Gym owner won't let me sign up?

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davidparker12
davidparker12 Posts: 29
in Health and Weight Loss
I've recently tried joining this gym that's the only gym local to me, I wanted to begin a lifting programme and put on some size and gain some muscle mass. Take into account I find it very very hard to put weight on, anyway when I went into the gym and told the manager what my goals was he took some measurements and did a little exam on me and weighed me and stuff and told me that my weight was dangerously low to be messing with weight's and basically said i wasn't healthy.. yet he knowns nothing about my struggles in that part of my life. anyway he told me i weighed 97-98 pounds and i'm 5ft 7 (18 years old) and i myself couldn't believe that i was that low? before you say I'm anoreix or crap like that I'm not, I'm an ectomorph and I eat anywhere from 3000-3500 calories a day and that used to consist of milk shakes/cookies/harbio's/jaffa cakes/cakes/chocolate/energy drinks all sorts of crap, but I've cleaned up my diet now to fresh fruits/veg/lean meats/ complex carbs (brown rice) and calorie dense foods like almond butter/nuts/olive oil/porridge. what should i do? should i just stay at home and try and put weight on if i can and see if he let's me join? how much weight should i gain before he let's me use his gym?
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Replies

  • tryingtoshed
    tryingtoshed Posts: 135 Member
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    have you tried talking to a doctor? id probably start there
  • rmontpetit
    rmontpetit Posts: 31 Member
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    have you tried talking to a doctor? id probably start there

    Agree.
    A doctoro or a nutrisioniste... use MFP track everything you drink and eat than take that report to a specialist.
  • taunto
    taunto Posts: 6,420 Member
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    Gym owner isn't doing anything wrong, he's actually doing everything a good gym owner should be doing imho. Go to the doctor, get a program with him to increase your weight. Take what your doc told you. Show it to the gym owner. Profit.
  • MB_Positif
    MB_Positif Posts: 8,897 Member
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    Gym owner isn't doing anything wrong, he's actually doing everything a good gym owner should be doing imho. Go to the doctor, get a program with him to increase your weight. Take what your doc told you. Show it to the gym owner. Profit.

    This. The gym owner has to protect his business. That said, it sounds like it is going to be TOUGH for you to gain weight if you weren't gaining before when you weren't eating the healthiest foods. I don't have experience with Creatine or anything like that, but you have looked into anything like that for weight gain?

    Edited to add that when I said the owner has to protect his business it was in regards to potential injury for you.
  • witchy_wife
    witchy_wife Posts: 792 Member
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    Gym owner isn't doing anything wrong, he's actually doing everything a good gym owner should be doing imho. Go to the doctor, get a program with him to increase your weight. Take what your doc told you. Show it to the gym owner. Profit.

    I agree with this, as much as you may want to join up, gyms have rules that are probably linked to insurance and if allowing you to join would break a rule then he is doing the right thing, sorry I know that doesn't help you!

    Hopefully a doctor will be able to help you find a plan to gain weight, and in the meantime maybe try some strength workouts at home? Try Googling "NERD FITNESS" for some good strength routines you can follow at home, if you are not already aware of that site, it's pretty good.

    And good luck! I hope you get the results you are looking for.
  • MaydayParadeGirl
    MaydayParadeGirl Posts: 190 Member
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    I have a friend who has an eating disorder (not your story, but follow me). Many gym members complain that she should be banned because she is in danger of harming herself. In reality, these uneducated buffoons are uncomfortable looking at her and taking out their own insecurities on her without knowing her full situation. Anyway, even IF the gym denied her a membership she'd go somewhere else. It's her right, so they take her money and allow her membership. This owner is a fool. It sounds like discrimination even though it is under the guise of "your best interest". i'd give someone else my $. Screw him.

    And what if it really isn't safe?. I mean gyms deny people the ability to tan because it's not safe so why wouldn't they tell you that you aren't in a healthy weight range and that they are worried about it being dangerous. I think seeing a doctor is the best bet in all honesty, or even a nutritionist because they'd be able to tell you have to gain weight in a way that wouldn't risk putting you in any kind of danger.
  • CountryGirl84
    CountryGirl84 Posts: 39 Member
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    I have a friend who has an eating disorder (not your story, but follow me). Many gym members complain that she should be banned because she is in danger of harming herself. In reality, these uneducated buffoons are uncomfortable looking at her and taking out their own insecurities on her without knowing her full situation. Anyway, even IF the gym denied her a membership she'd go somewhere else. It's her right, so they take her money and allow her membership. This owner is a fool. It sounds like discrimination even though it is under the guise of "your best interest". i'd give someone else my $. Screw him.

    I really don't think it has anything to do with them not wanting to look at your friend, with the way lawsuits go in the US i think it has to do with business owners covering their *kitten*! If your friend were to pass out while on a treadmill for example and she were to sue it would be a terrible ordeal for the business owner and many small business owners whether they are found guilty or not could lose their entire business because of a lawsuit just because of the money it would cost them to go to court to fight a lawsuit, not counting any settlements against them.

    I don't think it's wrong for them to be able to turn down high risk clients, even without a lawsuit it would be "bad publicity" especially in a small town if someone were to get hurt in their facility it may turn a lot of clients and potential clients away from their business...
  • ncmedic201
    ncmedic201 Posts: 540 Member
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    I've recently tried joining this gym that's the only gym local to me, I wanted to begin a lifting programme and put on some size and gain some muscle mass. Take into account I find it very very hard to put weight on, anyway when I went into the gym and told the manager what my goals was he took some measurements and did a little exam on me and weighed me and stuff and told me that my weight was dangerously low to be messing with weight's and basically said i wasn't healthy.. yet he knowns nothing about my struggles in that part of my life. anyway he told me i weighed 97-98 pounds and i'm 5ft 7 (18 years old) and i myself couldn't believe that i was that low? before you say I'm anoreix or crap like that I'm not, I'm an ectomorph and I eat anywhere from 3000-3500 calories a day and that used to consist of milk shakes/cookies/harbio's/jaffa cakes/cakes/chocolate/energy drinks all sorts of crap, but I've cleaned up my diet now to fresh fruits/veg/lean meats/ complex carbs (brown rice) and calorie dense foods like almond butter/nuts/olive oil/porridge. what should i do? should i just stay at home and try and put weight on if i can and see if he let's me join? how much weight should i gain before he let's me use his gym?

    Isn't an ectomorph more prone to injury due to having fragile bones? He may be concerned with your well-being. Talk to your doctor about a safe exercise regimen.
  • pjp1125
    pjp1125 Posts: 313
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    IT is a tough call. While I do understand both sides of the story, I am not exactly sure that the gym owner should necessarily deny someone the right to join a gym. Perhaps a better way to have approached it would have been to take a consultative approach- Perhaps introducing you to a nutritionist or recommending you see your doctor before engaging in exercise. On the other hand, when you join a gym, the waivers you sign in essence indemnify the gym, you are instructed to consult a doctor and you also exercise at your own risk.

    The facts being what they are- do consult a doctor, do consult a nutritionist, then approach the gym again, this time with documentation showing the steps you have taken.
  • taunto
    taunto Posts: 6,420 Member
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    I have a friend who has an eating disorder (not your story, but follow me). Many gym members complain that she should be banned because she is in danger of harming herself. In reality, these uneducated buffoons are uncomfortable looking at her and taking out their own insecurities on her without knowing her full situation. Anyway, even IF the gym denied her a membership she'd go somewhere else. It's her right, so they take her money and allow her membership. This owner is a fool. It sounds like discrimination even though it is under the guise of "your best interest". i'd give someone else my $. Screw him.

    I know right. I love it when my customers pass out with hundreds of lbs of weight over their head because they have an eating disorder and because they don't have enough strength to pull something like this. Screw my business and the liability your ED brings, I just wanna make sure that you know that I'm jealous of your awesome ED!!!!!!!

    I would, like, totally wanna BFF and personally train you if you had a huge thigh gap.
  • karentcampbell
    karentcampbell Posts: 18 Member
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    Nothing wrong with buying free weights and starting from there are home. It would probably be cheaper. There are many YouTube videos, DVDS, etc that can show you exercises and form.
  • AtlantaBob
    AtlantaBob Posts: 129 Member
    Options
    I have a friend who has an eating disorder (not your story, but follow me). Many gym members complain that she should be banned because she is in danger of harming herself. In reality, these uneducated buffoons are uncomfortable looking at her and taking out their own insecurities on her without knowing her full situation. Anyway, even IF the gym denied her a membership she'd go somewhere else. It's her right, so they take her money and allow her membership. This owner is a fool. It sounds like discrimination even though it is under the guise of "your best interest". i'd give someone else my $. Screw him.

    I know right. I love it when my customers pass out with hundreds of lbs of weight over their head because they have an eating disorder and because they don't have enough strength to pull something like this. Screw my business and the liability your ED brings, I just wanna make sure that you know that I'm jealous of your awesome ED!!!!!!!

    I would, like, totally wanna BFF and personally train you if you had a huge thigh gap.

    LMAO
  • bumblebums
    bumblebums Posts: 2,181 Member
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    Nothing wrong with buying free weights and starting from there are home. It would probably be cheaper. There are many YouTube videos, DVDS, etc that can show you exercises and form.

    If a gym owner refused to take this guy's money because he thought he wasn't healthy enough to exercise, do you think it's a good idea to urge him to work out at home, where nobody might even be able to help him if he passes out?

    OP, please go to the doctor and get cleared for exercise before you start anything. And do track your calories--a lot of so-called ectomorphs/hard gainers seem to have overly good appetite control, meaning they eat less than they think, and if they overeat on occasion, they tend to under-eat later on to balance things out. You need a small surplus to gain weight, and the best way to accomplish that is to keep track of exactly how much you are eating.

    Also, lots of protein.
  • K_Serz
    K_Serz Posts: 1,299 Member
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    Gym owner isn't doing anything wrong, he's actually doing everything a good gym owner should be doing imho. Go to the doctor, get a program with him to increase your weight. Take what your doc told you. Show it to the gym owner. Profit.

    I also feel like the OP left something out. Like, what else did the gym owner tell you besides "No"?

    I feel like if the gym owner did all those other things that he probably also gave you similar advice to what taunto said?? Which is some good advice btw. I dont see where if you did that (worked with your Dr and the gym owner) that he would still prevent you from joining.
  • darias_mommy
    darias_mommy Posts: 127 Member
    Options
    I have a friend who has an eating disorder (not your story, but follow me). Many gym members complain that she should be banned because she is in danger of harming herself. In reality, these uneducated buffoons are uncomfortable looking at her and taking out their own insecurities on her without knowing her full situation. Anyway, even IF the gym denied her a membership she'd go somewhere else. It's her right, so they take her money and allow her membership. This owner is a fool. It sounds like discrimination even though it is under the guise of "your best interest". i'd give someone else my $. Screw him.

    I know right. I love it when my customers pass out with hundreds of lbs of weight over their head because they have an eating disorder and because they don't have enough strength to pull something like this. Screw my business and the liability your ED brings, I just wanna make sure that you know that I'm jealous of your awesome ED!!!!!!!

    I would, like, totally wanna BFF and personally train you if you had a huge thigh gap.

    LMAO

    Hey, taunto...
    you clearly misunderstood my post. I worry about my friend. She knows she has an issue. She works out "for her head". She doesn't have or want a personal trainer and you are about as bright as the other members who prejudge without all the info. I bet you'd deny an obese person a seat next to you on aspin bike because they might sweat all over you. My point is that in AMERICA we have freedom. If my friend wants to die on a cardio machine itis her right and the gym can stil make her membership dues. Ethical or not. Everyone is so perfect and critical. Sorry I even bothered. I guess you are on MFP because you are just PERFECT. perfectly closed minded.
  • casy84
    casy84 Posts: 290 Member
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    Aren't really obese people at risk of having a heart attack on the treadmill? Why not deny them too and allow only healthy weight people membership?
    I'm sure if you were obese instead of underweight your story would have made the newspapers.

    On the other hand I do understand the gym's approach, but they should have given you a chance before telling you NO. I would worry only if I saw a skinny person running on the treadmill for hours, not wanting to build some muscle.
  • drefaw
    drefaw Posts: 739
    Options
    I have a friend who has an eating disorder (not your story, but follow me). Many gym members complain that she should be banned because she is in danger of harming herself. In reality, these uneducated buffoons are uncomfortable looking at her and taking out their own insecurities on her without knowing her full situation. Anyway, even IF the gym denied her a membership she'd go somewhere else. It's her right, so they take her money and allow her membership. This owner is a fool. It sounds like discrimination even though it is under the guise of "your best interest". i'd give someone else my $. Screw him.

    I know right. I love it when my customers pass out with hundreds of lbs of weight over their head because they have an eating disorder and because they don't have enough strength to pull something like this. Screw my business and the liability your ED brings, I just wanna make sure that you know that I'm jealous of your awesome ED!!!!!!!

    I would, like, totally wanna BFF and personally train you if you had a huge thigh gap.

    LMAO

    Hey, taunto...
    you clearly misunderstood my post. I worry about my friend. She knows she has an issue. She works out "for her head". She doesn't have or want a personal trainer and you are about as bright as the other members who prejudge without all the info. I bet you'd deny an obese person a seat next to you on aspin bike because they might sweat all over you. My point is that in AMERICA we have freedom. If my friend wants to die on a cardio machine itis her right and the gym can stil make her membership dues. Ethical or not. Everyone is so perfect and critical. Sorry I even bothered. I guess you are on MFP because you are just PERFECT. perfectly closed minded.

    WHOA..... wait a minute here. It may be her "right" to die on a treadmill if she wants. But it IS my right to deny her access to do it in MY gym. PERIOD.....And to the OP, I completely agree with taunto and the other poster in that you should see a DR. and then get back with the gym owner. Chances are that while under a DR's care, with a DR's release, he will let you join and work at your goals .....

    When I was young, and 1st started strength training, the school coach made me go to the Dr. and get a release. As I had knee issues back then. I had to do 6 mo of stretching and body weight exercises before I was allowed to start actually "weight Training".
  • darias_mommy
    darias_mommy Posts: 127 Member
    Options
    Nobody says she is weight training. She can't pick up aquart of milk. All she does is walk. Yes, a doctor should clear her. Yes, a doctor DID clear her. Yes, the owner has a right to deny, but be prepared for disgruntled people. That's all I'm saying. I hate that she works out. I hate it hate it hate it! I just don't think people need to be mean. Were we all so thin when we started? We were heavier. We all signed an injury waiver. I wish I could get her to stop.
  • bumblebums
    bumblebums Posts: 2,181 Member
    Options
    I have a friend who has an eating disorder (not your story, but follow me). Many gym members complain that she should be banned because she is in danger of harming herself. In reality, these uneducated buffoons are uncomfortable looking at her and taking out their own insecurities on her without knowing her full situation. Anyway, even IF the gym denied her a membership she'd go somewhere else. It's her right, so they take her money and allow her membership. This owner is a fool. It sounds like discrimination even though it is under the guise of "your best interest". i'd give someone else my $. Screw him.

    I know right. I love it when my customers pass out with hundreds of lbs of weight over their head because they have an eating disorder and because they don't have enough strength to pull something like this. Screw my business and the liability your ED brings, I just wanna make sure that you know that I'm jealous of your awesome ED!!!!!!!

    I would, like, totally wanna BFF and personally train you if you had a huge thigh gap.

    LMAO

    Hey, taunto...
    you clearly misunderstood my post. I worry about my friend. She knows she has an issue. She works out "for her head". She doesn't have or want a personal trainer and you are about as bright as the other members who prejudge without all the info. I bet you'd deny an obese person a seat next to you on aspin bike because they might sweat all over you. My point is that in AMERICA we have freedom. If my friend wants to die on a cardio machine itis her right and the gym can stil make her membership dues. Ethical or not. Everyone is so perfect and critical. Sorry I even bothered. I guess you are on MFP because you are just PERFECT. perfectly closed minded.

    WHOA..... wait a minute here. It may be her "right" to die on a treadmill if she wants. But it IS my right to deny her access to do it in MY gym. PERIOD.....And to the OP, I completely agree with taunto and the other poster in that you should see a DR. and then get back with the gym owner. Chances are that while under a DR's care, with a DR's release, he will let you join and work at your goals .....

    When I was young, and 1st started strength training, the school coach made me go to the Dr. and get a release. As I had knee issues back then. I had to do 6 mo of stretching and body weight exercises before I was allowed to start actually "weight Training".

    A bar can get sued for serving alcohol to someone who is already intoxicated and suffers alcohol poisoning. If the gym has any reason to suspect that a client is not fit to exercise, it's their right to refuse them a membership. Yes, you sign a release when you join a gym, and it absolves them from liability in case you kick the bucket on the treadmill, but if I were a gym owner, I wouldn't want to deal with that kind of drama.
  • darias_mommy
    darias_mommy Posts: 127 Member
    Options
    I have a friend who has an eating disorder (not your story, but follow me). Many gym members complain that she should be banned because she is in danger of harming herself. In reality, these uneducated buffoons are uncomfortable looking at her and taking out their own insecurities on her without knowing her full situation. Anyway, even IF the gym denied her a membership she'd go somewhere else. It's her right, so they take her money and allow her membership. This owner is a fool. It sounds like discrimination even though it is under the guise of "your best interest". i'd give someone else my $. Screw him.

    I know right. I love it when my customers pass out with hundreds of lbs of weight over their head because they have an eating disorder and because they don't have enough strength to pull something like this. Screw my business and the liability your ED brings, I just wanna make sure that you know that I'm jealous of your awesome ED!!!!!!!

    I would, like, totally wanna BFF and personally train you if you had a huge thigh gap.

    LMAO

    Hey, taunto...
    you clearly misunderstood my post. I worry about my friend. She knows she has an issue. She works out "for her head". She doesn't have or want a personal trainer and you are about as bright as the other members who prejudge without all the info. I bet you'd deny an obese person a seat next to you on aspin bike because they might sweat all over you. My point is that in AMERICA we have freedom. If my friend wants to die on a cardio machine itis her right and the gym can stil make her membership dues. Ethical or not. Everyone is so perfect and critical. Sorry I even bothered. I guess you are on MFP because you are just PERFECT. perfectly closed minded.

    WHOA..... wait a minute here. It may be her "right" to die on a treadmill if she wants. But it IS my right to deny her access to do it in MY gym. PERIOD.....And to the OP, I completely agree with taunto and the other poster in that you should see a DR. and then get back with the gym owner. Chances are that while under a DR's care, with a DR's release, he will let you join and work at your goals .....

    When I was young, and 1st started strength training, the school coach made me go to the Dr. and get a release. As I had knee issues back then. I had to do 6 mo of stretching and body weight exercises before I was allowed to start actually "weight Training".

    A bar can get sued for serving alcohol to someone who is already intoxicated and suffers alcohol poisoning. If the gym has any reason to suspect that a client is not fit to exercise, it's their right to refuse them a membership. Yes, you sign a release when you join a gym, and it absolves them from liability in case you kick the bucket on the treadmill, but if I were a gym owner, I wouldn't want to deal with that kind of drama.

    AGREED!!!!

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