| Sarynit
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So I completely lost my temper at the gym today and wanted to share. I belong to one of the big corporate gyms and the place has been getting on my nerves for a while now. They have very limited space to do abs and stretching exercises, only a handful of balance balls, medicine balls, etc. and they are packed all the time! Well, I went in this evening and people were standing 3 deep trying to do free weight exercises. Most of the time I wanted a particular weight they were all being used. Several times I had to move out of the way to avoid being hit by someone's weights or avoid hitting them with mine. When I did find space, I got to listen to 2 guys have a belching contest and another guy talk in detail about some girl he stood up. I finally gave up in disgust and headed upstairs to the cardio machines.....where. there. was. a. line! That was the last straw. I grabbed my stuff, stormed out and drove to an independent gym up the street. I quickly determined they had all the equipment I needed (and no crowds!) and promptly told the receptionist if they would waive whatever the initiation fee was I would join on the spot. She got the manager and after the blessed woman let me rant about how disgusted I was with the other place, she said she would be happy to waive the fee (there was some mild negotiation involved but she was very nice about it). I signed up, went up to their cardio section - where there were plenty of available machines - and proceeded to finish my workout in peace.
I wish I had done this sooner. Tomorrow I get to deal with the hassle of canceling my other membership. Luckily its month to month so the most I'll be out is 30 days.
So here's to the independent gyms of the world! May they make enough to be profitable but stay far enough under the radar that I never have to wait for equipment! |
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Tue Jul 10, 2007 5:17 am |
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| cheekymo
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I know what you mean....
I end up going to campus gyms, because they are cheaper for students, but of course EVERY student is thinking that. I always have to plan to get there just right before the crowds, if I'm going after work. On the weekends, it's not as bad. It's so frustrating though - I can spend 2 hours at the gym, but a good 45 mins will be spent hanging around, waiting for a machine if I didn't time things to avoid crowds. On those days, I prefer to just go outside for a "run."
Right now though, the place I'm going to has very limited weights, and very limited SPACE to do strength exercises. I already hate doing weights, and that isn't helping me out in the motivation department! It's gotten so frustrating, but I'm just going to have to work around it.
Anyways, congrats! I'm glad you found something new that will work for you. I'm green with envy! |
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Tue Jul 10, 2007 11:16 am |
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| nygirl22
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| some years back, when I was still in high school, the chiropractors that my family went to opened a gym right up the street. so at first, it was nice b/c it's so close and not too many people went there. by the time I was a senior, though, everyone around here was there and it became packed often. I hated waiting for ellipticals (which are the most popular). Such an annoyance. It's nice to see the gyms grow so quickly, but I know what you mean about hoping they stay under the radar to an extent. |
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Tue Jul 10, 2007 12:56 pm |
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| Mecca29
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I hear ya.....I did join the biggest gym in my town...after saying I never would.....but it suited my exercise needs. Plus it is clean and has all the perks I look for in a gym.
BUT, I drag myself out of bed at 5:35 in the morning just to go workout! It is quiet.....barely anyone there....and it is morning, so everyone has their headphones in their ears and they don't want to talk to anyone.
I have gone to the gym after work once or twice......can we say.....social hour!!! It is crowded and people love to hang out and chat for about an hour before their workout! Drives me CRAZY!
I am an In, Exercise, Get Out type of gal.....the gym is the last place I want to spend anymore time than I have to. :D |
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Tue Jul 10, 2007 2:47 pm |
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| queenoftheu
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While I love my corporate conglomorate gym, I am not nearly as thrilled with the folks that work out alongside me.
I also was on the brink of losing my temper last night when I was going through my weight training rotation, and this girl spent 15 minutes just SITTING on the leg press machine while ON HER CELL PHONE!!! Are you kidding me? GET OFF MY MACHINE!!! :evil: |
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Wed Jul 11, 2007 12:22 am |
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| Sarynit
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| The cell phone at the gym drives me NUTS! When I used to be able to go in the morning, there was a girl that would talk on her phone while on the treadmill. And what is it that makes people talk extra loud whenever they're on the phone?? You'd think the dozen signs in the place saying no cell phones might give them a clue - but I guess some people just don't care. |
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Wed Jul 11, 2007 3:48 am |
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| lisa30
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| GET YOUR MONEY BACK!!! |
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Wed Jul 11, 2007 6:48 pm |
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| packerprincess
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| I joined the local "big" gym a few years ago. Tried it for a while, didn't feel I fit in, I wasn't skinny and wearing tight clothes. I also had to wait for machines and ended up skipping them. The aerobics class was shoulder to shoulder. I quit going after a month, wasted a whole year membership. :evil: |
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Wed Jul 11, 2007 7:55 pm |
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| Kerri
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Hear Hear! Although, I must say I've belonged to 5 different gyms in the last 8 -10 years, due to moving, prices, etc. I have been frustrated with equipment availability at some point at all but 1 of these gyms. The bigger gyms are so popular that they are overcrowded, and the smaller gyms don't see the need for duplicates of certain equipment, so there are times when you wait there, too! The gym I belong to now is very small. Many days I work out ALONE - or there are less than 5 other people in the building. But then there are those days when I have to go at "rush hour" when you can't get on anything when you want to! In my case, it's worth my while to be patient on those days because they are fairly rare. But in your case, you made a good decision. Good for you for putting yourself first!!!!!
-Kerri |
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Wed Jul 11, 2007 10:46 pm |
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| nygirl22
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Mecca29 wrote: BUT, I drag myself out of bed at 5:35 in the morning just to go workout! It is quiet.....barely anyone there....and it is morning, so everyone has their headphones in their ears and they don't want to talk to anyone.
Interesting.
That is probably one of the busiest times at my gym. Many older people pack in there very early ... even waiting in the parking lot before it opens. I wish I could get up that early and exercise!! (I'm a bum.) :lol: |
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Thu Jul 12, 2007 1:18 am |
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| Sarynit
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I had my 2nd workout today at my new gym and I absolutely love it! They had good music playing, there was plenty of room in the weight area and cardio area, the few people working out around me were smiling and friendly, the staff was pleasant and their equipment was in excellent shape. They had everything I used at the big gym plus several things the big gym didn't even have.
The manager that signed me up came over and was asking me how I liked it so far. I asked her why they didn't have more members and she thought their location and the simple name recognition of the big gym nearby were likely factors. I told her I'd spread a good word - just as long as she promised not to let the place get overcrowded :D She laughed.
I have to encourage any of you out there that are unhappy with your gym - check out your alternatives if you have them. I'm so glad I switched. |
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Thu Jul 12, 2007 3:36 am |
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| nygirl83
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I would so get mad also!! i also go to a big gym and its usually packed on weekdays.. but i also try to go fri night and sat morning thats when there is barely anyone there i LOVEEEEE it, its so quiet and not many people and I can get on any machine...
also i take cardio classes and its usually packed, they have like 60 or more people in one room, i get upset because i cant fully work out in the class because of the limited amount of space |
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Thu Jul 12, 2007 4:20 pm |
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