I joined another gym. UGH I know. After we moved I said I was going to take advantage of the quiet neighborhood and go for walks and even runs. It’s like I don’t know myself at all. After going on one single walk/run, I remembered exactly why I have joined four other gyms: because I hate exercise. Being healthy and fit isn’t enough motivation – I don’t want to waste money, so that membership fee forces me to sweat. Plus this new gym is in a mall!
I’m basically a professional gym joiner. You can never just go in and say, “I want to join. Here is my credit card.” There is always a sales pitch. I used to dread that…mostly because even though I worked in sales, I am an easy mark. I suck at saying no to nutritional supplements. I really don’t get all the nutrients I need! And a personal trainer could make me totally ripped. A spray-tanning plan? Well, I am kind of pale…
This time I swore I wouldn’t sign up for ANY extras. I went into that meeting with the sales guy all hyped up. I was always one step ahead with all his questions. I got him to waive the initiation fee. I negotiated a better monthly rate than originally offered. I was kicking ass! I was there to join a gym, and that was IT.
I took the tour, I said no to the personal training, I even passed up the chance to get discounted merchandise. I truly was a new woman. And then the sales guy said, “I see you wrote down here that you’re married. Does your husband belong to a gym?”
Twenty five minutes later I walked out of there with a gym membership for Mike. And also some discounted gym clothes. I know, but the clothes really were a great deal.
Jenn says:
It’s Okay…think of it as a healthy date night!! If Mike didn’t a membership he couldn’t go on “Healthy date night” – how bad would that be?!?! See??? So in all reality, you did a GREAT job!!
Lynn from For Love or Funny says:
LOL – I love that you are a professional gym joiner! That’s way better than being a professional gym quitter!
katrina @ They All Call Me Mom says:
In the words of Chandler Bing: “I want to QUIT the GYM!”
Say it.
Learn it.
Live it.
Aubrey says:
This is exactly what I was thinking when I was reading. ” I just want to QUIT the gym!” haha.
Annie says:
That’s what I thought as I was reading the post too! Quitting is much harder than joining!
Good luck going to the gym more often, I find that I actually start to enjoy it once I get in a routine!
Kim Wencl says:
I joined a gym once too … in fact our whole family did. I was SO excited for the pounds to start rolling off and as you say to get “totally ripped.” I faithfully paid our membership dues each month as I eagerly awaited my new transformation.
It took a while to realize it wasn’t enough just to pay the bill, –I actually had to go there, and well … work out … to lose weight and tone up!
After that — I totally lost interest.
Bampa says:
A “professional gym joiner”?..That would imply a level of achievement. Might serial gym joiner be more accurate?
susanmig says:
i can’t wait to hear all about the goings-on at the gym – through your eyes. oh, and if the gym has a playroom for annie i’m sure there will be lots of juicy gossip to be heard there, too!! yes, you will be looking fab in the process. that is just a bonus for you, but we get new meat!!! yay!!
Amanda says:
Know what? I think this time is going to be different. I really do. So dish on the gym clothes….
Megan says:
Tell Mike it’s his Christmas present! Happy holidays, Mike!
Try joining some classes…if you feel like you’re expected to be there, you’re more likely to come. Plus, you’ll probably find it easier to go if you’re committed to the same time every week. If you just go when you find yourself with a spare hour and you feel like it, you’ll never go.
I find swimming to be the most tolerable, but everyone’s different. If you get into it, the Speedo Pace Club is a great website to get started (no, I don’t work for them), as is the 0 to 1650 program, and I’d be happy to share workouts with you!
Trisha says:
So what did Mike say once you told him he had scored a membership to?
Lisa says:
I was definitely the same way when I first joined NYSC. And NYRR. I was not going to waste my money and therefore, the more days a week I went, and the more races I ran each year, the more money I saved and the less it cost each time. Money is most definitely my top motivator. I know it.
Like Trisha, I’m also curious to hear what Mike thinks about this!
Just turn on some trashy E! show and hit the elliptical! You’ll be set!
Allison Y. says:
When we moved to a house with a neighborhood and sidewalks I took advantage – I love walking ever night now (never before)! I recommend getting a puppy that has to be walked every single day. That is what forces me to get out there and do it!
Lanie says:
Maybe you and Mike can go together? Is one of the extras child care?
AmazingGreis says:
GO, Heather, GO! And Mike too!
Fortunato says:
Money is most definitely my top motivator. I recommend getting a puppy that has to be walked every single day.
Leonor Miller says:
A professional gym joiner? I never heard of that one. But I want to be professional gym joiner. I want to live a healthy lifestyle.