping, mocking and belittling fat people and scrawny non-lifters in a similar way, they'd be crucified for it.
Well said!
I kinda had to laugh because I’m pretty sure I go to an “intimidation gym” lol
I guess as long as people are getting fit and healthy right? 🤷🏼♀️
I belonged to a Gold’s Gym in the late ‘80s/early ‘90s that was the home gym for several bodybuilders, both pro and amateur, men and women, so I guess some people would consider that an “intimidation gym”. Thing is, they were the most chill people in the whole gym - so into their own workouts that they hardly even noticed anything going on around them. They always racked their weights, put away their dumbbells and wiped down the equipment because it’s what they were taught to do, and because the other bodybuilders would call them out if they didn’t. They’d say hi, but never offered unsolicited advice or harassed anybody. The only times I ever saw them do anything like that was when the high school gym bros would get rowdy and start acting stupid - a few quiet words from one of the bodybuilders and the stupidity would cease very quickly.
I’ve had worse experiences in the “non-intimidation” type gyms - brain dead people hogging stations while they text, take selfies for their instasnapface accounts, or sit there and gossip about their dates. If you’re there to workout, then workout - if you’re there to socialize and impress your social media followers, go do it somewhere where you’re not hindering everybody else from getting their workouts done. That kind of garbage is more likely to happen in those kind of gyms because everybody is afraid to say anything to them because of the “judgment free” thing.
I’d much rather be in a gym with a bunch of hardcore “lunks” going quietly (or even noisily) and efficiently about their workouts than with a bunch of sheeple randomly stumbling around from station to station, competing for social media ‘likes’ and leaving a trail of their “toys” strewn around the gym behind them.
Spot on:
Heaven forbid you have to ASK to work in during someone's set! And god forbid they use an app to track their training, lest they be judged by Ye Olde School Gym Bros. This is ridiculous. If someone is hogging the squat rack, use your words and ask them politely to move. It's not that hard.
Believe me, I have no problem asking someone hogging a piece of equipment to move their *kitten*.
Thing is, God forbid, people should have enough common sense to do it without being asked
You want people to anticipate your needs in a gym?
Honestly, the gym I belonged to that was the worst for bros on phones and people hogging squat racks, benches, and power cages was an LA Fitness.
The best gym I ever belonged to was a gym that was part of our local health complex/wellness center, but it was a small gym (to accommodate the swimming pool) and had a limited number of benches. If you hit it at a crowded time, there was a lot of waiting.
Planet Fitness was a mix of people, including dudebros who were helpful. It was my first gym because of location and cost. I'm not fond of their marketing, but that's not the only thing that influences my decisions to join gyms.
2 -
GottaBurnEmAll wrote: »Packerjohn wrote: »mortuseon_ wrote: »Packerjohn wrote: »While I think the concept itself of "no intimidation" gyms is silly and unnecessarily instills fear of gyms, I have no problem with the existence of 'less hardcore' gyms. Not everybody is (or wants to be) a hardcore powerlifter or bodybuilder, and that's perfectly fine. In terms of general health, any exercise is better than no exercise.
I do have a problem with the blatant hypocrisy of Planet Fitness' marketing strategy. They label themselves as a "no judgment zone", yet they're highly judgmental of fit people and their commercials stereotype and mock them in various ways. If any other gym chain wanted to project a more 'hardcore' image and made TV commercials stereotyping, mocking and belittling fat people and scrawny non-lifters in a similar way, they'd be crucified for it.
Well said!
I kinda had to laugh because I’m pretty sure I go to an “intimidation gym” lol
I guess as long as people are getting fit and healthy right? 🤷🏼♀️
I belonged to a Gold’s Gym in the late ‘80s/early ‘90s that was the home gym for several bodybuilders, both pro and amateur, men and women, so I guess some people would consider that an “intimidation gym”. Thing is, they were the most chill people in the whole gym - so into their own workouts that they hardly even noticed anything going on around them. They always racked their weights, put away their dumbbells and wiped down the equipment because it’s what they were taught to do, and because the other bodybuilders would call them out if they didn’t. They’d say hi, but never offered unsolicited advice or harassed anybody. The only times I ever saw them do anything like that was when the high school gym bros would get rowdy and start acting stupid - a few quiet words from one of the bodybuilders and the stupidity would cease very quickly.
I’ve had worse experiences in the “non-intimidation” type gyms - brain dead people hogging stations while they text, take selfies for their instasnapface accounts, or sit there and gossip about their dates. If you’re there to workout, then workout - if you’re there to socialize and impress your social media followers, go do it somewhere where you’re not hindering everybody else from getting their workouts done. That kind of garbage is more likely to happen in those kind of gyms because everybody is afraid to say anything to them because of the “judgment free” thing.
I’d much rather be in a gym with a bunch of hardcore “lunks” going quietly (or even noisily) and efficiently about their workouts than with a bunch of sheeple randomly stumbling around from station to station, competing for social media ‘likes’ and leaving a trail of their “toys” strewn around the gym behind them.
Spot on:
Heaven forbid you have to ASK to work in during someone's set! And god forbid they use an app to track their training, lest they be judged by Ye Olde School Gym Bros. This is ridiculous. If someone is hogging the squat rack, use your words and ask them politely to move. It's not that hard.
Believe me, I have no problem asking someone hogging a piece of equipment to move their *kitten*.
Thing is, God forbid, people should have enough common sense to do it without being asked
You want people to anticipate your needs in a gym?
Honestly, the gym I belonged to that was the worst for bros on phones and people hogging squat racks, benches, and power cages was an LA Fitness.
The best gym I ever belonged to was a gym that was part of our local health complex/wellness center, but it was a small gym (to accommodate the swimming pool) and had a limited number of benches. If you hit it at a crowded time, there was a lot of waiting.
Planet Fitness was a mix of people, including dudebros who were helpful. It was my first gym because of location and cost. I'm not fond of their marketing, but that's not the only thing that influences my decisions to join gyms.
No I do not expect people to anticipate my needs in a gym. That's why I have no problem asking to work in.
It should be common courtesy to not hog space/equipment in a public place. Wouldn't you think someone was s total douche if you were at a crowded airport and someone had their crap on 3 seats in the waiting area and you had to ask them to move some of it so you could sit?5 -
lynn_glenmont wrote: »Packerjohn wrote: »gallicinvasion wrote: »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
Do you think that intimidation is important for habit changing? Nothing wrong with encouraging people to put in some work (that's what all gyms generally are for, regardless of if they're considered "intimidation gyms" or not), but why is intimidation necessary? Don't you think that people are more likely to make changes when they don't feel like they'll be judged for their beginner fitness level? Everyone starts at the beginning, and fear of judgment holds an awful lot of people back from what we know they can accomplish.
The problem is, you can/will be judged anywhere you go. It's not like Planet Fitness is filled with a different species of human being that has had judgment magically removed from their minds. You'll be judged in the grocery store, the post office, at work, walking down the street, sitting in a restaurant - basically anywhere you go. There are judgmental and non-judgmental people in any gym/workout environment. The only way to avoid it is to either work out at home, or find a gym which has individual, isolated cubicles where you can work out without anybody else seeing you - or that only allows one person in at a time.
The vast majority of people in any given gym are far less judgmental than the people you're around in your life the remainder of the time. Even the most fit people there started out unfit at some point, and have traversed a long, hard road to get to where they are. They understand what a newbie goes through, because they were there once too. If they notice you to any extent beyond a fleeting glance while they're busy with their own workout, the thought is most likely that they're happy to see you taking that first step and trying to improve yourself. Basically the only way anybody is judged negatively in a gym is if you're doing something stupid and/or purposely drawing attention to yourself. And about 90% of the people in any given gym are just as insecure and worried about judgment as you are.
Gyms are not places filled with superhuman people. They're the same people you deal with every day as you go about your life.
Yep, I feel the people that join PF because of "gym-intimidation" (as opposed to has stuff they, need, location, price, etc.) are intimidated/have social anxiety issues in a lot of situation in addition to a gym.
Then why is it so awful that there are gyms that make a point of trying to allay those anxieties so that those people might actually have a place where they will exercise? Because if you're right about their general social anxiety issues, the alternative for those people if places like PF didn't exist wouldn't be going to a gym that doesn't market itself that way. And it won't be going outside for a walk or a run. At best, it might be working out to a video at home. Maybe.
Because they're not allaying the insecurity/anxiety issues, they're creating and fostering them by their ridiculous advertising campaigns. They're convincing people that there's an issue when there's not actually an issue. PF doesn't magically fill their gyms with non-judgmental people who are full of sweetness and light, any more than any other gym does. They're recruiting from the same pool of people as every other gym.9 -
Packerjohn wrote: »lynn_glenmont wrote: »Packerjohn wrote: »gallicinvasion wrote: »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
Do you think that intimidation is important for habit changing? Nothing wrong with encouraging people to put in some work (that's what all gyms generally are for, regardless of if they're considered "intimidation gyms" or not), but why is intimidation necessary? Don't you think that people are more likely to make changes when they don't feel like they'll be judged for their beginner fitness level? Everyone starts at the beginning, and fear of judgment holds an awful lot of people back from what we know they can accomplish.
The problem is, you can/will be judged anywhere you go. It's not like Planet Fitness is filled with a different species of human being that has had judgment magically removed from their minds. You'll be judged in the grocery store, the post office, at work, walking down the street, sitting in a restaurant - basically anywhere you go. There are judgmental and non-judgmental people in any gym/workout environment. The only way to avoid it is to either work out at home, or find a gym which has individual, isolated cubicles where you can work out without anybody else seeing you - or that only allows one person in at a time.
The vast majority of people in any given gym are far less judgmental than the people you're around in your life the remainder of the time. Even the most fit people there started out unfit at some point, and have traversed a long, hard road to get to where they are. They understand what a newbie goes through, because they were there once too. If they notice you to any extent beyond a fleeting glance while they're busy with their own workout, the thought is most likely that they're happy to see you taking that first step and trying to improve yourself. Basically the only way anybody is judged negatively in a gym is if you're doing something stupid and/or purposely drawing attention to yourself. And about 90% of the people in any given gym are just as insecure and worried about judgment as you are.
Gyms are not places filled with superhuman people. They're the same people you deal with every day as you go about your life.
Yep, I feel the people that join PF because of "gym-intimidation" (as opposed to has stuff they, need, location, price, etc.) are intimidated/have social anxiety issues in a lot of situation in addition to a gym.
Then why is it so awful that there are gyms that make a point of trying to allay those anxieties so that those people might actually have a place where they will exercise? Because if you're right about their general social anxiety issues, the alternative for those people if places like PF didn't exist wouldn't be going to a gym that doesn't market itself that way. And it won't be going outside for a walk or a run. At best, it might be working out to a video at home. Maybe.
My only problem with it is when people need to talk about how great PF is because it lacks all these horrible things that other gyms supposedly have. It's falsely representing how other gyms are, and creating fear among people that in other gyms they will be treated badly. If someone wants to ignore the obnoxious marketing and go to PF because it's convenient, open 24/7, or is cheap, I certainly don't care.
It's all the posts about how PF is better because it's clean, or lacks people who treat you rudely, or doesn't have obnoxious gym rats or has equipment available or whatnot when I find it slightly annoying. So do other gyms, plus in many cases other things PF does not have (and yes, that many people might not want).
My gym is more expensive than PF (PF isn't near my home or office so isn't an option, but there are cheaper gyms that are). I pay for that because it has some things that are worth it to me. I don't go on MFP and go on about how my gym is better than other gyms, or claim the people are nicer or that other gyms would be icky, and it kind of bugs me when PF fans do that -- I think it's as common as people being negative about PF, and I also think people are ONLY negative about PF because it has intentionally "us against them" advertising. Too bad that in this day "us against them" seems to be the way to make money, ick.
I agree with all of this! In addition, if one has social anxiety, how is PF any different than any other social situation in any other gym. They are preying on people's fears for profit. So, double ick!
Or any other social situation period. Are we going to start seeing marketing for no intimidation grocery stores, restaurants, etc?
Yeah, the looks I get when people see my shopping trolley full of ice cream and cake....3 -
lynn_glenmont wrote: »Packerjohn wrote: »gallicinvasion wrote: »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
Do you think that intimidation is important for habit changing? Nothing wrong with encouraging people to put in some work (that's what all gyms generally are for, regardless of if they're considered "intimidation gyms" or not), but why is intimidation necessary? Don't you think that people are more likely to make changes when they don't feel like they'll be judged for their beginner fitness level? Everyone starts at the beginning, and fear of judgment holds an awful lot of people back from what we know they can accomplish.
The problem is, you can/will be judged anywhere you go. It's not like Planet Fitness is filled with a different species of human being that has had judgment magically removed from their minds. You'll be judged in the grocery store, the post office, at work, walking down the street, sitting in a restaurant - basically anywhere you go. There are judgmental and non-judgmental people in any gym/workout environment. The only way to avoid it is to either work out at home, or find a gym which has individual, isolated cubicles where you can work out without anybody else seeing you - or that only allows one person in at a time.
The vast majority of people in any given gym are far less judgmental than the people you're around in your life the remainder of the time. Even the most fit people there started out unfit at some point, and have traversed a long, hard road to get to where they are. They understand what a newbie goes through, because they were there once too. If they notice you to any extent beyond a fleeting glance while they're busy with their own workout, the thought is most likely that they're happy to see you taking that first step and trying to improve yourself. Basically the only way anybody is judged negatively in a gym is if you're doing something stupid and/or purposely drawing attention to yourself. And about 90% of the people in any given gym are just as insecure and worried about judgment as you are.
Gyms are not places filled with superhuman people. They're the same people you deal with every day as you go about your life.
Yep, I feel the people that join PF because of "gym-intimidation" (as opposed to has stuff they, need, location, price, etc.) are intimidated/have social anxiety issues in a lot of situation in addition to a gym.
Then why is it so awful that there are gyms that make a point of trying to allay those anxieties so that those people might actually have a place where they will exercise? Because if you're right about their general social anxiety issues, the alternative for those people if places like PF didn't exist wouldn't be going to a gym that doesn't market itself that way. And it won't be going outside for a walk or a run. At best, it might be working out to a video at home. Maybe.
Because they're not allaying the insecurity/anxiety issues, they're creating and fostering them by their ridiculous advertising campaigns. They're convincing people that there's an issue when there's not actually an issue. PF doesn't magically fill their gyms with non-judgmental people who are full of sweetness and light, any more than any other gym does. They're recruiting from the same pool of people as every other gym.
^^ exactly!4 -
It's almost a meme to crap all over PF in the fitness community, but I think it's pretty stupid. PF fills a specific niche and it's important not to get too presumptuous and uppity about other people's exercise preferences or motivations. Any exercise is better than no exercise, not everyone is about to throw themselves full force into powerlifting. Some people have no need for more sophisticated or equipped gyms and don't want to pay for it. I had a PF membership at one point because it was the cheapest in my area and I really just needed it for the barbells, dumbbells, and an elliptical machine. Never ran into any troubles with people "discouraging me" from working out too hard (and, quite frankly, when I had a Lifetime membership, I didn't like that some people would practically throw their weights to the ground and scream at random, it was just 1 or 2 regulars who would do this but it seemed pretty dramatic and obnoxious). I'm a small woman who had just started out with weight training and I wasn't about to outgrow the weight range PF had available any time soon so their available selection was no issue for me.
Then, and now, I exercise mostly to maintain a decent level of fitness or to burn some calories and that's it -- I am not bodybuilding or training for a particular sport. I think that is probably most people who go to gyms. So far it's worked out more than fine for me.
Maybe the gym's concept doesn't suit your needs, and that's fine, that's why there's other gyms. But I think it's weird that the same people who *kitten* and moan about how people don't exercise regularly are probably the same ones turning around and saying "oh, well okay they're exercising but *sniff* I don't like the gym they're going to". Grow up and mind your business, it doesn't matter. Not everyone needs to be you.
Applause!
I don't get why (some) people are so upset about it. It doesn't need to impact on your life or your goals, at all.5 -
Packerjohn wrote: »GottaBurnEmAll wrote: »Packerjohn wrote: »mortuseon_ wrote: »Packerjohn wrote: »While I think the concept itself of "no intimidation" gyms is silly and unnecessarily instills fear of gyms, I have no problem with the existence of 'less hardcore' gyms. Not everybody is (or wants to be) a hardcore powerlifter or bodybuilder, and that's perfectly fine. In terms of general health, any exercise is better than no exercise.
I do have a problem with the blatant hypocrisy of Planet Fitness' marketing strategy. They label themselves as a "no judgment zone", yet they're highly judgmental of fit people and their commercials stereotype and mock them in various ways. If any other gym chain wanted to project a more 'hardcore' image and made TV commercials stereotyping, mocking and belittling fat people and scrawny non-lifters in a similar way, they'd be crucified for it.
Well said!
I kinda had to laugh because I’m pretty sure I go to an “intimidation gym” lol
I guess as long as people are getting fit and healthy right? 🤷🏼♀️
I belonged to a Gold’s Gym in the late ‘80s/early ‘90s that was the home gym for several bodybuilders, both pro and amateur, men and women, so I guess some people would consider that an “intimidation gym”. Thing is, they were the most chill people in the whole gym - so into their own workouts that they hardly even noticed anything going on around them. They always racked their weights, put away their dumbbells and wiped down the equipment because it’s what they were taught to do, and because the other bodybuilders would call them out if they didn’t. They’d say hi, but never offered unsolicited advice or harassed anybody. The only times I ever saw them do anything like that was when the high school gym bros would get rowdy and start acting stupid - a few quiet words from one of the bodybuilders and the stupidity would cease very quickly.
I’ve had worse experiences in the “non-intimidation” type gyms - brain dead people hogging stations while they text, take selfies for their instasnapface accounts, or sit there and gossip about their dates. If you’re there to workout, then workout - if you’re there to socialize and impress your social media followers, go do it somewhere where you’re not hindering everybody else from getting their workouts done. That kind of garbage is more likely to happen in those kind of gyms because everybody is afraid to say anything to them because of the “judgment free” thing.
I’d much rather be in a gym with a bunch of hardcore “lunks” going quietly (or even noisily) and efficiently about their workouts than with a bunch of sheeple randomly stumbling around from station to station, competing for social media ‘likes’ and leaving a trail of their “toys” strewn around the gym behind them.
Spot on:
Heaven forbid you have to ASK to work in during someone's set! And god forbid they use an app to track their training, lest they be judged by Ye Olde School Gym Bros. This is ridiculous. If someone is hogging the squat rack, use your words and ask them politely to move. It's not that hard.
Believe me, I have no problem asking someone hogging a piece of equipment to move their *kitten*.
Thing is, God forbid, people should have enough common sense to do it without being asked
You want people to anticipate your needs in a gym?
Honestly, the gym I belonged to that was the worst for bros on phones and people hogging squat racks, benches, and power cages was an LA Fitness.
The best gym I ever belonged to was a gym that was part of our local health complex/wellness center, but it was a small gym (to accommodate the swimming pool) and had a limited number of benches. If you hit it at a crowded time, there was a lot of waiting.
Planet Fitness was a mix of people, including dudebros who were helpful. It was my first gym because of location and cost. I'm not fond of their marketing, but that's not the only thing that influences my decisions to join gyms.
No I do not expect people to anticipate my needs in a gym. That's why I have no problem asking to work in.
It should be common courtesy to not hog space/equipment in a public place. Wouldn't you think someone was s total douche if you were at a crowded airport and someone had their crap on 3 seats in the waiting area and you had to ask them to move some of it so you could sit?
Yes, but I wouldn't be trying to use those people to prove a point about certain types of airports either.3 -
mortuseon_ wrote: »Packerjohn wrote: »While I think the concept itself of "no intimidation" gyms is silly and unnecessarily instills fear of gyms, I have no problem with the existence of 'less hardcore' gyms. Not everybody is (or wants to be) a hardcore powerlifter or bodybuilder, and that's perfectly fine. In terms of general health, any exercise is better than no exercise.
I do have a problem with the blatant hypocrisy of Planet Fitness' marketing strategy. They label themselves as a "no judgment zone", yet they're highly judgmental of fit people and their commercials stereotype and mock them in various ways. If any other gym chain wanted to project a more 'hardcore' image and made TV commercials stereotyping, mocking and belittling fat people and scrawny non-lifters in a similar way, they'd be crucified for it.
Well said!
I kinda had to laugh because I’m pretty sure I go to an “intimidation gym” lol
I guess as long as people are getting fit and healthy right? 🤷🏼♀️
I belonged to a Gold’s Gym in the late ‘80s/early ‘90s that was the home gym for several bodybuilders, both pro and amateur, men and women, so I guess some people would consider that an “intimidation gym”. Thing is, they were the most chill people in the whole gym - so into their own workouts that they hardly even noticed anything going on around them. They always racked their weights, put away their dumbbells and wiped down the equipment because it’s what they were taught to do, and because the other bodybuilders would call them out if they didn’t. They’d say hi, but never offered unsolicited advice or harassed anybody. The only times I ever saw them do anything like that was when the high school gym bros would get rowdy and start acting stupid - a few quiet words from one of the bodybuilders and the stupidity would cease very quickly.
I’ve had worse experiences in the “non-intimidation” type gyms - brain dead people hogging stations while they text, take selfies for their instasnapface accounts, or sit there and gossip about their dates. If you’re there to workout, then workout - if you’re there to socialize and impress your social media followers, go do it somewhere where you’re not hindering everybody else from getting their workouts done. That kind of garbage is more likely to happen in those kind of gyms because everybody is afraid to say anything to them because of the “judgment free” thing.
I’d much rather be in a gym with a bunch of hardcore “lunks” going quietly (or even noisily) and efficiently about their workouts than with a bunch of sheeple randomly stumbling around from station to station, competing for social media ‘likes’ and leaving a trail of their “toys” strewn around the gym behind them.
Spot on:
Heaven forbid you have to ASK to work in during someone's set! And god forbid they use an app to track their training, lest they be judged by Ye Olde School Gym Bros. This is ridiculous. If someone is hogging the squat rack, use your words and ask them politely to move. It's not that hard.
Seems like this would be harder for a newbie/someone with social anxiety/someone who didn't know people weren't permitted to just hog equipment when not using it. So I vote for it being pretty rude to wait for others to ask to work in.5 -
GottaBurnEmAll wrote: »Honestly, the gym I belonged to that was the worst for bros on phones and people hogging squat racks, benches, and power cages was an LA Fitness.
I don't think anyone is claiming PF is worse for that. I thought AnvilHead brought it up in a list of easy rules for people who are new to not annoy others at the gym (or at least be able to feel confident they were in the right).
People occasionally make it hard to work in at my gym too.3 -
comptonelizabeth wrote: »It's almost a meme to crap all over PF in the fitness community, but I think it's pretty stupid. PF fills a specific niche and it's important not to get too presumptuous and uppity about other people's exercise preferences or motivations. Any exercise is better than no exercise, not everyone is about to throw themselves full force into powerlifting. Some people have no need for more sophisticated or equipped gyms and don't want to pay for it. I had a PF membership at one point because it was the cheapest in my area and I really just needed it for the barbells, dumbbells, and an elliptical machine. Never ran into any troubles with people "discouraging me" from working out too hard (and, quite frankly, when I had a Lifetime membership, I didn't like that some people would practically throw their weights to the ground and scream at random, it was just 1 or 2 regulars who would do this but it seemed pretty dramatic and obnoxious). I'm a small woman who had just started out with weight training and I wasn't about to outgrow the weight range PF had available any time soon so their available selection was no issue for me.
Then, and now, I exercise mostly to maintain a decent level of fitness or to burn some calories and that's it -- I am not bodybuilding or training for a particular sport. I think that is probably most people who go to gyms. So far it's worked out more than fine for me.
Maybe the gym's concept doesn't suit your needs, and that's fine, that's why there's other gyms. But I think it's weird that the same people who *kitten* and moan about how people don't exercise regularly are probably the same ones turning around and saying "oh, well okay they're exercising but *sniff* I don't like the gym they're going to". Grow up and mind your business, it doesn't matter. Not everyone needs to be you.
Applause!
I don't get why (some) people are so upset about it. It doesn't need to impact on your life or your goals, at all.
Maybe some people are "so upset" about it but I don't see that in the majority of the comments here. Many just find their marketing approach kinda polarizing and offensive for no reason other than profits. If there is a segment of the population that is served by them, good for those folks. But the choices they present, lunks vs. nice people is just plain a fake dilema.
But hey, while they may not be for me, anyone else who want to go there does not make me, or most others, "so upset". That is their choice and their life. If it improves their fitness great. I can feel that way and still feel that PF's marketing approach is offensive without being upset about it.6 -
L1zardQueen wrote: »lynn_glenmont wrote: »Bry_Fitness70 wrote: »
They don't really have bagels in my country either.
I am so sorry for you and your compatriots.
Hopefully you have some other wonderful national foods to make up for it.
They do! And there is one bagel place here that does sell a mostly authentic bagel, so I always have there.
Plus I'll be in New York in less than 2 weeks and I'm going to eat ALL OF THE BAGELS
From where are you visiting?
Panama City, Panama. I was born and raised in New York though.
Happy Homecoming!!!
0 -
Packerjohn wrote: »GottaBurnEmAll wrote: »Packerjohn wrote: »mortuseon_ wrote: »Packerjohn wrote: »While I think the concept itself of "no intimidation" gyms is silly and unnecessarily instills fear of gyms, I have no problem with the existence of 'less hardcore' gyms. Not everybody is (or wants to be) a hardcore powerlifter or bodybuilder, and that's perfectly fine. In terms of general health, any exercise is better than no exercise.
I do have a problem with the blatant hypocrisy of Planet Fitness' marketing strategy. They label themselves as a "no judgment zone", yet they're highly judgmental of fit people and their commercials stereotype and mock them in various ways. If any other gym chain wanted to project a more 'hardcore' image and made TV commercials stereotyping, mocking and belittling fat people and scrawny non-lifters in a similar way, they'd be crucified for it.
Well said!
I kinda had to laugh because I’m pretty sure I go to an “intimidation gym” lol
I guess as long as people are getting fit and healthy right? 🤷🏼♀️
I belonged to a Gold’s Gym in the late ‘80s/early ‘90s that was the home gym for several bodybuilders, both pro and amateur, men and women, so I guess some people would consider that an “intimidation gym”. Thing is, they were the most chill people in the whole gym - so into their own workouts that they hardly even noticed anything going on around them. They always racked their weights, put away their dumbbells and wiped down the equipment because it’s what they were taught to do, and because the other bodybuilders would call them out if they didn’t. They’d say hi, but never offered unsolicited advice or harassed anybody. The only times I ever saw them do anything like that was when the high school gym bros would get rowdy and start acting stupid - a few quiet words from one of the bodybuilders and the stupidity would cease very quickly.
I’ve had worse experiences in the “non-intimidation” type gyms - brain dead people hogging stations while they text, take selfies for their instasnapface accounts, or sit there and gossip about their dates. If you’re there to workout, then workout - if you’re there to socialize and impress your social media followers, go do it somewhere where you’re not hindering everybody else from getting their workouts done. That kind of garbage is more likely to happen in those kind of gyms because everybody is afraid to say anything to them because of the “judgment free” thing.
I’d much rather be in a gym with a bunch of hardcore “lunks” going quietly (or even noisily) and efficiently about their workouts than with a bunch of sheeple randomly stumbling around from station to station, competing for social media ‘likes’ and leaving a trail of their “toys” strewn around the gym behind them.
Spot on:
Heaven forbid you have to ASK to work in during someone's set! And god forbid they use an app to track their training, lest they be judged by Ye Olde School Gym Bros. This is ridiculous. If someone is hogging the squat rack, use your words and ask them politely to move. It's not that hard.
Believe me, I have no problem asking someone hogging a piece of equipment to move their *kitten*.
Thing is, God forbid, people should have enough common sense to do it without being asked
You want people to anticipate your needs in a gym?
Honestly, the gym I belonged to that was the worst for bros on phones and people hogging squat racks, benches, and power cages was an LA Fitness.
The best gym I ever belonged to was a gym that was part of our local health complex/wellness center, but it was a small gym (to accommodate the swimming pool) and had a limited number of benches. If you hit it at a crowded time, there was a lot of waiting.
Planet Fitness was a mix of people, including dudebros who were helpful. It was my first gym because of location and cost. I'm not fond of their marketing, but that's not the only thing that influences my decisions to join gyms.
No I do not expect people to anticipate my needs in a gym. That's why I have no problem asking to work in.
It should be common courtesy to not hog space/equipment in a public place. Wouldn't you think someone was s total douche if you were at a crowded airport and someone had their crap on 3 seats in the waiting area and you had to ask them to move some of it so you could sit?
I currently work out at the campus rec center. Love it—beautiful facility, cheap, convenient. The only pet peeve I have is the groups of college students (3-4) who workout and talk and keep a station occupied for an hour or more. I noticed this more here than other, public gyms. I just go early on the weekends (or late on Friday/Saturday nights) Most college-aged folk are still sleeping in weekend mornings.
2 -
GottaBurnEmAll wrote: »Honestly, the gym I belonged to that was the worst for bros on phones and people hogging squat racks, benches, and power cages was an LA Fitness.
I don't think anyone is claiming PF is worse for that. I thought AnvilHead brought it up in a list of easy rules for people who are new to not annoy others at the gym (or at least be able to feel confident they were in the right).
People occasionally make it hard to work in at my gym too.
Oh, make no mistake. I have plenty of beefs with PF's marketing and think it's terrible because it preys on people's fears.
At the same time, I also have issue with people posting memes about other people's behavior at a gym and acting superior about it in a thread where they're also taking PF to task for... doing the same thing.
13 -
lynn_glenmont wrote: »Packerjohn wrote: »gallicinvasion wrote: »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
Do you think that intimidation is important for habit changing? Nothing wrong with encouraging people to put in some work (that's what all gyms generally are for, regardless of if they're considered "intimidation gyms" or not), but why is intimidation necessary? Don't you think that people are more likely to make changes when they don't feel like they'll be judged for their beginner fitness level? Everyone starts at the beginning, and fear of judgment holds an awful lot of people back from what we know they can accomplish.
The problem is, you can/will be judged anywhere you go. It's not like Planet Fitness is filled with a different species of human being that has had judgment magically removed from their minds. You'll be judged in the grocery store, the post office, at work, walking down the street, sitting in a restaurant - basically anywhere you go. There are judgmental and non-judgmental people in any gym/workout environment. The only way to avoid it is to either work out at home, or find a gym which has individual, isolated cubicles where you can work out without anybody else seeing you - or that only allows one person in at a time.
The vast majority of people in any given gym are far less judgmental than the people you're around in your life the remainder of the time. Even the most fit people there started out unfit at some point, and have traversed a long, hard road to get to where they are. They understand what a newbie goes through, because they were there once too. If they notice you to any extent beyond a fleeting glance while they're busy with their own workout, the thought is most likely that they're happy to see you taking that first step and trying to improve yourself. Basically the only way anybody is judged negatively in a gym is if you're doing something stupid and/or purposely drawing attention to yourself. And about 90% of the people in any given gym are just as insecure and worried about judgment as you are.
Gyms are not places filled with superhuman people. They're the same people you deal with every day as you go about your life.
Yep, I feel the people that join PF because of "gym-intimidation" (as opposed to has stuff they, need, location, price, etc.) are intimidated/have social anxiety issues in a lot of situation in addition to a gym.
Then why is it so awful that there are gyms that make a point of trying to allay those anxieties so that those people might actually have a place where they will exercise? Because if you're right about their general social anxiety issues, the alternative for those people if places like PF didn't exist wouldn't be going to a gym that doesn't market itself that way. And it won't be going outside for a walk or a run. At best, it might be working out to a video at home. Maybe.
My only problem with it is when people need to talk about how great PF is because it lacks all these horrible things that other gyms supposedly have. It's falsely representing how other gyms are, and creating fear among people that in other gyms they will be treated badly. If someone wants to ignore the obnoxious marketing and go to PF because it's convenient, open 24/7, or is cheap, I certainly don't care.
It's all the posts about how PF is better because it's clean, or lacks people who treat you rudely, or doesn't have obnoxious gym rats or has equipment available or whatnot when I find it slightly annoying. So do other gyms, plus in many cases other things PF does not have (and yes, that many people might not want).
My gym is more expensive than PF (PF isn't near my home or office so isn't an option, but there are cheaper gyms that are). I pay for that because it has some things that are worth it to me. I don't go on MFP and go on about how my gym is better than other gyms, or claim the people are nicer or that other gyms would be icky, and it kind of bugs me when PF fans do that -- I think it's as common as people being negative about PF, and I also think people are ONLY negative about PF because it has intentionally "us against them" advertising. Too bad that in this day "us against them" seems to be the way to make money, ick.
I am not and have never been a PF member. The ads I see on TV emphasize the low cost and the always-open aspect. I do remember seeing something on YouTube about the PF rules that seemed to be created by PF, and I thought it was just stupid. It seemed to boil down to "don't lift heavy things" and "only drink water from tiny containers while you're exercising." I just don't get the point of getting all bent out of shape over marketing or forum chattering that makes it clear I'm not the target audience for that product or service. I think the appropriate pushback to "PF is better because people at other gyms are means" is to say that "in fact people at other gyms are not mean. Most of them are, most of the time, indifferent to you because they're there doing their own thing, and as long as you are nice -- i.e., abide by basic kindergarten rules like put your toys away and don't spread your bodily fluids around the classroom -- they will be nice to you when you interact with them."
And I guess I'm not buying the idea that PF's marketing is causing the anxiety and fear of other gyms. It seems a bizarre marketing concept to try to sell your gym with marketing that apparently offends a large segment of the potential gym member market, in the hopes of creating fear in enough people to make a viable business plan. Plus, I know for a fact that there were people who wouldn't go to a gym (even when it was a perk they didn't have to pay extra for, at college or in a workplace) out of fear of being ridiculed, ostracized, or treated as stupid long before PF existed.5 -
lynn_glenmont wrote: »Packerjohn wrote: »gallicinvasion wrote: »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
Do you think that intimidation is important for habit changing? Nothing wrong with encouraging people to put in some work (that's what all gyms generally are for, regardless of if they're considered "intimidation gyms" or not), but why is intimidation necessary? Don't you think that people are more likely to make changes when they don't feel like they'll be judged for their beginner fitness level? Everyone starts at the beginning, and fear of judgment holds an awful lot of people back from what we know they can accomplish.
The problem is, you can/will be judged anywhere you go. It's not like Planet Fitness is filled with a different species of human being that has had judgment magically removed from their minds. You'll be judged in the grocery store, the post office, at work, walking down the street, sitting in a restaurant - basically anywhere you go. There are judgmental and non-judgmental people in any gym/workout environment. The only way to avoid it is to either work out at home, or find a gym which has individual, isolated cubicles where you can work out without anybody else seeing you - or that only allows one person in at a time.
The vast majority of people in any given gym are far less judgmental than the people you're around in your life the remainder of the time. Even the most fit people there started out unfit at some point, and have traversed a long, hard road to get to where they are. They understand what a newbie goes through, because they were there once too. If they notice you to any extent beyond a fleeting glance while they're busy with their own workout, the thought is most likely that they're happy to see you taking that first step and trying to improve yourself. Basically the only way anybody is judged negatively in a gym is if you're doing something stupid and/or purposely drawing attention to yourself. And about 90% of the people in any given gym are just as insecure and worried about judgment as you are.
Gyms are not places filled with superhuman people. They're the same people you deal with every day as you go about your life.
Yep, I feel the people that join PF because of "gym-intimidation" (as opposed to has stuff they, need, location, price, etc.) are intimidated/have social anxiety issues in a lot of situation in addition to a gym.
Then why is it so awful that there are gyms that make a point of trying to allay those anxieties so that those people might actually have a place where they will exercise? Because if you're right about their general social anxiety issues, the alternative for those people if places like PF didn't exist wouldn't be going to a gym that doesn't market itself that way. And it won't be going outside for a walk or a run. At best, it might be working out to a video at home. Maybe.
Because they're not allaying the insecurity/anxiety issues, they're creating and fostering them by their ridiculous advertising campaigns. They're convincing people that there's an issue when there's not actually an issue. PF doesn't magically fill their gyms with non-judgmental people who are full of sweetness and light, any more than any other gym does. They're recruiting from the same pool of people as every other gym.
I was responding to someone who said thatthe people that join PF because of "gym-intimidation" (as opposed to has stuff they, need, location, price, etc.) are intimidated/have social anxiety issues in a lot of situation in addition to a gym.
If that's so, then PF isn't creating the insecurity/anxiety issues.
And, I am old enough to be able to assure you that before PF, there were lots of people -- well, women, because I never tried to talk guys into going to the gym with me -- who would not go to a gym, even if it cost them nothing, because the idea of working out in front of other people, especially men, who they assumed would be looking at them and judging them, was an insuperable barrier, not to mention the fear of being judged for "not doing it right." Of the few women whom I successfully encouraged to go to a gym, I think there was only one who ever came back a second time. And that was with me there as a buffer, mentor, and distraction from noticing other people who might inadvertently glance our way.
The fact that their fears were generally not based in reality doesn't mean that it's a bad thing for there to be a place that says, "Hey, if that's what you're worried about, come here. It's not like what you're imagining." I think it's silly to expect a business to spend marketing money to say, "Hey, if that's what you're worried about, don't. It's not like that anywhere. Go to any gym you like." And, people being what they are, the former strategy is more likely to be successful in getting someone to a gym. It's much easier to convince people that you've got a solution for what they're worried about than to convince them that they're wrong to be worried. Most people have significant barriers against admitting that they're been wrong.7
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