The excluding elitist approach to fitness pisses me off. Rant warning.
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Cattle feeds? I was able to find "lunk alarm" (which sounds SO stupid) on urban dictionary... fill me in about these cattle feeds pls? this has to be hilarious.0
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This is a pretty judgmental look at Planet Fitness, but you can't argue with many points they make.
http://www.t-nation.com/opinion/planet-fitness-nightmare
It's interesting to take a closer look at that incredibly low $10.00 per month Planet Fitness base membership rate (less than 20% of the industry average). Consider that the average cost of a gym membership is $55.00 per month and that approximately 67% of people with gym memberships never use them.
If, as studies show, the average membership in a typical gym or health club is 1645 members, all things being equal and given the same average attendance rates, a Planet Fitness would need to have a roughly 5.5 times the number of members of a typical club just to attain average industry gym revenue. That would require (at a minimum) a mammoth 9,048 members.
Planet Fitness gym attendance would likely swell to the point of severe overcrowding if even the paltry 33% average number of members showed up regularly. Further, with the $10.00 monthly membership rate, any profit would turn to severe loss if a good number of members did show up with any regularity and total membership counts had to be restricted.
Indeed, this business model seems highly dependent on the vast majority of members not showing up at the gym with any frequency, if at all.0 -
This is a pretty judgmental look at Planet Fitness, but you can't argue with many points they make.
http://www.t-nation.com/opinion/planet-fitness-nightmare
It's interesting to take a closer look at that incredibly low $10.00 per month Planet Fitness base membership rate (less than 20% of the industry average). Consider that the average cost of a gym membership is $55.00 per month and that approximately 67% of people with gym memberships never use them.
If, as studies show, the average membership in a typical gym or health club is 1645 members, all things being equal and given the same average attendance rates, a Planet Fitness would need to have a roughly 5.5 times the number of members of a typical club just to attain average industry gym revenue. That would require (at a minimum) a mammoth 9,048 members.
Planet Fitness gym attendance would likely swell to the point of severe overcrowding if even the paltry 33% average number of members showed up regularly. Further, with the $10.00 monthly membership rate, any profit would turn to severe loss if a good number of members did show up with any regularity and total membership counts had to be restricted.
Indeed, this business model seems highly dependent on the vast majority of members not showing up at the gym with any frequency, if at all.
Pizza Mondays bagels Tuesdays. Where are the protein shakes?
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My friend got lunked for looking in the mirror to check her form. Makes NO sense.0
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OK, So I get that some of you are hating on my Planet Fitness example. My point was that I didn't feel as like other members were judging me for being a newbie who didn't already have muscles. Many of you are, in fact, the judgemental type that I do not want to be around when working out.-3
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midwesterner85 wrote: »OK, So I get that some of you are hating on my Planet Fitness example. My point was that I didn't feel as like other members were judging me for being a newbie who didn't already have muscles. Many of you are, in fact, the judgemental type that I do not want to be around when working out.
Who is this many you speak of?
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midwesterner85 wrote: »OK, So I get that some of you are hating on my Planet Fitness example. My point was that I didn't feel as like other members were judging me for being a newbie who didn't already have muscles. Many of you are, in fact, the judgemental type that I do not want to be around when working out.
You've never worked out around us, you don't know what we are like. I'm by far one of the most helpful people at my gym. I think it's great when I see new people sticking to their workouts. Many of the other people who posted have commented on other threads that they don't even pay attention to the other people who workout at their gym.0 -
midwesterner85 wrote: »OK, So I get that some of you are hating on my Planet Fitness example. My point was that I didn't feel as like other members were judging me for being a newbie who didn't already have muscles. Many of you are, in fact, the judgemental type that I do not want to be around when working out.
Well, my friend was kind of a newbie and she was just checking her form to make sure she was lifting the right way. How do you think it made her feel to get yelled at in front of everyone? I would never single someone out in a negative way at my gym for anything - and neither would my coaches. That's awful.
I've been on these forums a while and I haven't seen any of the more advanced fitness people judge anyone. In fact, just the opposite.
Not liking your gym =/= judging you.0 -
mariannejj108 wrote: »Okay, so I stopped at the outdoor gym to do some squats the other day. However the 77lbs bar that I wanted to use wasn't on the rack. So I asked MatchoBoy(TM) to give me a hand. Natrually, being MatchoBoy(TM) he had to haul it uphimself. (Even though I was standing there, ready to lift it in one end) Then he frowns at me, and in a snorky voice goes "Don't wear yourself out." while he's turing his back on me. What? Seriously? Does my 180lbs body look fragile? And just because Im not fit that must mean that I have no idea of what I'm doing? Really MatchoBoy(TM), do I need to get a t-shirt that says "Not fit but know my *kitten*"? And even if I didn't know, or felt unsure, if you really want to help someone with all your fitness expertise, why not just kindly ask how it's going? I'm really tired of this attitude that you sometimes meet as an unfit person in this game, why not lend each other a helping hand, some advice and encouragement but no, instead you get excluded if you don't look the part. This elitist approach to fitness really honestly, just pisses me of. And yes, this was a bit of a rant. But I really think it's one of the things that makes people afraid to join the gym or start working out, and it's quite sad. And if you are out there, just starting to run, do yoga, work out, lifting weights whatever it is - you sure as hell can do it! It's not rocket science and you are going to be awesome.
Ps. MatchoBoy(TM) was rather lacking in bicep curl technique as well. Think I should have pointed that out to him?
Ds.
"Had to haul it up himself"
Ummm look, this was probably a trivial weight for him. It would have made it more awkward to coordinate with you to shift it around. What would your reaction be if someone offered to 'help' you move a gallon of milk? Mild confusion and saying something along the lines of "I got this" right?
I question the basis of your rant.0 -
midwesterner85 wrote: »OK, So I get that some of you are hating on my Planet Fitness example. My point was that I didn't feel as like other members were judging me for being a newbie who didn't already have muscles. Many of you are, in fact, the judgemental type that I do not want to be around when working out.
I'm very judgemental. I'm also in the gym to kick my own *kitten*, not yours. Unless you get in my way, or say something to me, you do *not* exist.
I don't think I'm unique in that POV either.
It's not a matter of "hating" on PF, since we're not kids here... it's more realizing that it's not that great of a place, and the cynicism and judgement they exhibit is problematic in my mind. Keep in mind, that judgement they levy against those who work hard will also be leveled at you once you decide to achieve more than they choose to allow you. That's why it doesn't work for me. I have issues with someone trying to tell me how what I can and cannot do.0 -
Also, you mention wanting to climb Rainier, what happens when you have to train hard for it? There's a few reasons I'm kicking my *kitten* in the gym so hard.midwesterner85 wrote: »Many of you are, in fact, the judgemental type that I do not want to be around when working out.
Rainier, Baker, Adams, two chicks at once.
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yopeeps025 wrote: »midwesterner85 wrote: »OK, So I get that some of you are hating on my Planet Fitness example. My point was that I didn't feel as like other members were judging me for being a newbie who didn't already have muscles. Many of you are, in fact, the judgemental type that I do not want to be around when working out.
Who is this many you speak of?
I would like to say that these people know who they are, but I really don't think they do. There is a general attitude that a gym is a "no fatties" zone and that if you are not already in shape, you do not belong there. I've been a member of other gyms, and quit going after a couple weeks every time because I always got that vibe. My point about Planet Fitness is that it is the only gym where I didn't feel unwelcome because I'm not already in shape. Unfortunately, I had to move for work after a few months. That was 3 years ago, so maybe things have since changed.0 -
midwesterner85 wrote: »yopeeps025 wrote: »midwesterner85 wrote: »OK, So I get that some of you are hating on my Planet Fitness example. My point was that I didn't feel as like other members were judging me for being a newbie who didn't already have muscles. Many of you are, in fact, the judgemental type that I do not want to be around when working out.
Who is this many you speak of?
I would like to say that these people know who they are, but I really don't think they do. There is a general attitude that a gym is a "no fatties" zone and that if you are not already in shape, you do not belong there. I've been a member of other gyms, and quit going after a couple weeks every time because I always got that vibe. My point about Planet Fitness is that it is the only gym where I didn't feel unwelcome because I'm not already in shape. Unfortunately, I had to move for work after a few months. That was 3 years ago, so maybe things have since changed.
Seriously? The other people who commented on this post have shown no indication that they think this way. In fact, I'd argue the opposite. This is on you, buddy. It's your perception.0 -
midwesterner85 wrote: »yopeeps025 wrote: »midwesterner85 wrote: »OK, So I get that some of you are hating on my Planet Fitness example. My point was that I didn't feel as like other members were judging me for being a newbie who didn't already have muscles. Many of you are, in fact, the judgemental type that I do not want to be around when working out.
Who is this many you speak of?
I would like to say that these people know who they are, but I really don't think they do. There is a general attitude that a gym is a "no fatties" zone and that if you are not already in shape, you do not belong there. I've been a member of other gyms, and quit going after a couple weeks every time because I always got that vibe. My point about Planet Fitness is that it is the only gym where I didn't feel unwelcome because I'm not already in shape. Unfortunately, I had to move for work after a few months. That was 3 years ago, so maybe things have since changed.
That is just not true. I'm sorry you feel you had that experience, but no one at my gym would ever intentionally make someone feel that way. They would be horrified. Sometimes what you perceive is not actually what is happening.
We have people who are handicapped, people who are obese, people who are elderly and people who are Division 1 athletes all in the same place, all working out at different levels, and all respecting one another.
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prdavies1949 wrote: »I think that if everyone got out of the gym and into the fresh air then everyone would be a happier. Put down those weights and get moving.
She said it was an outdoor gym.
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prdavies1949 wrote: »prdavies1949 wrote: »I think that if everyone got out of the gym and into the fresh air then everyone would be a happier. Put down those weights and get moving.
I do put down the weights. And then I pick them up again. And then when I'm done I go run for some fresh air. People can do both.
Nah I tried that, I put down the weights and couldn't get them up off the floor again.
Next time pick a weight you can actually handle.
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Hey, I'm the only fatty allowed in my gym. I'm there for lookin!0
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"I always got that vibe" = "my insecurities projected and created said vibe", perhaps?
PF makes everybody else unwelcome, particularly if they're working "too hard". My friend got lunked and asked to "tone it down" when he did a finishing set of burpees.
My personal thing that I don't think "they" realize is that working out is hard. It takes effort, and when they're so worried about what they're projecting onto the other guy, they forget this fact.
They know who they are, I'd like to think.
(the real ridicule is reserved for the curl monkeys or other twaddlenocks who take up the squat rack for activities other than squatting. they're the ones who get the business. not a beginner who's trying and taking that brave, awesome first step)0 -
midwesterner85 wrote: »yopeeps025 wrote: »midwesterner85 wrote: »OK, So I get that some of you are hating on my Planet Fitness example. My point was that I didn't feel as like other members were judging me for being a newbie who didn't already have muscles. Many of you are, in fact, the judgemental type that I do not want to be around when working out.
Who is this many you speak of?
I would like to say that these people know who they are, but I really don't think they do. There is a general attitude that a gym is a "no fatties" zone and that if you are not already in shape, you do not belong there. I've been a member of other gyms, and quit going after a couple weeks every time because I always got that vibe. My point about Planet Fitness is that it is the only gym where I didn't feel unwelcome because I'm not already in shape. Unfortunately, I had to move for work after a few months. That was 3 years ago, so maybe things have since changed.
I totally disagree. I go to a gym with very competitive bodybuilders. I am so far from that...in fact, I'm still considered obese. But they respect me. They have befriended me. They give me advice when I request it. Why? Because I show up and do work. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday without fail. They see me, and they know I am trying. In fact, I'd be MORE unwelcome at a PF than at my gym - they'd kick me out the first time I tried to deadlift.0 -
midwesterner85 wrote: »yopeeps025 wrote: »midwesterner85 wrote: »OK, So I get that some of you are hating on my Planet Fitness example. My point was that I didn't feel as like other members were judging me for being a newbie who didn't already have muscles. Many of you are, in fact, the judgemental type that I do not want to be around when working out.
Who is this many you speak of?
I would like to say that these people know who they are, but I really don't think they do. There is a general attitude that a gym is a "no fatties" zone and that if you are not already in shape, you do not belong there. I've been a member of other gyms, and quit going after a couple weeks every time because I always got that vibe. My point about Planet Fitness is that it is the only gym where I didn't feel unwelcome because I'm not already in shape. Unfortunately, I had to move for work after a few months. That was 3 years ago, so maybe things have since changed.
I joined my gym when I was a fatty. It's a meathead gym. Nobody paid attention to me (or anyone else for that matter). I've never seen people give off a "no fatties" vibe. There's a guy who weighed 475 pounds when he started two years ago and people were very helpful. I think you project how you feel onto others at the gym.0 -
Danielle_Husband wrote: »midwesterner85 wrote: »yopeeps025 wrote: »midwesterner85 wrote: »OK, So I get that some of you are hating on my Planet Fitness example. My point was that I didn't feel as like other members were judging me for being a newbie who didn't already have muscles. Many of you are, in fact, the judgemental type that I do not want to be around when working out.
Who is this many you speak of?
I would like to say that these people know who they are, but I really don't think they do. There is a general attitude that a gym is a "no fatties" zone and that if you are not already in shape, you do not belong there. I've been a member of other gyms, and quit going after a couple weeks every time because I always got that vibe. My point about Planet Fitness is that it is the only gym where I didn't feel unwelcome because I'm not already in shape. Unfortunately, I had to move for work after a few months. That was 3 years ago, so maybe things have since changed.
Seriously? The other people who commented on this post have shown no indication that they think this way. In fact, I'd argue the opposite. This is on you, buddy. It's your perception.
Even if it is just my perception (and I don't think that is entirely correct), it makes a huge difference as to whether I can be comfortable enough to continue or not. So my original comment stands... find a place that you can be comfortable. In my case, I had a place. It just didn't last long because I moved.0 -
oh man, comfortable enough to continue? ooof.-2
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Okay, this place sounds utterly abysmal. Feed u crap food so u keep coming back trying to burn it off... and shaming someone for checking their form? They would probably "lunk" me for having D cup breasts or something similarly nonsensical. I'll just keep using the fitness room at the apartment complex where I live, and getting form tutorials on youtube/fitness sites! If I move to somewhere with no fitness room, I'll just join the YMCA. I can't tolerate nonsense like this!0
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midwesterner85 wrote: »Danielle_Husband wrote: »midwesterner85 wrote: »yopeeps025 wrote: »midwesterner85 wrote: »OK, So I get that some of you are hating on my Planet Fitness example. My point was that I didn't feel as like other members were judging me for being a newbie who didn't already have muscles. Many of you are, in fact, the judgemental type that I do not want to be around when working out.
Who is this many you speak of?
I would like to say that these people know who they are, but I really don't think they do. There is a general attitude that a gym is a "no fatties" zone and that if you are not already in shape, you do not belong there. I've been a member of other gyms, and quit going after a couple weeks every time because I always got that vibe. My point about Planet Fitness is that it is the only gym where I didn't feel unwelcome because I'm not already in shape. Unfortunately, I had to move for work after a few months. That was 3 years ago, so maybe things have since changed.
Seriously? The other people who commented on this post have shown no indication that they think this way. In fact, I'd argue the opposite. This is on you, buddy. It's your perception.
Even if it is just my perception (and I don't think that is entirely correct), it makes a huge difference as to whether I can be comfortable enough to continue or not. So my original comment stands... find a place that you can be comfortable. In my case, I had a place. It just didn't last long because I moved.
It's still not cool to accuse people in this thread of these behaviors, especially considering how helpful they are.
On the note about being comfortable when you work out: I have a creepy old guy who sits outside his house and yells crap at me while I'm running. One day he even came down to the edge of the driveway to try to talk to me. (Headphones.) Does this mean I should stop running because it makes me really, really uncomfortable? No. I have goals, and I'm going to achieve them.0 -
midwesterner85 wrote: »yopeeps025 wrote: »midwesterner85 wrote: »OK, So I get that some of you are hating on my Planet Fitness example. My point was that I didn't feel as like other members were judging me for being a newbie who didn't already have muscles. Many of you are, in fact, the judgemental type that I do not want to be around when working out.
Who is this many you speak of?
I would like to say that these people know who they are, but I really don't think they do. There is a general attitude that a gym is a "no fatties" zone and that if you are not already in shape, you do not belong there. I've been a member of other gyms, and quit going after a couple weeks every time because I always got that vibe. My point about Planet Fitness is that it is the only gym where I didn't feel unwelcome because I'm not already in shape. Unfortunately, I had to move for work after a few months. That was 3 years ago, so maybe things have since changed.
What gyms do you go to. I have been to many gyms and do not see this no fatties zone you speak of. Matter of fact I see overweight people workout all the time. Maybe you just do not like to workout around others because of your own insecurities.
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thesupremeforce wrote: »So, a guy did you a favor, and you rushed online to insult him about it? I really need to stop clicking on "mean people" posts where the OP is the one with the attitude. Basically, I need to stop clicking on mean people posts.
^^^ this
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One of the guy's goals is to climb Rainier.Danielle_Husband wrote: »On the note about being comfortable when you work out: I have a creepy old guy who sits outside his house and yells crap at me while I'm running. One day he even came down to the edge of the driveway to try to talk to me. (Headphones.) Does this mean I should stop running because it makes me really, really uncomfortable? No. I have goals, and I'm going to achieve them.
Image being roped in on a team, 6 hours in to your climb, working on sub 1k calories for the last day and a half because at altitude you can't keep anything down. Your underlayers are soaked, you ran out of water at your last rest stop, it's 5F, and you just entered a crevasse field.
No comfort to be had.
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midwesterner85 wrote: »Danielle_Husband wrote: »midwesterner85 wrote: »yopeeps025 wrote: »midwesterner85 wrote: »OK, So I get that some of you are hating on my Planet Fitness example. My point was that I didn't feel as like other members were judging me for being a newbie who didn't already have muscles. Many of you are, in fact, the judgemental type that I do not want to be around when working out.
Who is this many you speak of?
I would like to say that these people know who they are, but I really don't think they do. There is a general attitude that a gym is a "no fatties" zone and that if you are not already in shape, you do not belong there. I've been a member of other gyms, and quit going after a couple weeks every time because I always got that vibe. My point about Planet Fitness is that it is the only gym where I didn't feel unwelcome because I'm not already in shape. Unfortunately, I had to move for work after a few months. That was 3 years ago, so maybe things have since changed.
Seriously? The other people who commented on this post have shown no indication that they think this way. In fact, I'd argue the opposite. This is on you, buddy. It's your perception.
Even if it is just my perception (and I don't think that is entirely correct), it makes a huge difference as to whether I can be comfortable enough to continue or not. So my original comment stands... find a place that you can be comfortable. In my case, I had a place. It just didn't last long because I moved.
You have a me v. the world attitude. We've seen it here in several of your posts. That's entirely up to you, of course, but it's not fair to project onto other people and judge them even when they have done nothing to warrant that judgement. I would never judge someone in my gym based on their size, experience, etc. period. So, no, your are not correct if you are applying that label to me.
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Danielle, that worries me. I would be carrying some mace if a dude were creeping on me. Unless, of course, you can just kick him over if he tries to assault you.
When I started working out, I was fat, and many people working out there were fatter. And some were very fit already. The only thing anyone cared about was the practice of common courtesy. My fat is my fat; yours is yours.... who cares, y'know? Except for the inhabitant of said body. 0
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