Worst Gym Experience?

My best friend and I both joined the same gym but in different cities. So one day we went to work out at a gym that is between our two cities. So we walk in and are changing our shoes and the owner comes up to us asking if we were new with a huge attitude. We told him no, but this was the first time that we have used this particular location. So then he proceeds to tell us since we didn't sign up at this location we really shouldn't be working out here. I told him that as far as I knew with the contract that I signed, I am entitled to go to any facility in any city. Well that shut him up for a minute, then he went on to tell us about "his" facitlity. As he was telling us things he said and you can get on the treadmill and watch Biggest Loser. We both just kinda looked at each other like really?? Between his attitude and that snide comment, we both decided screw this and walked out the door. He came running out after us and said, "Well that was a quick work out ladies". We told him we didn't appreciate his negative attitude from the moment we walked in, including the snide comment about The Biggest Loser. I told him that he has no idea what walking into a new gym for the first time is like for 2 overweight ladies. You have to get the courage up to walk into somewhere new where you don't know anyone, the gym layout is different from your own gym and some of the equipment is different. I told him instead of being a condescending *kitten*, he should have welcomed us with open arms instead of griping about us not signing up in "his" gym. Karma sure is a *****, cause it wasn't a month or so later that "his" gym was closed! We loved it!

I used to have problems at my gym until I started working out with the little old lady that came in the same time I do. Though, most of my problems weren't mean but were "exceptionally nice." I think the best line that ever came out of her mouth was, "Honey, she ain't got time for your abs, but I'll take you home and give you a thorough shine-down."

I think she's in her late 70s, early 80s. Tells the raunchiest stories I've ever heard and is the main reason I will do anything to get into the gym when she's there!

The most disgusting thing I've seen is at 24 Hour Fitness someone threw up in the water fountain. Ewwwww.

Most unhappy with G____'s. They promised towel service--told me I could use as many as I wanted. What they failed to tell me is that they charge an extra $10 per month! I'm locked into a membership with them and can't get out. I have been so unhappy with them that I joined another gym for a fraction of what I'm paying at G____'s. Lesson learned! Ask a lot of questions before signing a gym membership. Also, not everyone is paying the same price per month at G____'s. Mine is on the high-end. Seems like shady business.

Joined Gold's gym and got sweet talked into the personal trainer. I was just coming off a bad shoulder separation and wanted help or a tailored workout for recovery. $700.
A month later the personal trainers were gone. I ask the manager and he says the personal trainers were a contract company, signed a bunch of people and then went out of business.....sorry.

Years ago, I had a membership at LA Fitness and was interested in getting some help from a pt. She was asking questions and writing answers down on a form and wrote "LAZY??" across the top in big letters, like I couldn't read it upside down. I got up and left.

Those big box gyms often skeeve me out. If you're looking for a low pressure, low cost gym membership, check out your local Jewish Community Center. You don't have to be Jewish to join (I'm not and I've belonged most of my life). It's just a regular gym and they often have a lot of activities and play rooms for kids so you can work out while the kids do their thing.

I belong to O2 now, and love it- BUT before my gym was owned by O2, it was something else...like a couple of names a couple of times. At my heaviest, I went in and talked to the guy who managed the personal trainers. When I said I'd need to run the price of the monthly draft for personal training by my husband, he said "if your husband says he doesn't want to pay, then he really doesn't care about your health."

Say what? PT is expensive. I knew it would take some rearranging of our budget to pay for the sessions...but that guy's nasty attitude made me walk out and not even consider training sessions there. I was not sad in the least bit when that fitness chain failed. With more equipment and better ownership, I love my gym now. And I wish I knew where that *kitten***** guy was today, now that there's nearly 80 pounds less of me- and I didn't use a trainer.

I want to thank Croz1007 and Doodlewhopper.

Croz: The Consumerist picked up my story! Excellent idea!

Doodlewhopper: You may notice I lifted some of your wording, because you said it better than I could.

http://consumerist.com/2013/02/05/gym-staff-member-bullies-couple-for-being-fat-they-want-out-of-their-contract/

I also sent a consumer complaint to the local TV news station and a letter to the editor of the local newspaper. I am hoping that with enough of this publicity, they will not only void my contract, but also become a little more selective of trainers and open to a wider (no pun intended!) variety of people.

You totally rock!!! Good for you not taking that crap!

My worst experience happened one day after a great workout. I had a date after so I brought my stuff to get showered and ready before I left the gym. I'm happily walking along towards a shower and I see..."something" ...on a shelf in the shower. I slow down, squint, and keep walking toward the shower trying to identify what I was seeing. I think my brain wouldn't allow me to accept what I was seeing. Something small, tubular, and slightly reddish. At this point I hear the music from Jaws in my head. Dun dun. Dun dun dun dun. Dear God, help me, it's a bloody tampon! I just about jumped out of my flip flops, dropped my towel, and almost killed myself jumping over a bench to get away. For cryin' in the night, what kind of person would leave that behind?

I want to thank Croz1007 and Doodlewhopper.

Croz: The Consumerist picked up my story! Excellent idea!

Doodlewhopper: You may notice I lifted some of your wording, because you said it better than I could.

http://consumerist.com/2013/02/05/gym-staff-member-bullies-couple-for-being-fat-they-want-out-of-their-contract/

I also sent a consumer complaint to the local TV news station and a letter to the editor of the local newspaper. I am hoping that with enough of this publicity, they will not only void my contract, but also become a little more selective of trainers and open to a wider (no pun intended!) variety of people.

You totally rock!!! Good for you not taking that crap!

My worst experience happened one day after a great workout. I had a date after so I brought my stuff to get showered and ready before I left the gym. I'm happily walking along towards a shower and I see..."something" ...on a shelf in the shower. I slow down, squint, and keep walking toward the shower trying to identify what I was seeing. I think my brain wouldn't allow me to accept what I was seeing. Something small, tubular, and slightly reddish. At this point I hear the music from Jaws in my head. Dun dun. Dun dun dun dun. Dear God, help me, it's a bloody tampon! I just about jumped out of my flip flops, dropped my towel, and almost killed myself jumping over a bench to get away. For cryin' in the night, what kind of person would leave that behind?

Seriously, no joking, that is a bio hazard.

Update: I have been in contact with the CEO and the "VP of Fitness." They both seem to think this is about money or "buyer's remorse." They keep offering free sessions with a different trainer. They can't or won't understand that I can not walk through those doors. How do I make them understand just how scared I am to run into this guy, even if he is 'on his best behavior' or whatever?

I have a panic attack just thinking about trying to go back in and work out there. I am *scared.* I hate being this afraid, and feeling so weak and pathetic. HATE it. I don't want free training, and haven't even really asked for a refund. I just want out. I want this whole ordeal behind me.

Why won't they just let me out?!

The issue as I see it is you never wanted to have attention drawn to yourself as you are self conscious; that you only want an end to this drama as you have suffered emotionally....and after this humiliating experience you dont know if you will ever have the courage to step foot in a gym again.

Tell corporate you have had enough of the spotlight and it's time to put this issue to rest. Tell them they can keep whatever dues they have collected, but you will not concede another dollar. Tell them this thing will end up costing a lot more the longer they try to drag this out. (lawyers are expensive & they will be spending valuable time in court.)

Without repeating, I suggest you continue to follow what I outlined earlier.

I had a dude hit on me by...telling me how he almost died being stabbed in the neck. It was awkward.

I have a spinning instructor who claims she's going to start *****ing out the spinners who don't have proper shoes. She's been on vacation the past couple weeks but she's back Friday, so we'll see. According to her, dropping $100 should be no big deal for anyone. I'm not a fan of the "check your privilege" retort but I think it applies here.

The issue as I see it is you never wanted to have attention drawn to yourself as you are self conscious; that you only want an end to this drama as you have suffered emotionally....and after this humiliating experience you dont know if you will ever have the courage to step foot in a gym again.

Tell corporate you have had enough of the spotlight and it's time to put this issue to rest. Tell them they can keep whatever dues they have collected, but you will not concede another dollar. Tell them this thing will end up costing a lot more the longer they try to drag this out. (lawyers are expensive & they will be spending valuable time in court.)

Without repeating, I suggest you continue to follow what I outlined earlier.

The fine print in our contract says that we have to pay their legal fees. I am not rich, but the CEO most certainly is. I'm not sure if a lawyer is really an option, but my husband thinks it is going to have to be. I wish they would just work with me here.

That fine print does not give them license to defraud or abuse the public. That fine print is to scare people. Contact the BBB & your credit card company. The BBB should be able to help you. Tell the credit card company that you will be canceling the credit card if they continue paying the gym fee & send a follow up letter. You are a victim and you do have consumer rights.