Quitting the Gym

Crystal_Rudolph · July 2011

I have belonged to my local Curves gym since March of this year. I used to go every day...now I am lucky if I get there once a week. But only because of the owner, the other workers, and the gossip ladies.

The owner makes rude commnets to me all the time; for example: she told me today--her words..."your arms will ALWAYS be flabby". After I pushed back my desire to cold-**** her with my flabby arms; I smiled and said "huh, is that why you just wrote done in my file that they had shrunk 1.5 inches already?"

The other workers are constantly on my case. Telling me that I am pushing myself to hard and I should not be sweating when I work out. (My hear rate is ALWAYS in the acceptable range)

The gossip ladies come to work out, but they are in their jeans and perfect makeup, gossiping away the ENTIRE time. I literally have to wait 3 minutes per section for them to move! (Curves is curcuit training, in case you did not know)

I have tried going at different times of the day; but it is ALWAYS the same!!!

I am in a year contract with Curves; unless I can get a doctor to write a note "excusing" me from it. (This way I no longer get charged my monthly rate)

My question is...Do I get the doctors note or suck it up? What would you do if this was your gym?

Heather75 · July 2011

I would quit.

poedunk65 · July 2011

Who cares what they say or think. Do you like the workout? Is it convenient? Tell them to shut the heck up and get moving they are holding you up.

tam120 · July 2011

Sounds like a nightmare, I'd get out of it.

szczepj · July 2011

It sounds terrible. But you could always prove them wrong!

misscfe · July 2011

I would find a new gym. If the atmosphere is keeping you away then it will not motivate you to keep working out. You should be able to find one where you do not run into that type of behavior and where you will want to go all the time.

maryd523 · July 2011

It seems like you are letting these women take control. Yes, they are annoying, but you are there to get healthy and exercise.

I would take this opportunity to seize mental control over the situation and NOT let these unfriendly people shove you out of the gym you enjoyed up until recently. Just ignore them and think about the positive.

Suck it up, and then reevaluate at the end of your contract.

PlanetVelma · July 2011

I would make it a point to contact the manager and ask when the gym is open and not very busy. If she asks "why" then explain what you typed here today. Explain you don't want to get stuck in the gossip traffic and are there to do your workout not get involved in the gym drama, etc... I've found if you complain in a nice way, most places will either work with you to find a solution or will let you out of the contract (because they don't want customers talking negatively about their establishment).

mill1295 · July 2011

Is there anyone higher up you can talk to about everything that's wrong, especially the workers?

Grimmerick · July 2011

I would get the doctors note and use your hard earned money for a better gym that's more supportive. I would also tell the owner a thing or two about keeping her mouth shut.

loveluckjoy · July 2011

I think you should stick it out. Pretty much whatever gym you go to you are probably going to get the same kind of people And going to the gym is good for you, so don't et them get to you. Maybe take music and headphones to block them out and then forget what they are saying, as it is total rubbish. If you dont sweat when you workout you aren't doing very much. I sweat like a pig during all my workouts. If they are taking too long to move then politely ask them to move on as you need the machine. But yeah it would be good to try and motivate yourself, and as for that horrible trainer, maybe if you do go a bit more and do all your workout, then you can really show her how you will improve, then she can't say much !
Find the strength to keep going, you will be so proud of yourself when you have shed a few pounds and are looking and feeling better

zornig · July 2011

If you can get the doctor's note to get out of it, you definitely should. And then join a real gym where sweating is encouraged!

Cateyes0831 · July 2011

That's a tough one. If you leave they win but if you stay and make your goal then you win. Maybe try sending a complaint to corporate first and see if something gets done.

keschuh79 · July 2011

Get a doctor's note! Getting the motivation to go to the gym is hard enough. You don't need to be discouraged by a bunch of people that aren't there for the right reasons. But in the same note, I'm a big fan of going to the gym. So maybe explain to your doctor what's up, get your excuse to leave that place, and then find another gym that fits your bill. The change up in routine might end up doing you a favor in motivation and on the scale.

cabul3 · July 2011

get out while you can. stop by your doc to see if he'll write you a note for any "legit" lame medical reason you can conspire up together.

i used to go to curves until it stopped being a challenge. my muscles adjusted to the same old routine, day after day, and i never made much process.

i got a membership to the local Y instead. now i have soo many weight-training and cardio options, as well as classes to choose from! depending on your income, you may be able to get an "assisted membership" rate. it's month-to-month, and you're not locked into a plan unless you choose to pay, for example, one whole year up front! my membership works out to $10/mo, VERY affordable. i get 6 free sessions with a trainer to set me up with a program and then followup with me.

make sure you submit a review or something to the Curves headquarters about how rude the staff at your location were to you!

iambayd · July 2011

It really sounds like a crappy place. They should be nothing but supportive and encouraging and they seem to be quite the opposite. I would check out other gyms in your area. I'm sure you could find some place way better than that.

elmobabie84 · July 2011

have you considered going to a different curves in your area?? or maybe in the next town over?

dad106 · July 2011

If it was my gym, I'd be the witch that's like UM EXCUSE ME! I want to actually workout.. could you please take your gossip fest to a Starbucks?

As far as the manager, I'd have a few choice words for her too that can't be said on this site.

With that being said, I'm a firm believer in the fact that if you don't enjoy your exercise, you're not going to do it. So if it really bugs you, i'd go find another place to workout sans the drama. I'd also find a really good supportive trainer, and get my circuit training that way.

sister_bear · July 2011

I had a Curves membership. I went pretty well for the better part of the year and then the attendant I liked resigned (she was going back to school) and whole group of ladies (also gossipers) started coming on the days/times I came and... it was too much.

Then I got very spotty, they also changed locations, closer to my house, but harder to get in and out of. For a while I felt bad driving past the place, then I tried going again, and then I gave up. Cancelled my membership earlier this year, but I paid for almost a year during which time I didn't go. I kept telling myself I would get back into it.

I also started traveling very regularly as part of my job about 14 months ago, which contributed to my failure with them.

The end solution was to rearrange the entire house so I could move the gazelle into the living room. I exercise more now than I ever did with Curves. lol

I believe there's a fee for early cancellation, but it might be worth it if you're dissatisfied. My contract was for a year, but I was a member about two years when I cancelled.

sister_bear · July 2011

That's a tough one. If you leave they win but if you stay and make your goal then you win. Maybe try sending a complaint to corporate first and see if something gets done.

This is also a worth a chance. It doesn't sound like the owner is sending the message Curves wants to project.

superbeffie · July 2011

Honestly, I would contact their corporate office. This is clearly a manager problem and if they are making it harder and more discouraging for you to work out then they need to be in another line of work.
If you went in to a restaurant and they told you it didn't matter what you ate because you were fat they would be fired.

As for the blue jean moms, there will always be irritating obnoxious people at every gym. You just have to ignore them and do what you need to do.

bookyeti · July 2011

I can understand why you quit. I wouldn't want to put up with that.

But then again, I've never had the desire to go work out at the gym. Which is fine, because the nearest one is almost 45 minutes away. I prefer working out at home anyway - I put in my 40-60 minutes faithfully every day, with my 3 cats for an audience. I'm fortunate to have just enough space for my workouts, including Zumba. No one could pay me to go to a gym.

MsLadyVirgo · July 2011

This is one of the reasons that I stopped going to the gym:

When I was not working, it was easier to go to the gym during slower periods. However, when I started back working, I ended up in the gym during the busiest times.

Are you able to maintain a decent heart rate while waiting for the Yackers to move on?
Can you skip the machines that the Yackers are using, then come back to it?

If you've tried to access the facility at various times and the environment was the same: "THERE'S YOUR SIGN." I sugguest that you try to finish out your membership, but if it impacts your emotions and physical results - TAKE THE LOSS AND KICK ROCKS.

lazatin · July 2011

Quit...i have heard other people talk about how bad the gossip is..and you know that is not going to change...sorry to hear that about the workers...when i went everyone was so supporative and nice....your walking and video's give you just as good of a workout as you get there...let um go!

crisanderson27 · July 2011

I would complain to the regional manager...and cancel my account. They cannot hold you to your contract if they aren't providing a decent atmosphere in which to work out. The regional manager SHOULD take care of your problems immediately.

pitbullmama · July 2011

I quit going to curves. I found I wasn't getting the workout I needed or wanted. Just as I was starting to work up a sweat, it was time to change machines. I think you'll find you will get better results by changing to another gym that has better options. I'd get the doctor's note, but first I'd complain to their head office. I doubt anything will be done tho as they're franchised, but its worth a shot.

tushiness · July 2011

OMG that sounds horrible!! It was sort of the same at my old gym..gossipy ladies with full makeup and hair done coming to the 7am classes..what the??? I'd just suggest talking to the owner they normally sort out the manager and the staff! Hopefully they're supportive and agree to cancel your membership! Use that money to join a more supportive gym for sure!

hikeout470 · July 2011

Take it to corporate! I worked with the husband of one of their top marketing people once (can't remember his name sorry), they are an international franchise based in Central Texas. I don't believe they would want their name on a gym that projects the image you described.

I have worked out at and or worked at Gym's since I was 13 years old, and not all gyms are the same. I have never been a fan of circuit programs for the reason you described. Maybe after you get you money back (yes I would ask for a refund for your troubles) you should pick a gym where the traffic level suits your workout schedule needs. At my gym, when equipment is busy, I ask to "work in" or find another thing to do while I wait, There is no gossip problem, and everyone walks around with the headphones and "gym stare". We all want to get in and out of there in a reasonable amount of time.

Nikki_GodzPrincess · July 2011

I feel like this youre paying money to go there so your experience should be somewhat enjoyable & if its not why waste your time & hard earned money. I love my gym. I go to 24 hour fitness which means it'll always fit in my schedule whether thats 6pm or 3am I know they'll always be open. And the people are nice & welcoming knowing we're all trying to reach the same goals.

Women can be catty creatures at times for whatever reason. They should be motivating & encouraging not discouraging but thats not always the case unfortunately. My advice if you have a girlfriend that is willing to workout with you & you like curves then continue to go with her. If its no longer worth your time, effort or money then say bye bye to curves & hello to a gym that will respect you.

Good luck hun & if you ever need motivation or encouragement feel free to add me

SydandPaigesMom · July 2011

I definitely wouldn't give my hard earned money to them! Definitely quit if you can get that Dr's note.

I will never forget when I went to my local curves to check it out. The woman there was talking to me about how it works, my goals, etc. When I told her that I wanted to be back to my pre pregnancy weight and I was holding onto some clothes in hope she laughed...or rather cackled out loud and said something along the lines of "oh honey. You won't ever be that size again. May as well give them to the Goodwill." Needless to say they never saw a dime from me. How's that for some motivation!

bmmadden · July 2011

Tell doc the situation maybe he'll write the note so you can quit there if you tell him you plan on having another activity source he may do you the favor by making up some sort of an excuse-You should feel comfortable at your gym if your paying for it and that includes having a friendly staff to talk and help you, I love my local YMCA check one out if you have them in your area

Quitting the Gym

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