Why A Big Box Gym May Not Be For You, Part 2

On Friday, I had a guest blogger, Becky, write about her experience at a big box gym. If you missed it, you can read it here ==> Why A Big Box Gym May Not Be Right For You

Unfortunately, Becky's experience was not an isolated incident. Obviously there are plenty of good trainers out there but there are bad ones, too. Just like there are lousy doctors, plumbers, lawyers, contractors, accountants, etc.

Contrary to popular misconception, gyms are not filled with superfit people who know all about exercise.

You don't need to be in shape to join a gym.
You don't need color coordinated spandex outfits.
You don't need to know anything about exercise.

You just need to find a gym where a knowledgeable trainer will work with you at your current fitness level.

Obviously, the key word here is knowledgeable. Becky, clearly, didn't have that during her trial workout and it's obvious on so many levels.

* There are differences of opinions about how best to warm up but everyone should warm up before lifting weights. Period. If your trainer says something like, "I/we don't do that", run.

* Personally, I would not have someone who hasn't exercised in 20 years doing 3 sets of 15 repetitions of any one exercise their first day in the gym. Others may disagree but I don't see the point unless your goal is making the person so sore they don't want to return.

* No one should be putting a novice exerciser through a workout using weights that are too heavy for the person to lift. If on your first visit to a health club, you can't lift the weight the trainer has selected, it needs to be reduced. No debate. If the trainer says s/he'll help you lift the weight, run.


If you're a former athlete or someone who's exercised most of their life, the gym you select may not be that big of a deal. However, if you never belonged to a fitness center, haven't exercised in years, have medical issues, or are intimidated by rows of strange looking equipment, you need to find a place where someone will work with you.

At my gym, Body & Soul Fitness Studio, every new member gets an individualized program designed specifically for her based on her specific goals, current fitness level, medical issues, exercise experience, etc. There are places like mine out there, you just need to look for them.

Yes, it will probably cost you a few bucks more than the bargain gym with little or no service. But is it a bargain if you join there and...

* don't get results because you're confused about what to do?
* hurt yourself?
* don't go or stop going because you feel overwhelmed and stupid?

You are an individual and you deserve to be treated like one. Find a gym that will. Just say no to one-size-fits-all exercise programs. :-)

If you're in the Lancaster, Pennsylvania area, call me today at (717) 509-7777 so we can discuss your goals and schedule a tour of Body & Soul.


It took a year before Becky ventured back into another gym. Tune in next time to read about that experience.

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Quick Update on Body & Soul Fitness

Except for my computer and phone, Body & Soul's move is complete. Our new address is 618 Columbia Avenue in Lancaster, PA.

There is a ton of stuff that needs to find a home but things are coming along. Unfortunately, my new (freebie) desk has not been picked up yet (because of the snow) so I can't organize my office.

Since most of the equipment is set up, there's not much I can do until the desk arrives so I stayed home for a rare day off. However, the snow has stopped so I may stop in later.

The fire marshal was supposed to come today and approve opening for business but I haven't heard anything yet so the weather probably delayed inspection.

Hopefully, Body & Soul will be up and running very soon. Keep your fingers crossed.

Do You Want A "Bargain" or Do You Want Results?

I've written about this before but considering the phone calls I've received in the last week or so, it obviously needs repeating.

Your el cheapo gym membership is no bargain if you are not getting results.

Call #1 came from a woman who's been faithfully attending her discount gym but seeing no results. She had received no direction and they have no personal trainers.

I designed a program for her. She's been amazed at how much faster and more challenging her workouts are now. Instead of wasting hours on the cardio equipment, she's doing far more productive but shorter workouts.

Call #2 was from a woman who's been attending the same cut rate gym as #1 for a year and a half and isn't happy with her results. There's no one there who can give her knowledgeable advice so she'll be coming in to speak with me.

Previously, I had worked with the husband of a Body & Soul member because his entire "orientation" to his new gym (the same one as above) consisted of some pathetic group machine demonstration.

Yes, it's come to the point where some of these gyms don't even give newbies a basic circuit workout and make sure they're set up with the proper seat positions. People are basically on their own.

As someone who has worked in this field for 13 years and really cares about people getting fit, this kind of "service" really ticks me off. I think most of those new to exercise would expect to get at least a minimal level of instruction when they join a gym. I believe that's reasonable.

On the other hand, I don't cut the same slack to those who are previous exercisers. You should be asking what kind of new member orientation the facility offers.

Will you get an individualized routine? If not, will you get taken through some basic workout that incorporates all the major muscles of the body? If it's a circuit workout, will you be properly set up on each piece of equipment by a knowledgeable staff member? Will you get a workout card listing your exercises, seat positions on machines, starting weights, etc.?

If you base your decision on which gym is the cheapest, don't be surprised if you don't get the results you want.

Now, if you're a fitness junkie who is really knowledgeable about exercise and knows the real experts from the pretty boy/girl just out to make a quick buck, that type of gym may be fine for you. That description, of course, doesn't apply to most people.

So, is the cut-rate gym really a bargain ...

* if you spend hour after hour at the gym when you don't have too? What's more valuable than time?

* if you don't get results?

* if you injure yourself due to lack of instruction?

Remember, you get what you pay for.