HOW DO I KEEP GOING

reese1221
reese1221 Posts: 3 Member
edited October 3 in Fitness and Exercise
Just had a very bad experience with a certain gym and now have no money to sign up for another. I first started at this gym with a friend so I comprised on a gym in between our two locations. Well, to find out she was only going to work out with me two times and then no longer come. I then decided to save some money up , try and get some help from a personal trainer to temporarily give me some pointers so I can continue to work towards my goal. I went to stop the personal trainer sessions because the guy couldn't remember my name let alone what my goals where. They are now saying I am stuck with them for a year....not what We had talked about....any who don't want to go back there because they are now being very rude to me. Look all I wanted to do was get down to my goal weight and have a little support. It has now turned into some big mess and I still want to reach my goal but have no idea what to do now...I am broke now, no work out partner and no trainer. So much for trying to be fit...anyone have any pointers?????
thanks:smile:

Replies

  • voluptuous_veggie
    voluptuous_veggie Posts: 476 Member
    If you are "stuck" at your gym for a year, that must mean that there was a contract signed somewhere down the road. Do you still have a copy of said contract? If so, re-read it and see exactly what it says about an early termination of your membership. You might have to pay a little fee to get out of it, but there is almost always a clause on early termination.
  • JeSuisPrest
    JeSuisPrest Posts: 2,005 Member
    You don't need a gym to get fit.
  • mmuzzatti
    mmuzzatti Posts: 704 Member
    Go talk to the manager...if that does not work then you should look at the fine print of the contract for any way to get out of it.
  • angisnee
    angisnee Posts: 236 Member
    That sounds like a horrible situation! I contracted for a year gym membership 5 years ago and only ended up going for the first two months. I either had to keep paying or find someone to "buy" my contract to finish it out. I paid and still went occasionally but didn't get much out of it (because I didn't put much effort into it).

    I would suggest doing research on the internet for routines you can do at home. There are many great ideas out there, and you don't have to buy any expensive equipment. I haven't stepped foot in a gym in the last 15 months, and I've lost 54 pounds. The only equipment I use at home is light weights and a couple workout DVDs that I rotate ($9 each at WalMart).

    Don't let this situation set you back in your progress. Just keep doing it! Good luck!!! :)
  • LaSweetMini
    LaSweetMini Posts: 157 Member
    I only go to the gym when I can. Never needed or consulted a personal trainer and get all my support and tips from here :wink:
    Weight loss is personal and while it is good to have a partner, it is something that you have to do alone and for yourself. If you cant go to the gym all you have to do is go for long walks, buy some workout DVD's ...etc. You dont need anyone but yourself to get and be fit. Oh and here is a tip, print out some free trial passes for all the gyms in your area! I do it all the time! FREE GYM! lol
  • tiggerbounce411
    tiggerbounce411 Posts: 401 Member
    That is why I don't mess with those places cuz they only want your money. Girl, find your inner ***** if being nice didn't work, demand a manager, corporate office number, and PROOF in writing where you agreed to a year. If they can't prove it, let them know either they let you out of it nicely or your lawyer will help you, along with the local news station letting people know about the scam they are running....Of course you dont hire a lawyer, or need to call the news..this is just something you say and usually it works just fine when manners and being polite doesn't. Be ready to throw the people you spoke to originally about it under the bus since they are responsible for making sure you get nothing more than you wanted, and nothing less. If they want to play games with your money, when your just trying to improve yourself..show them how to play. most likely you will get your money back and not have to worry about them again.
  • AlsDonkBoxSquat
    AlsDonkBoxSquat Posts: 6,128 Member
    did you have a contract with the trainer?
  • aippolito1
    aippolito1 Posts: 4,894 Member
    If you can afford to still pay for it, just work out at home. Get a couple workout dvds and find a good cardio you can do outside or with someone.
  • meeperoon
    meeperoon Posts: 270 Member
    Did you sign anything? Do you have a copy? If you have a contract read it, see if theirs small print because then you maybe trapped in it, if you are trapped in it, get down there, find your confidence and get your money's worth, they will learn your name then! If you have a contract with them they then have a responsibility to provide that service, if they don't then you may be able to get out of it but only if they refuse to provide the service.

    They are there and paid for to help you. That is their job role.

    If there is no contract well say that to them call them out on it and demand your money back! Unless they can provide proof that you signed up for the whole year then they have no reason not to refund you.

    Most purchases should have a cooling off period where you can get your money back if you are not happy. About 30 days or so.
  • LynR
    LynR Posts: 1
    You might want to try going to the library and borrowing some work out DVDs. They usually have a good variety of different workouts that you can try and see what suits you. If you are into walking then you can challenge yourself to running. There are books or advice on the web on how to begin running to work yourself up to run 5k or more. The key is to do some type of physical activity that you enjoy and that works for you, that fits into your schedule and becomes part of your regular routine. Good luck!
  • tiggerbounce411
    tiggerbounce411 Posts: 401 Member
    Did you sign anything? Do you have a copy? If you have a contract read it, see if theirs small print because then you maybe trapped in it, if you are trapped in it, get down there, find your confidence and get your money's worth, they will learn your name then! If you have a contract with them they then have a responsibility to provide that service, if they don't then you may be able to get out of it but only if they refuse to provide the service.

    They are there and paid for to help you. That is their job role.

    If there is no contract well say that to them call them out on it and demand your money back! Unless they can provide proof that you signed up for the whole year then they have no reason not to refund you.

    Most purchases should have a cooling off period where you can get your money back if you are not happy. About 30 days or so.

    Exactly they are there to help YOU. YOU pay their checks..walk in there like you own the place if they want to give attitude. But if you didn't sign anything, then they have to give you money. And if you did, read the fine print and rules because they may be in breach of contract treating you badly. Girl stick to this page, I have lots and lots of great support here on this page alone. On top of that I have friends doing it with me and it makes it so much easier, then you can do it however suits you. Be your motivation, and we are all always here!
  • Does the gym offer group classes?

    When I joined my gym the same thing happened to me. My partner bolted. I learned to commit to myself.

    I go to the "Les Miles Body Pump" classes at my gym 2 times a week. This class, if done regularly will get you toned, and burn about 500 calories. You will build muscle, not get bulky, and this will help with daily calorie burn. I also try to run 30 minutes either before or after this class. This burns another average of 200-250 calories. (2-3 times a week is recommened)

    In addition to body pump, i also do a cardio classs at my gym 2-3 times a week. The one I like best is called body box. It incorporates step aerobics, boxing, and jump rope then a great ab section. This class burns 500-700 calories depending on how much you put into it.

    On days that I do not do a group class, I try to get in a 30-40 minute run. There is a girl at my gym that runs everyday before class and never minds who ever joins her for a run. Ask around. Most gyms have someone there who is a member and loves helping others for nothing ($$$$) just COMPANY! She is great and very supportive !

    I have been going to my gym for 2 years. I had an injury to my foot last year and was out for a bit. I put on 10 ponds. Joined this site 10 days ago and have been following the above routine. Lost 6 pounds in 10 days.

    Good Luck!
  • There is always fine print and a way to get out of a contract. I work in a legal dept. and have seen contracts considered null and void when the other party fails to meet their obligations.

    Worse case - if you have auto debit call your bank and tell them these transactions are fraudulent! If a debit card is associated with it call your bank and tell them you lost the card. The gym will no longer be able to get their money.

    If you can't get out of it like others have said, walk in there like you own the place and don't take any crap. You should be getting what you paid for, money is not free!

    Where there's a will there's a way!
  • CakeFit21
    CakeFit21 Posts: 2,521 Member
    So much for trying to be fit...

    Trying to be fit has nothing to do with what you posted.

    I don't have a gym, a personal trainer or a workout partner. How do you keep going? You just do.
  • SimplyShanRunning
    SimplyShanRunning Posts: 885 Member
    So much for trying to be fit...

    Trying to be fit has nothing to do with what you posted.

    I don't have a gym, a personal trainer or a workout partner. How do you keep going? You just do.

    ^^^ THIS!! Getting fit is a mindset a lifestyle change....gym or no gym....trainer or no trainer....If you want it bad enough youll do it
  • _GlaDOS_
    _GlaDOS_ Posts: 1,520 Member
    Walking and running are free. Also, jumping jacks, push ups, burpees, crunches, squats, etc... all free.
  • VeganGal84
    VeganGal84 Posts: 938 Member
    So much for trying to be fit...

    Trying to be fit has nothing to do with what you posted.

    I don't have a gym, a personal trainer or a workout partner. How do you keep going? You just do.

    ^^^ THIS!! Getting fit is a mindset a lifestyle change....gym or no gym....trainer or no trainer....If you want it bad enough youll do it

    I agree with these ladies! I don't belong to a gym, and still exercise almost every day. Find something that you ENJOY, and do it. Maybe it's walking, maybe it's swimming, maybe you're like me and will love those aerobics DVDs. You can do this!

    Best of luck to you. :-)
  • jetscreaminagain
    jetscreaminagain Posts: 1,130 Member
    Exactly. I think I spent .99 on the Body for Life book and the $3.99 or whatever to ship it on Amazon. I've since bought one (1) set of dumbell handles to add more weight to my repertoire. I had most of everything else, including a pair of sneakers to run in and a basic dumbell set (that was $40 I think a LONG time ago). That's IT. That's all. You get up. You do it. You rinse and you repeat.

    Yeah you feel ripped off by the gym. I'd feel ripped off by a gym just paying for a membership I would use. Hence, I don't lay out that kind of money. I certainly don't sign anything without reading the contract. So you handle the rest of this business transaction like the business transaction it is (and should have been from the very beginning, BTW) and you cut your losses and move on. If what you want is to be fit.

    If you want to use it as the reason you don't make it to your goals, then you could do that too. Its just much more costly that way, in ways more than money.

    You got so much power here to determine your way. May you realize how powerful you truly are.
  • SimplyFreckled
    SimplyFreckled Posts: 444 Member
    tie your running shoes and go run. its free and you will feel better doing it that way over running like a gerbil on a treadmill in a sweaty smelly gym.

    Start parking your car at the furthest parking spot from the door

    Start taking the stairs instead of the elevator

    Walk

    Eat your veggies, drink your water and Move your body

    :flowerforyou:
  • This is the first video i want you to watch, especially half way through it! This is the gym I go to http://youtu.be/ZPZpMYQV2AI
  • This is the SECOND video I want you to watch!!!! http://youtu.be/hdSokE4urFQ
  • tie your running shoes and go run. its free and you will feel better doing it that way over running like a gerbil on a treadmill in a sweaty smelly gym.

    Start parking your car at the furthest parking spot from the door

    Start taking the stairs instead of the elevator

    Walk

    Eat your veggies, drink your water and Move your body

    :flowerforyou:

    Agree, this is how I got started & trust me I used to run on a treadmill but once I went outside nothing and I mean nothing can get me to go back on a treadmill. Luv the freedom and fresh air. Trust the people here they know what they're talking about.
  • prdough
    prdough Posts: 76 Member
    Worse case - if you have auto debit call your bank and tell them these transactions are fraudulent! If a debit card is associated with it call your bank and tell them you lost the card. The gym will no longer be able to get their money.


    DO NOT do this!!!! This ruins people credit. A lot of big gyms (ballys) reports to the credit agencys. If you cancel the cards and forget about it, and it goes multiple months, they can put the balance owed into collections and ruin your credit score. I work at a bank and have seen this happen multiple times.

    If you signed a contract, then you signed it. Fulfill your obligation. If they don't fulfill theirs, then file formal complaints and get it done the right way, the ethical way.
  • sanura
    sanura Posts: 459 Member
    You don't need a gym to get fit.

    agreed!! deal with yor contract issues but don't let it get in the way of your goals!
  • jillybeanruns
    jillybeanruns Posts: 1,420 Member
    A bit dishonest, but get a note from a doctor? At least they'll freeze your contract. Also, just because you're "stuck" with them, doesn't mean your stuck with them. Air your complaints out to the Manager and see what happens.
  • khollyk
    khollyk Posts: 150 Member
    Worse case - if you have auto debit call your bank and tell them these transactions are fraudulent! If a debit card is associated with it call your bank and tell them you lost the card. The gym will no longer be able to get their money.


    DO NOT do this!!!! This ruins people credit. A lot of big gyms (ballys) reports to the credit agencys. If you cancel the cards and forget about it, and it goes multiple months, they can put the balance owed into collections and ruin your credit score. I work at a bank and have seen this happen multiple times.

    If you signed a contract, then you signed it. Fulfill your obligation. If they don't fulfill theirs, then file formal complaints and get it done the right way, the ethical way.

    Agreed! DON'T do this! I tried it a few years ago with Gold's Gym after I had done everything properly (mailing them my cancellation notice and whatever else they asked) and they still didn't close my account. A few months later I got a collection bill. A lot of times if you move out of the area they'll let you cancel. Maybe call anonymously and say that you're a member and are going to be moving out of the area, and see what their policy is. But definitely don't try to do the closing your debit card thing...it'll backfire.
  • reese1221
    reese1221 Posts: 3 Member
    The gym membership I paid first and last months so I am good on that now. Its the personal trainer sessions I had told the manager who signed me up that it would have to be a temp. thing due to fiances. I had told him I would only be able to afford a few sessions to just help me get started. He then said no prob. but we need you're card to automatically take the money out because that is the only way we can do it. I said ok no prob...and I will still be able to cancel anytime I want and he said ya. He said just sign here saying we can automatically take the money out so I did. Come to find out that signature was put on a year contract??? what the heck???
  • reese1221
    reese1221 Posts: 3 Member
    well, I tried being nice then I asked well so does this mean it is a he said she said thing and the lady said looks like it...sooo umm I kinda got mad and called her a stuck up @%! and almost broke the door leaving. I thought about doing that insanity dvd while I am figuring this whole thing out since I am kinda broke any opinions on that? I am currently walking and doing horse back riding to make sure I am still doing something to make it to my goal. I am not going to give up!
This discussion has been closed.