to think my poncey, expensive gym is actually pretty crap?

[MarieFromStMoritz]

OK, so I joined the gym 3 weeks ago. It is opposite my work so I can go in the mornings on my way in after the school run. My plan was to do a good, 40 min workout every day.

The gym is very expensive. I shan't go into the list of facilities it has as I don't want to be accused of stealth boasting (oh, the irony). Suffice to say that my gym is one of a small chain but calls itself the 'diamond edition'.

My work paid upfront for me to go until February, I will then take over the payments myself. Work are meant to pay a fraction of the cost throughout the year, but paid this upfront as they are keen for me to go. I am overweight and suffered a back injury a year ago. Work want to support my efforts to lose weight and build up strength in my back.

So, 3 weeks ago I signed up, paid, and was assigned a personal trainer for 3 sessions. I spent the first 2 sessions just on the crosstrainer, nothing else, although he did weigh me and do a fat test thing. On the third session, I told him that I wanted to use the machines and wanted him to write me a programme. So he showed me how to work the machines and scribbled down some notes. It was a Wednesday and he said he would have my programme written up by next Monday.

Anyhow that was three weeks ago. I still don't have my programme. Although I know how to use the machines I don't know what settings to use and how many reps to do. I keep going into the gym and asking for him, but he is seldom there the same time as me, they call him on his mobile and he doesn't answer. I managed to track him down a week ago, and he promised to do my programme that day and leave it with reception the following day. He didn't.

I then bumped into the manager on Thursday and told her my problem. She was very apologetic and promised that the trainer would call me that day and have my programme ready for yesterday morning. Needless to say he didn't call and I still don't have my programme.

I texted her yesterday and told her this. I also told her that I was not happy and wanted to leave. She didn't reply.

I just feel that as a fat, middle-aged woman they don't feel that I am worth bothering with. I also feel bad for my work as they bent the rules to allow me to go. AIBU to feel absolutely livid about this?

[Sharpkat]

YANBU - I have a personal trainer and a very expensive gym and would be livid if I was treated like this. Think you need a new PT who is actually interested in supporting you. Mine has been amazing at helping me strengthen my back as well. Don't put up with poor service. You are the client and you are paying (irrespective of the work deal).

Hope you manage to find someone good. If you are in London I am happy to recommend my gym but my PT leaves in December.

And it is worth it, I promise, I have lost nearly 4 stone

[MarieFromStMoritz]

Thanks Sharpkat, unfortunately I am in Dubai. Anyhow, I don't really need a PT, I just need a progamme.

Well done on losing 4 stone - that is tremendous! How long did it take you?

[carriana]

Yes, your lividness will get results so tell your work too, may be they have a lot of companies signing up their work force so have got complacent.

Well done you for perservering! Don't give up, ask other users how to operate the machine or go to the reception and demand the manager comes and shows you.

I also have just joined a gym with a GP referral after back problems. Please keep at them and it may be you need to 'train' your personal trainer! Write a list of questions you have and treat it as you would a business meeting, all professional.

Demand efficiency and respect, good luck!

[Earlybird]

Not sure the poncey expensive gym is crap, but the trainer definitely is.

Why have you given him so many chances? Why have you let so much time elapse before saying/doing anything? Move on, and find another trainer that is more professional and committed to working with clients - in fact, demand it.

As a business person, you'd (presumably) never allow yourself to be treated this way so why are you allowing it on your own time? Unless you are subconsciously looking for a reason to leave the gym?

And fwiw, I would imagine many of the people who can afford a 'diamond edition' gym are middle-aged and not as fit/slim as twenty-somethings. If the gym is treating its' main client base in the manner you describe, they won't be in business for long.

[moonferret]

I go to the gym every day and have done for years, but I can remember being a newbie. I'll be blunt with you. It's really not that hard knowing what to do..get on the cross-trainer, or rower, or bike and turn the level up until it seems moderately tough, and go for as long as you can until as exhausted as you wish to be. Then adjust the level/intensity next time until you're doing exactly 40 mins or whatever. Personal trainers are indeed "ponsey".

[MarieFromStMoritz]

moonferret, thanks for your advice, but I have a back injury and need to be careful. I also need to build up strength in my back which I can't do on the crosstrainer.

[MarieFromStMoritz]

Earlybird, the 3 'introductory' sessions with the PT was part of the deal. I can't afford to employ a PT, I really can't.

[Earlybird]

Tell the manager that the 3 introductory sessions are essentially worthless to you, as you still haven't got a reasonable and/or effective work out program to follow. The gym has not fulfilled their promise. Ask for more sessions (at no cost) with another trainer who is attentive and reliable - and one who will design a detailed program for you and your back issues (is there someone on staff who specialises in this area?).

I think you are going to have to be more assertive so you are not fobbed off. And, if you don't mind me asking - why are you saying you want to leave? Approach this as a business person, and concentrate on getting them to deliver the service you contracted and paid for.

That having been said:

1. Aerobic exercise will be key in losing weight, and the crosstrainer may be a good machine for you.
   
2. Many people with back problems do Pilates to gradually build up their strength and flexibility. Is there someone on staff who has expertise in this area?

[MarieFromStMoritz]

So, I just called to speak to the manager. The receptionist said he would call me back. The PT then called and went mental at me. He said it was my fault as I have not been in (I have, every few days, asking for my programme). He said another PT gave me a programme (he did, but it was not for me, it was for another client). And basically the PT denied all responsibility and kept saying it wasn't his fault, it was mine. He was very aggressive. I shouted back, but he kept saying "it's your fault". I was so upset I ended the phonecall.

I am crying and shaking. I am having trouble typing this.

[Earlybird]

He sounds unhinged. That is no way to treat a client - no matter who is 'at fault'. Based on what you have written, he should probably lose his job.

Call the gym manager and complain. Write a letter and complain (copy the relevant person at your work so they understand the situation, and so they don't send anyone else to the gym until this is addressed/resolved).

Decide if you would be willing to accept another PT (their cost), or if you/your company want a full refund for membership. Then, find yourself another gym and/or another exercise studio (as mentioned above, maybe one that has Pilates).

[RealLifeIsForWimps]

I used to live in Dubai and the service can just be shocking to the point of incredulity, as you've found out. I won't bother giving you examples of all the "tomorrow Inshallah" crap I took when I lived there as will be bad for my blood pressure to recall them

First of all, this is NOT YOUR FAULT. They are the problem; not you. I would go in and demand to see the manager and tell her that the PT has been extremely aggressive to you (get the twat fired or at least get him told in no uncertain terms that the client is always right)

I'm not sure if you could do boot camp instead- early mornings (6am). I did and it was amazing (the thing I miss most about the ME). You don't have to be really fit. They cater for all levels. They also provide personal training on a one to one basis.

[Wordsonapage]

Pt sounds like a real piece of work.
Don't deal with PT ..shouting at you???

I live in Dubai..cold today isn't it !!!

[ZonkedOut]

Poor you, this is not what you needed, is it?

If I were you, I'd talk to work about it, since they got you the membership. Presumably they do this for other people too, your posted hinted at a scheme, so the gym wouldn't want to risk losing this, it'd be more than just you.

Definitely complain too, though. That personal trainer sounds like he's in the wrong job.

[beatenbyayellowteacup]

Oh wow. What a piece of work that PT is! Poor you. I'd second writing a firm letter of complaint and detail what action you would like to have taken, copying anyone in who you like .

Then I'd also second the recommendation of Pilates for your back. They also be able to advise you on what to do at the gym, or you'll know yourself by what exercises they give you.

[MarieFromStMoritz]

Hey RealLifeIsForWimps, I used to do Boot Camp. It was great! Hard, but they treat everybody the same, and I like that. Sadly I can't do it now as I don't have live-in childcare at the moment.

I did complain. Actually the lady who I referred to in my OP as 'manager' is actually a co-owner of the gym. I am so surprised that she hasn't called me back. They obviously don't give a shit.

I was so committed and motivated; I just feel now.

[monkeyLFDTwench]

Poor you that's shocking customer care.

Just to say I would avoid the cross trainer if you have lower back problems and are unfit, until you're a little stronger. I love it but one of my friends strained her back and hips quite badly on it. You can't go wrong with a brisk walk on the treadmill.

PTs vary hugely in their quality, I wouldn't use one uess they had been personally recommended to me. Would second the pilates suggestion though.

[monkeyLFDTwench]

Oh and personally I prefer using light weights for strength work rather than machines.

[MarieFromStMoritz]

Just to say I would avoid the cross trainer if you have lower back problems and are unfit

Oh, really? Didn't know this.

I didn't choose this PT, he was assigned to me for the mandatory 3 session induction. I can't help feeling he couldn't be bothered with me because I am fat and middle-aged...

[oranges]

if you are in Dubai, why don't you swim regularly instead? and try yoga or pilates for your back. I think the personal trainer was rude because he's a moron, not because of anything about you, but sometimes gyms aren't the best exercise. I hate them personally - much happier once I decided to do other stuff.

[MarieFromStMoritz]

Nice ideas oranges, but I can only do stuff between 7.45 and 8.45 am. There are no classes then.

[oranges]

would your work pay for a private yoga teacher for you once a week?They usually come to you wherever you are at a time that suits you. it may be the same as the gym membership. And you can swim whenever. Honestly, I am in a very similar position and understand exactly how you feel about personal trainers. Many made me feel crap too and I am much happier (and fitter) with my lovely sympathetic, kind, effective pilates teachers.

[MarieFromStMoritz]

I would rather go to the gym every morning as part of my routine. I need to get fit and lose weight as well as strengthen my back. I used to really enjoy going to the gym before I joined this one.

[beatenbyayellowteacup]

Then gym it is! I'd just say get some pilates going on to help sort out your back and get you exercising safely. Walking on the treadmill is a great start, no incline though if its lower back.

Be careful with yoga - I'm seeing a physio at the moment for lower back and he's forbidden me to do yoga at the moment as I'm not ready for it.

[beatenbyayellowteacup]

Cycling is probably ok too, if you don't go crazy.

[eurochick]

That's appalling service! I'm really shocked. Is it worth telling your employer about how shoddily you have been treated so they don't send anyone else to this bunch of idiots?