Have you ever joined a gym?

[craigguy]

I was going to join a gym, but someone told me not to because they will charge a lot and won't let me stop going and paying. What do you think? Have you ever joined a gym?

[citygirl]

Yes, but it wasn't a very successful experience. Everybody who belongs to a gym seems to be already thin and fit. I might try Curves after I adjust to the medication. If I adjust.

[mariee]

I do not like going to the gym, because it is out of the way, and I feel like people are looking at me. Also, I do not want to go while I'm taking the medication, because of the potential side effects.

[citygirl]

Yeah, that's why every person here is talking about exercise videos.

[maggie]

Originally Posted by craigguy

won't let me stop going and paying

Oh, they'll let you stop going. They just won't let you stop paying. Part of their business model is that most people will only come a few times, so they don't really need the space, staff, or equipment that their membership would seem to indicate. They make most of their money from people who never come.

[citygirl]

I never thought of it that way, but you are so right. I know so many people who are paying on gym memberships that they never use.

[airplane26]

Often times they get people to buy a year in advance, so those people sign up thinking they'll go but then stop pretty quickly.

[citygirl]

A year? I've seen contracts that last for two years. A friend got a really good deal for two years, and pays only about $10 per month. I think they gave her a good price because they took one look and knew she would never even show up for her initial assessment. And they were right. She didn't.