The Gym is a Racket
Shortly after the start of the new year, some representatives from Beyond Fitness came to my work to sell gym memberships. Apparently, they were trying to cash in on peoples resolutions for the new year. They know once they get people to sign the dotted line, they’ll likely abandon those resolutions within the first month. The people they sent were practically body builders. That kind of image just puts a lot of gym-goers off. I feel that if they were out trying to recruit new members, the gym must not be much of a success. The discounted rate they were offering was a zero signing fee, and $25 per month. Regularly, $100 is due at signing, with a $39 monthly membership fee. Personally, I think even the discounted rate is still ridiculous. It comes out to be $300 per year.
I have been a member of two gyms in the past. Neither membership was worth the money I paid. I rarely went, and when I did, the cool equipment was often taken. Using free weights usually involved sitting next to a beefcake who is pumping ten times what I am trying to do. The same beefcakes were there most every day. And despite the fact that the gym was always crowded, the owners were always out trying to recruit new people to join. Banners were put up outside offering rates far below what I’d already agreed to pay. Gyms come and go. They most always eventually go under, or get bought by another company, who under the guise of a new name, still go out and try to rip people off.
I don’t plan to pay for a gym membership again. I think the whole business is a big racket. They count on people not coming very often, or giving up all together. If I ever get serious about working out, I’d rather spend money on a Bowflex machine that I can use at home.
