First week at the Gym

I would like to wish you and your family a Happy New Year with many many Blessings.

ON Sunday Jan 6, 2008 I decide to check out and join Bally's Fitness.  As I walked in I was bum rush with many deals except the one that they offer online $19.00 for a trail month.  But was advised that that the program was cancel 10 days prior.  SO I ended up getting a $49.00 a month to month membership.  

On Monday I get a fone call from the gym from a presonal trainer and was ask when I was coming in (a stardard call I take it) and I advised that I will be in at 12:00 noon... I get there and the personal trainer show me around and advised me that we will start working out on wednesday at 12;00 noon and I was susposed to get measured to see my accomplishment over time.  I advised him that I wanted to work out today and he put me on a bike for 20 minutes. I did the twenty minutes and left...I FELT LIKE **** WASTED TIME ..  The twenty was kewl but I was still motivated to work out but did not now what to do...

On Wednesday I do go to the gym at 12:00 noon (on time 5 minutes early).  READY AND MOTIVATED.  I am then advised that I need to come in 20 minutes early to ride the bike then we can get a full work out session (hell why he did not say that in the first placed). I did get a nice work out for a good 45 minutes (I ended up getting a little dizzy so I slow down but got another 15 minutes).  AFter I rested now this physical trainer is now hitting me up for more money .  WTF.   I though this was part of membership but I guess not.  as well he did stated that I was suppose to get measure and but did not.  He want me to come back friday.

I am lose and confused about the gym but I guess I am about to make many trail and errors to learn what I should do and dont do at the gym.  So any advise I am open to it.  

I will be back at the gym on friday but will be online today to find out what what exercise to do

This sounds fishy to me!  I hate hard-sales tactics by places like this.  I just checked the Bally's website and there is indeed a $19 30-day trial membership.  I would suggest printing this page and taking it in with you on Friday and getting a refund for the $30 they owe you.  Here's the link: https://east.ballyfitness.com/join/30_Trial/enterZip.asp?sec tion_name=join_online&page=join&source=30_trial I've never been a gym rat and the one time I was a member didn't involve a personal trainer.  But my understanding is that they should be helping you design a workout session based on your fitness goals and the level you want to be at in the near future.  Ask them specifically for this.   Also - why are you being limited on the equipment you can use and when?  Isn't it an open gym that you can go to anytime and use the equipment?  Seems like you should be able to show up anytime you want to, hop on a treadmill or bike and exercise to your hearts content.  Then if you have an appointment with a trainer at a specific time you just meet them then.  I'm surprised they only let you workout for 20 minutes that first day you were there.   Read your membership paperwork and find out what exactly is involved in the price you paid ..... or if you're able to get refunded back to the advertised 30-day trial, the list of what's included is on that webpage.  If they start asking for more money, it's just more of their hard-sales tactics and I'd be avoiding those at all costs! Good luck and keep us updated! Pam

I would give up that month to month real quick.  I go to Powerhouse Gym in Saint Clair Shores, and they are wonderful, with lots of people who are anxious to help you out.  I pay 34.95 a month, and I use it everyday.  They also have 2 gyms now that are included in the one monthly price, one of them open 24 hours a day.   Good Luck on your gym quest, but do keep up the work outs.   Carol

Sorry your time at the gym was so bad...I had the same issue when I joined FITNESS USA....I ended up paying for a lifetime membership with them.....As for exercise I always start out with Cardio.....The least I will do is a half of hour either on the treadmill with a inclince or the eliptical....I do some weight training for my arms.....I know alot of those gyms with give you one day or one week free trials to see if you like them...Maybe you should call around to check..Sometimes I go to the Powerhouse with my brother and I like it there.....

I am so sorry you had such a bad experience.  I recently joined the Y.  It came with 6 free wellness sessions.  I was so pumped up at my first appointment.  I asked 2 times if the personal trainer was going to show me how to use the weights and he said yes.  What he meant was over the course of the next 6 sessions I would learn it all but that day I was only going to be shown where the equipment was.  The next session did cover the leg weights I needed to do and it was thorough.  He showed me how to adjust everything, which setting to put my seat, how much weight, how many sets and reps.  Then he had me do 15 min on the eliptical and 15 on the bike.  I haven't made it to my 3rd appointment yet but we will go over the arm weights and try out other things like a stepper or something. So I have a friend that works out there and I asked her if I could just tag along and do what she does there.  If I didn't have her and the wellness sessions then I'm pretty sure I'd feel lost and frustrated.  The other gyms I have joined in the past always included sessions with someone to go over what equipment to use, how often, you know - the whole 9 yards.  So to go into a great big gym where everyone mostly looks quite fit can be pretty intimidating! Congratulations on taking steps to get in shape.  I feel bad that it has pretty much sucked but I really hope that it gets better either there or from another gym.   FYI:  One thing I CAN'T live without when working out is music.  If music motivates you then be sure and get something so you can listen to your favorite songs while you work out.  Time will pass so much faster and you'll enjoy yourself. Good luck! Patty