Welcome to Debate Club! Please be aware that this is a space for respectful debate, and that your ideas will be challenged here. Please remember to critique the argument, not the author.
No intimidation "gyms"
Replies
-
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.
I totally agree, although I would say that in most of the gyms I've worked out in over the past 35 to 40 years, the large majority of the time if you stood near a piece of equipment somebody was using, looking like you were waiting, the person using it would notice and either ask if you wanted to work in, or say that they were on their last set.
Well, on second, thought, I can testify that that was the common reaction in the earlier part of that time period. It's been a lot of years since I was too shy/anxious/whatever to just open my mouth and ask how many more sets they have and if I can work in. But I have occasionally noticed people (including myself) doing that in more recent years for folks who seem to be waiting -- and have occasionally been asked if I wanted to work in when I only happened to be resting, thinking, recording, or drinking in the general vicinity. Because most people don't want to hog the equipment.
0 -
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.
Yes, I can see (and have acknowledged elsewhere on this post) that the marketing strategy is offensive, in the same way any marketing strategy is offensive when it promotes unhelpful stereotypes. And people have every right to take issue with that, but it does seem (to me) that some comments on here (including the op) go beyond that and reflect a lack of understanding of *some *people's anxieties about using a gym.5 -
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'm on the board of our workplace gym, which is in a government building and is shared by government civilians and armed services personnel stationed here. Earlier this year we had to deal with a lot of serious problems with some of the uniformed men making inappropriate and cruel comments to several of the women in there (particularly to some of the heavier and older ones). We investigated and were horrified to find out that this had been going on for quite some time, but the women being victimized were too embarrassed to complain and just quit.
The problem was fixed and resolution is a long story, but my point is: the "no intimidation" thing at PF gets perpetually ridiculed and may seem silly and unnecessary to a lot of people, but there is a reason why it was conceived and that a global gym empire was built upon this. Thousands of people are working out at PF who would otherwise not set foot in a conventional gym because of past bad experiences or simply because being a new person at a gym is intimidating, and more people exercising is a good thing18 -
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.
Ya, an LA Fitness I belonged to was the worst for people not reracking. My goodness, was it bad. And this was in the AM before work, so the staff hadn't put things away the night before either.0 -
99% of the time, I work out at the gym at Walter Reed Military Medical Center. There might be flashier gyms out there. There might be gyms with more/better equipment. However, it suits me because I don't have to deal with the stink of 'roid rats, and people say things like "please" and "thank you". I have a pool, a weight room, an aerobics room, gymnasium, indoor track, and a trainer I see twice a week. I sign in, pick up my towels, and pack my locker before I work out. Most folks re-rack. It's clean.
When I travel to WV, though, PF is all I have, except for the Y, which is very crowded, and rather unsanitary. There are a couple of "boxes" out there, but that is not my thing, and another fitness center that has really "dated" treadmills and ellipticals, and sketchy small pools. I'll do my aerobic exercise outdoors, then come inside for weights. The one thing I absolutely hate about PF is the smell of that cushioning on the floor.0 -
99% of the time, I work out at the gym at Walter Reed Military Medical Center. There might be flashier gyms out there. There might be gyms with more/better equipment. However, it suits me because I don't have to deal with the stink of 'roid rats, and people say things like "please" and "thank you". I have a pool, a weight room, an aerobics room, gymnasium, indoor track, and a trainer I see twice a week. I sign in, pick up my towels, and pack my locker before I work out. Most folks re-rack. It's clean.
When I travel to WV, though, PF is all I have, except for the Y, which is very crowded, and rather unsanitary. There are a couple of "boxes" out there, but that is not my thing, and another fitness center that has really "dated" treadmills and ellipticals, and sketchy small pools. I'll do my aerobic exercise outdoors, then come inside for weights. The one thing I absolutely hate about PF is the smell of that cushioning on the floor.
I was going to use a PF for a day when out of town visiting relatives (not in a high cost city). They wanted $20 for a day pass. I was like, you're kidding, you charge $10 a month (wouldn't let me sign up for a month).
Skipped lifting that day.0 -
Bry_Fitness70 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'm on the board of our workplace gym, which is in a government building and is shared by government civilians and armed services personnel stationed here. Earlier this year we had to deal with a lot of serious problems with some of the uniformed men making inappropriate and cruel comments to several of the women in there (particularly to some of the heavier and older ones). We investigated and were horrified to find out that this had been going on for quite some time, but the women being victimized were too embarrassed to complain and just quit.
The problem was fixed and resolution is a long story, but my point is: the "no intimidation" thing at PF gets perpetually ridiculed and may seem silly and unnecessary to a lot of people, but there is a reason why it was conceived and that a global gym empire was built upon this. Thousands of people are working out at PF who would otherwise not set foot in a conventional gym because of past bad experiences or simply because being a new person at a gym is intimidating, and more people exercising is a good thing
Sad that people are so misguided to believe this behavior is acceptable. Good that they reacted and hopefully the individuals and behavior was corrected.
I note a similar behavior in soldiers and police officers - the Hollywood image of acceptable behavior (piggish behavior) and what is actually acceptable (professional behavior). Half of the problem leaders face is retraining the unacceptable. Unfortunately if a leader doesn't get the same behavioral correction an entire department can be lost.4 -
lynn_glenmont 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 am not and have never been a PF member. The ads I see on TV emphasize the low cost and the always-open aspect.
But there are other types of ads, which are what people take issue with here.
I also note that much of the defense from people who attend PF is not merely the hours and cost (which are great, I get why someone would join), but "at my gym no one comes and harasses you or grunts a lot, and things are clean." The implication is that that is not the case at other gyms, and that mistaken and largely ill-informed and based on scare-mongering by PF claim is what I am objecting to.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.
Like I said, I think it's divisive and insulting and an "us vs. them" approach which I find destructive, as well as disingenuous. I think it's certainly worth expressing objection to, and it's not okay just because it is profitable. I find it puzzling that people can defend it.
I'm obviously not saying it is bad to go to PF. Low cost and good hours are great.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."
Thank you for your advice. I believe that if you read upthread I and others did, in fact, say this.1 -
Packerjohn wrote: »
Or any other social situation period. Are we going to start seeing marketing for no intimidation grocery stores, restaurants, etc?
You mean like ordering it online and having it delivered or just picking it up? Cause it exists and it's awesome.13 -
As someone who has severe social anxiety and body dysmorphia, places like PF are great...I could go there and not be afraid of anyone or be eaten up by a trainer looking to make a buck. I just got in at 10 pm when no one was there, kept my head down, and basically ran out after an hour every time I went. The cost was also nice in college because I could actually afford it. I no longer go just because I graduated and got a job and now we have our own equipment at home so I don't have to go out at all.
If you are looking for a certain atmosphere, I would say just go find a more serious gym...I don't get why it is labeled as"BS"5 -
Odd_Equestrian wrote: »As someone who has severe social anxiety and body dysmorphia, places like PF are great...I could go there and not be afraid of anyone or be eaten up by a trainer looking to make a buck. I just got in at 10 pm when no one was there, kept my head down, and basically ran out after an hour every time I went. The cost was also nice in college because I could actually afford it. I no longer go just because I graduated and got a job and now we have our own equipment at home so I don't have to go out at all.
If you are looking for a certain atmosphere, I would say just go find a more serious gym...I don't get why it is labeled as"BS"
Because your claim that the alternatives are PF or "being afraid of [people who will bother you]" and "be[ing] eaten up by a trainer looking to make a buck", while consistent with PF marketing claims, perhaps, is not the reality. I have been a member of four separate gyms (two of them had multiple locations and I've been to different locations), and also visited a number of others. Absolutely none of them had people who would go up and bother you (some people might try to be friendly, but weren't pushy, and I'm sure PF is not particularly different -- no one was obnoxious or critical). They also did not have trainers coming and bothering you. When you joined you'd get an option to try a free session with a trainer, and if you didn't want it you didn't take it. Trainers did not come bug you or beg for employment.
This is why I find the assertions by PF and the buy-in by its fans to be worth countering. People who go to other gyms don't constantly make unprovoked slams on every other gym, and this is why PF's marketing and silly lunk alarm and "us against them" approach gets flak.9 -
Odd_Equestrian wrote: »As someone who has severe social anxiety and body dysmorphia, places like PF are great...I could go there and not be afraid of anyone or be eaten up by a trainer looking to make a buck. I just got in at 10 pm when no one was there, kept my head down, and basically ran out after an hour every time I went. The cost was also nice in college because I could actually afford it. I no longer go just because I graduated and got a job and now we have our own equipment at home so I don't have to go out at all.
If you are looking for a certain atmosphere, I would say just go find a more serious gym...I don't get why it is labeled as"BS"
I have social anxiety too, but I have to tell you... that stuff like predatory trainers or having to be afraid of people just doesn't happen at gyms. Honestly, creepy people can be anywhere, and my only creepy person in a gym experience was at a Planet Fitness, ironically.
This is why I find their marketing to be so horrible. It reinforces the fear people have. Now don't get me wrong, I'm also not a fan of people looking down on places like PF either. There's a difference between the facility and the marketing.
8 -
GottaBurnEmAll wrote: »Odd_Equestrian wrote: »As someone who has severe social anxiety and body dysmorphia, places like PF are great...I could go there and not be afraid of anyone or be eaten up by a trainer looking to make a buck. I just got in at 10 pm when no one was there, kept my head down, and basically ran out after an hour every time I went. The cost was also nice in college because I could actually afford it. I no longer go just because I graduated and got a job and now we have our own equipment at home so I don't have to go out at all.
If you are looking for a certain atmosphere, I would say just go find a more serious gym...I don't get why it is labeled as"BS"
I have social anxiety too, but I have to tell you... that stuff like predatory trainers or having to be afraid of people just doesn't happen at gyms. Honestly, creepy people can be anywhere, and my only creepy person in a gym experience was at a Planet Fitness, ironically.
This is why I find their marketing to be so horrible. It reinforces the fear people have. Now don't get me wrong, I'm also not a fan of people looking down on places like PF either. There's a difference between the facility and the marketing.
I went to a gym before I tried PF and I got bugged so much
maybe it was just bad luck? Seriously every time I went I got bothered by a trainer or another guy asking me stuff. 4 -
Odd_Equestrian wrote: »As someone who has severe social anxiety and body dysmorphia, places like PF are great...I could go there and not be afraid of anyone or be eaten up by a trainer looking to make a buck. I just got in at 10 pm when no one was there, kept my head down, and basically ran out after an hour every time I went. The cost was also nice in college because I could actually afford it. I no longer go just because I graduated and got a job and now we have our own equipment at home so I don't have to go out at all.
If you are looking for a certain atmosphere, I would say just go find a more serious gym...I don't get why it is labeled as"BS"
Because your claim that the alternatives are PF or "being afraid of [people who will bother you]" and "be[ing] eaten up by a trainer looking to make a buck", while consistent with PF marketing claims, perhaps, is not the reality. I have been a member of four separate gyms (two of them had multiple locations and I've been to different locations), and also visited a number of others. Absolutely none of them had people who would go up and bother you (some people might try to be friendly, but weren't pushy, and I'm sure PF is not particularly different -- no one was obnoxious or critical). They also did not have trainers coming and bothering you. When you joined you'd get an option to try a free session with a trainer, and if you didn't want it you didn't take it. Trainers did not come bug you or beg for employment.
This is why I find the assertions by PF and the buy-in by its fans to be worth countering. People who go to other gyms don't constantly make unprovoked slams on every other gym, and this is why PF's marketing and silly lunk alarm and "us against them" approach gets flak.
No, but apparently some folks who go to other gyms feel entitled to tell people who prefer PF and other "nonintimidation" gyms that how they feel is nonsense and that things they may have actually experienced (because it's BS to claim that you know that every single nonintimidation gym is always a completely welcoming place with no jerks saying or doing anything stupid or offensive) didn't really happen. Frankly, if I were somebody inclined to anxieties about "regular" gyms, having a bunch of people who go to those gyms telling me that my anxieties are completely not based in reality and that any experiences I had had that fed those anxieties were irrelevant or wrongly interpreted or my imagination would actually be a really good reason not to know. Because who needs to pay good money every month to be gas-lighted.
TL;DR: My experiences generally mirror yours, but your four gyms and my seven gyms aren't all gyms. Our experiences are not everyone's experiences. Our feelings are not everyone's feelings.12 -
lynn_glenmont wrote: »Odd_Equestrian wrote: »As someone who has severe social anxiety and body dysmorphia, places like PF are great...I could go there and not be afraid of anyone or be eaten up by a trainer looking to make a buck. I just got in at 10 pm when no one was there, kept my head down, and basically ran out after an hour every time I went. The cost was also nice in college because I could actually afford it. I no longer go just because I graduated and got a job and now we have our own equipment at home so I don't have to go out at all.
If you are looking for a certain atmosphere, I would say just go find a more serious gym...I don't get why it is labeled as"BS"
Because your claim that the alternatives are PF or "being afraid of [people who will bother you]" and "be[ing] eaten up by a trainer looking to make a buck", while consistent with PF marketing claims, perhaps, is not the reality. I have been a member of four separate gyms (two of them had multiple locations and I've been to different locations), and also visited a number of others. Absolutely none of them had people who would go up and bother you (some people might try to be friendly, but weren't pushy, and I'm sure PF is not particularly different -- no one was obnoxious or critical). They also did not have trainers coming and bothering you. When you joined you'd get an option to try a free session with a trainer, and if you didn't want it you didn't take it. Trainers did not come bug you or beg for employment.
This is why I find the assertions by PF and the buy-in by its fans to be worth countering. People who go to other gyms don't constantly make unprovoked slams on every other gym, and this is why PF's marketing and silly lunk alarm and "us against them" approach gets flak.
No, but apparently some folks who go to other gyms feel entitled to tell people who prefer PF and other "nonintimidation" gyms that how they feel is nonsense and that things they may have actually experienced (because it's BS to claim that you know that every single nonintimidation gym is always a completely welcoming place with no jerks saying or doing anything stupid or offensive) didn't really happen. Frankly, if I were somebody inclined to anxieties about "regular" gyms, having a bunch of people who go to those gyms telling me that my anxieties are completely not based in reality and that any experiences I had had that fed those anxieties were irrelevant or wrongly interpreted or my imagination would actually be a really good reason not to know. Because who needs to pay good money every month to be gas-lighted.
TL;DR: My experiences generally mirror yours, but your four gyms and my seven gyms aren't all gyms. Our experiences are not everyone's experiences. Our feelings are not everyone's feelings.
Because PF runs a national advertising campaign saying there's no gym intimidation doe that means it has to be true? Hint, most advertising has a fair bit of exaggeration if not outright lying in it. The intimidation is coming from the perspective of the individual. If they've managed to BS enough people to whom it matters that PF is a "safe place" and not just a low cost gym the ad agency has done their job.
7 -
I've never had anyone comment on my workout at the gym, nor has anyone offered any advice, and certainly no one there intimidates me with their workout or fitness level. I put my earbuds in, turn on my music and do my thing. Not a difficult thing to do at any gym.5
-
PhoenixWithoutAshes1 wrote: »I've never had anyone comment on my workout at the gym, nor has anyone offered any advice, and certainly no one there intimidates me with their workout or fitness level. I put my earbuds in, turn on my music and do my thing. Not a difficult thing to do at any gym.
Not fighting for or against any kind of gym right now, but either you aren't a girl or you're a lucky girl (sorry I didn't check). The gym I was talking about before was walking distance from where I lived during college, and *kitten* you not I was walking on the treadmill, headphones in, and a guy came and started tapping me on the shoulder trying to talk to me. Also forget weights....I understand that my gym was very skewed and weird but as a girl, guys do creepy stuff. I don't know if it's always just that simple.4 -
lynn_glenmont wrote: »Odd_Equestrian wrote: »As someone who has severe social anxiety and body dysmorphia, places like PF are great...I could go there and not be afraid of anyone or be eaten up by a trainer looking to make a buck. I just got in at 10 pm when no one was there, kept my head down, and basically ran out after an hour every time I went. The cost was also nice in college because I could actually afford it. I no longer go just because I graduated and got a job and now we have our own equipment at home so I don't have to go out at all.
If you are looking for a certain atmosphere, I would say just go find a more serious gym...I don't get why it is labeled as"BS"
Because your claim that the alternatives are PF or "being afraid of [people who will bother you]" and "be[ing] eaten up by a trainer looking to make a buck", while consistent with PF marketing claims, perhaps, is not the reality. I have been a member of four separate gyms (two of them had multiple locations and I've been to different locations), and also visited a number of others. Absolutely none of them had people who would go up and bother you (some people might try to be friendly, but weren't pushy, and I'm sure PF is not particularly different -- no one was obnoxious or critical). They also did not have trainers coming and bothering you. When you joined you'd get an option to try a free session with a trainer, and if you didn't want it you didn't take it. Trainers did not come bug you or beg for employment.
This is why I find the assertions by PF and the buy-in by its fans to be worth countering. People who go to other gyms don't constantly make unprovoked slams on every other gym, and this is why PF's marketing and silly lunk alarm and "us against them" approach gets flak.
No, but apparently some folks who go to other gyms feel entitled to tell people who prefer PF and other "nonintimidation" gyms that how they feel is nonsense and that things they may have actually experienced (because it's BS to claim that you know that every single nonintimidation gym is always a completely welcoming place with no jerks saying or doing anything stupid or offensive) didn't really happen. Frankly, if I were somebody inclined to anxieties about "regular" gyms, having a bunch of people who go to those gyms telling me that my anxieties are completely not based in reality and that any experiences I had had that fed those anxieties were irrelevant or wrongly interpreted or my imagination would actually be a really good reason not to know. Because who needs to pay good money every month to be gas-lighted.
TL;DR: My experiences generally mirror yours, but your four gyms and my seven gyms aren't all gyms. Our experiences are not everyone's experiences. Our feelings are not everyone's feelings.
Lynn, I really don't know what your deal is here.
I think claiming that EVERY OTHER gym has all those things happen and they NEVER happen in PF is obvious bunk and basically just a slam on ALL other gyms. I think there are gyms where trainers are told to find clients, sure, but it's probably pretty easy to look up which ones they are and generalizing from a particular bad experience to "the gyms the rest of you go to are like this, and therefore PF is superior" is obviously nonsense, insulting, and bad reasoning. Same with the idea that PF is full of angelic people and all other gyms full of bullies (or overly friendly people who won't take a hint).
My mind boggles that you defend this kind of claim, and in particular the idea that ALL OTHER gyms are these terrible scary places.
And again, I have not said there's anything bad about people going to PF. I've repeatedly said that the cost and hours are great. I object to people buying into PF marketing and tactics and going around making FALSE claims about ALL other gyms, as if the choices were PF or some evil awful scary place where newbies are mocked or trainers harass you.
If I went around posting about how my gym is better than all other gyms and all other gyms were terrible in some way, sure I'd expect to be called on it, and I seriously doubt you'd jump in and say my posts were reasonable and should not be challenged.
You are completely misconstruing the direction in which the judgment is flowing in this situation -- no one would care about PF, except that PF has made it's marketing strategy about talking bad about other gyms and the people who go there and the people who value things PF does not have. Period.
13 -
So now no one gets hit on at PF, and women are constantly hit on at other gyms? Not my experience (seems like really serious gyms and your typical corporate gym where most people are busy professionals trying to get a workout in before getting to/back to work/going home would be at least as good on that front -- the culture in my gym is quite "do your thing" and not meat markety at all), and I don't know why PF would be free from that. Sounds more like something a women's gym would address (I have no interest in that, but I could at least see why that argument would be made).6
-
So now no one gets hit on at PF, and women are constantly hit on at other gyms? Not my experience (seems like really serious gyms and your typical corporate gym where most people are busy professionals trying to get a workout in before getting to/back to work/going home would be at least as good on that front -- the culture in my gym is quite "do your thing" and not meat markety at all), and I don't know why PF would be free from that. Sounds more like something a women's gym would address (I have no interest in that, but I could at least see why that argument would be made).So now no one gets hit on at PF, and women are constantly hit on at other gyms? Not my experience (seems like really serious gyms and your typical corporate gym where most people are busy professionals trying to get a workout in before getting to/back to work/going home would be at least as good on that front -- the culture in my gym is quite "do your thing" and not meat markety at all), and I don't know why PF would be free from that. Sounds more like something a women's gym would address (I have no interest in that, but I could at least see why that argument would be made).So now no one gets hit on at PF, and women are constantly hit on at other gyms? Not my experience (seems like really serious gyms and your typical corporate gym where most people are busy professionals trying to get a workout in before getting to/back to work/going home would be at least as good on that front -- the culture in my gym is quite "do your thing" and not meat markety at all), and I don't know why PF would be free from that. Sounds more like something a women's gym would address (I have no interest in that, but I could at least see why that argument would be made).So now no one gets hit on at PF, and women are constantly hit on at other gyms? Not my experience (seems like really serious gyms and your typical corporate gym where most people are busy professionals trying to get a workout in before getting to/back to work/going home would be at least as good on that front -- the culture in my gym is quite "do your thing" and not meat markety at all), and I don't know why PF would be free from that. Sounds more like something a women's gym would address (I have no interest in that, but I could at least see why that argument would be made).So now no one gets hit on at PF, and women are constantly hit on at other gyms? Not my experience (seems like really serious gyms and your typical corporate gym where most people are busy professionals trying to get a workout in before getting to/back to work/going home would be at least as good on that front -- the culture in my gym is quite "do your thing" and not meat markety at all), and I don't know why PF would be free from that. Sounds more like something a women's gym would address (I have no interest in that, but I could at least see why that argument would be made).So now no one gets hit on at PF, and women are constantly hit on at other gyms? Not my experience (seems like really serious gyms and your typical corporate gym where most people are busy professionals trying to get a workout in before getting to/back to work/going home would be at least as good on that front -- the culture in my gym is quite "do your thing" and not meat markety at all), and I don't know why PF would be free from that. Sounds more like something a women's gym would address (I have no interest in that, but I could at least see why that argument would be made).So now no one gets hit on at PF, and women are constantly hit on at other gyms? Not my experience (seems like really serious gyms and your typical corporate gym where most people are busy professionals trying to get a workout in before getting to/back to work/going home would be at least as good on that front -- the culture in my gym is quite "do your thing" and not meat markety at all), and I don't know why PF would be free from that. Sounds more like something a women's gym would address (I have no interest in that, but I could at least see why that argument would be made).So now no one gets hit on at PF, and women are constantly hit on at other gyms? Not my experience (seems like really serious gyms and your typical corporate gym where most people are busy professionals trying to get a workout in before getting to/back to work/going home would be at least as good on that front -- the culture in my gym is quite "do your thing" and not meat markety at all), and I don't know why PF would be free from that. Sounds more like something a women's gym would address (I have no interest in that, but I could at least see why that argument would be made).So now no one gets hit on at PF, and women are constantly hit on at other gyms? Not my experience (seems like really serious gyms and your typical corporate gym where most people are busy professionals trying to get a workout in before getting to/back to work/going home would be at least as good on that front -- the culture in my gym is quite "do your thing" and not meat markety at all), and I don't know why PF would be free from that. Sounds more like something a women's gym would address (I have no interest in that, but I could at least see why that argument would be made).
I'm no looking for one but haven't women only gyms and women only sections of gyms pretty much gone the way of the dodo bird? I used to see them around or see ads for them, but haven't for years in my area and my travels.
And I wouldn't think a womans only gym would prevent one from getting hit on.2 -
Packerjohn wrote: »So now no one gets hit on at PF, and women are constantly hit on at other gyms? Not my experience (seems like really serious gyms and your typical corporate gym where most people are busy professionals trying to get a workout in before getting to/back to work/going home would be at least as good on that front -- the culture in my gym is quite "do your thing" and not meat markety at all), and I don't know why PF would be free from that. Sounds more like something a women's gym would address (I have no interest in that, but I could at least see why that argument would be made).So now no one gets hit on at PF, and women are constantly hit on at other gyms? Not my experience (seems like really serious gyms and your typical corporate gym where most people are busy professionals trying to get a workout in before getting to/back to work/going home would be at least as good on that front -- the culture in my gym is quite "do your thing" and not meat markety at all), and I don't know why PF would be free from that. Sounds more like something a women's gym would address (I have no interest in that, but I could at least see why that argument would be made).So now no one gets hit on at PF, and women are constantly hit on at other gyms? Not my experience (seems like really serious gyms and your typical corporate gym where most people are busy professionals trying to get a workout in before getting to/back to work/going home would be at least as good on that front -- the culture in my gym is quite "do your thing" and not meat markety at all), and I don't know why PF would be free from that. Sounds more like something a women's gym would address (I have no interest in that, but I could at least see why that argument would be made).So now no one gets hit on at PF, and women are constantly hit on at other gyms? Not my experience (seems like really serious gyms and your typical corporate gym where most people are busy professionals trying to get a workout in before getting to/back to work/going home would be at least as good on that front -- the culture in my gym is quite "do your thing" and not meat markety at all), and I don't know why PF would be free from that. Sounds more like something a women's gym would address (I have no interest in that, but I could at least see why that argument would be made).So now no one gets hit on at PF, and women are constantly hit on at other gyms? Not my experience (seems like really serious gyms and your typical corporate gym where most people are busy professionals trying to get a workout in before getting to/back to work/going home would be at least as good on that front -- the culture in my gym is quite "do your thing" and not meat markety at all), and I don't know why PF would be free from that. Sounds more like something a women's gym would address (I have no interest in that, but I could at least see why that argument would be made).So now no one gets hit on at PF, and women are constantly hit on at other gyms? Not my experience (seems like really serious gyms and your typical corporate gym where most people are busy professionals trying to get a workout in before getting to/back to work/going home would be at least as good on that front -- the culture in my gym is quite "do your thing" and not meat markety at all), and I don't know why PF would be free from that. Sounds more like something a women's gym would address (I have no interest in that, but I could at least see why that argument would be made).So now no one gets hit on at PF, and women are constantly hit on at other gyms? Not my experience (seems like really serious gyms and your typical corporate gym where most people are busy professionals trying to get a workout in before getting to/back to work/going home would be at least as good on that front -- the culture in my gym is quite "do your thing" and not meat markety at all), and I don't know why PF would be free from that. Sounds more like something a women's gym would address (I have no interest in that, but I could at least see why that argument would be made).So now no one gets hit on at PF, and women are constantly hit on at other gyms? Not my experience (seems like really serious gyms and your typical corporate gym where most people are busy professionals trying to get a workout in before getting to/back to work/going home would be at least as good on that front -- the culture in my gym is quite "do your thing" and not meat markety at all), and I don't know why PF would be free from that. Sounds more like something a women's gym would address (I have no interest in that, but I could at least see why that argument would be made).So now no one gets hit on at PF, and women are constantly hit on at other gyms? Not my experience (seems like really serious gyms and your typical corporate gym where most people are busy professionals trying to get a workout in before getting to/back to work/going home would be at least as good on that front -- the culture in my gym is quite "do your thing" and not meat markety at all), and I don't know why PF would be free from that. Sounds more like something a women's gym would address (I have no interest in that, but I could at least see why that argument would be made).
I'm no looking for one but haven't women only gyms and women only sections of gyms pretty much gone the way of the dodo bird? I used to see them around or see ads for them, but haven't for years in my area and my travels.
And I wouldn't think a womans only gym would prevent one from getting hit on.
No, Toronto has a number of women's only gyms and/or women's only floors in larger coed gyms.3 -
There's a place called Women's Workout World in Chicago that I always get ads for. Never been. Wouldn't shock me if there were others too.
(Why did you quote my post so many times?)2 -
There's a place called Women's Workout World in Chicago that I always get ads for. Never been. Wouldn't shock me if there were others too.
(Why did you quote my post so many times?)
not sure but I know that sometimes when I hit "quote" nothing happens so I hit it again... and again... then finally it quotes that person 4 times.
If you are on your phone you might not notice the multiple quotes as it scrolls you down too far.1 -
jseams1234 wrote: »There's a place called Women's Workout World in Chicago that I always get ads for. Never been. Wouldn't shock me if there were others too.
(Why did you quote my post so many times?)
not sure but I know that sometimes when I hit "quote" nothing happens so I hit it again... and again... then finally it quotes that person 4 times.
If you are on your phone you might not notice the multiple quotes as it scrolls you down too far.
10-41 -
So now no one gets hit on at PF, and women are constantly hit on at other gyms? Not my experience (seems like really serious gyms and your typical corporate gym where most people are busy professionals trying to get a workout in before getting to/back to work/going home would be at least as good on that front -- the culture in my gym is quite "do your thing" and not meat markety at all), and I don't know why PF would be free from that. Sounds more like something a women's gym would address (I have no interest in that, but I could at least see why that argument would be made).
I have already stated several times in this thread that a man tried to hit on me at Planet Fitness, so there's that.
I saw him hitting on other women at subsequent visits.
Jerks happen anywhere, Planet Fitness isn't immune to it.6 -
Conversely, the anecdote that ONE poster had a bad experience with ONE particular male at ONE particular gym doesn’t equate to “every gym everywhere is full of creepy scary men and every woman should be afraid except at Planet Fitness because there are no creepy men there anywhere ever”.GottaBurnEmAll wrote: »So now no one gets hit on at PF, and women are constantly hit on at other gyms? Not my experience (seems like really serious gyms and your typical corporate gym where most people are busy professionals trying to get a workout in before getting to/back to work/going home would be at least as good on that front -- the culture in my gym is quite "do your thing" and not meat markety at all), and I don't know why PF would be free from that. Sounds more like something a women's gym would address (I have no interest in that, but I could at least see why that argument would be made).
I have already stated several times in this thread that a man tried to hit on me at Planet Fitness, so there's that.
I saw him hitting on other women at subsequent visits.
Jerks happen anywhere, Planet Fitness isn't immune to it.
The plural of ‘anecdote’ is not ‘data’.
4 -
GottaBurnEmAll wrote: »Odd_Equestrian wrote: »As someone who has severe social anxiety and body dysmorphia, places like PF are great...I could go there and not be afraid of anyone or be eaten up by a trainer looking to make a buck. I just got in at 10 pm when no one was there, kept my head down, and basically ran out after an hour every time I went. The cost was also nice in college because I could actually afford it. I no longer go just because I graduated and got a job and now we have our own equipment at home so I don't have to go out at all.
If you are looking for a certain atmosphere, I would say just go find a more serious gym...I don't get why it is labeled as"BS"
I have social anxiety too, but I have to tell you... that stuff like predatory trainers or having to be afraid of people just doesn't happen at gyms. Honestly, creepy people can be anywhere, and my only creepy person in a gym experience was at a Planet Fitness, ironically.
This is why I find their marketing to be so horrible. It reinforces the fear people have. Now don't get me wrong, I'm also not a fan of people looking down on places like PF either. There's a difference between the facility and the marketing.
I would agree with this and like everything - all depends on the management at that site. I know the manager at one of the local PFs and he's awesome. Very laid back and low pressure. He's a masterful salesman and trainer and excels at getting people out of their comfort zone. Because of this he always exceeds his goals.
4 -
annaskiski wrote: »Awwww... the poor gym bros are offended by the PF ads!
But they're not displaying victim mentality...no, no.
THEY"RE not complaining about American PC culture.....
Not just because the poor babies post a PF hate thread here every single frickin' day to say how offended they are...
I'm going to very non-PC here to make you guys happy...The "Pick Stuff Up and Put Stuff Down" ad is hilarious!
I want a t-shirt with that on it.
ETA: and I find all the other PF ads hilarious as well....
Being non pc and whining about it is the new PC, what a bunch of clowns.6 -
I couldn't do something like PF simply because I take inspiration from people stronger, faster, or more fit than me. I have headphones in I don't care if you grunt, yel, or talk to yourself because I can't hear you.
2 -
I think it's great places like pf exist, but I'm not convinced they really care all that much about being a no judgement gym. Instead, it feels like they recognize that as a low price gym, they have to do whatever they can to eliminate the heaviest users of the gym to make sure equipment is available for their core clients. I don't begrudge them that, but that's what I think it is (and obviously that's not a consumer friendly marketing message, so they have to spin it another way).
6
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 393.2K Introduce Yourself
- 43.8K Getting Started
- 260.1K Health and Weight Loss
- 175.9K Food and Nutrition
- 47.4K Recipes
- 232.5K Fitness and Exercise
- 420 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.5K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.5K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 152.9K Motivation and Support
- 8K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.3K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 3.7K MyFitnessPal Information
- 23 News and Announcements
- 1.1K Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.5K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions