OK, this is not my first time finding or joining a health club. I have wasted plenty of money on a health clubs over the years. Now, I'm not saying that a health club is a waste of money...if you actually go. I usually start off with the best of intentions, working out daily, finding a personal trainer, taking advantage of classes (ok not really). Sometimes this devotion lasted longer than others. Sometimes I would buy into a program and never even go. I belonged to Life Time Fitness for about 2 1/2 years (about $64 a month)...I went 2-3 times a week for about 3 months. After that, I lost my ambition, but I didn't stop paying. I kept my membership, vowing to return one day. Here is a surprise...I never did! What makes this time different, I don't know. Now I have an audience...now I can fail big...or win big!!!
Here is my plan for this step:
I really want to find my right fit, I really do not want to jump into anything. Most clubs will offer a free 7 day pass. I will take advantage of as many of these offers as possible...and review these clubs for you.
I stopped by Snap Fitness in Osseo on Tuesday afternoon. My expectation was, I'd walk in, be greeted by a bubbly, very fit sales person; as this has been my experience before. Their only goal: get you to sign me up for a membership. They would show me around the club, show me the machines, show me the weights, tell me about all the great classes they offer, then sit me down and try to make the sale. These people are very smooth, sometimes, and make many promises, seldom do they live up to them.
Here was my actual experience: I walked in, well kind of, the door was locked. So I had one of those embarrassing moments where you pull hard, thinking it would open, but failing hard. You get that little sting in your finger tips. Then I sat there for a few moments and waited to be let in. I understand the concept of these smaller 24 hour places, but the club has "staffed hours." Shouldn't they leave the door unlocked during these times to make it more inviting to newcomers?
Finally someone let me in. She was a middle aged woman, a little over weight, not bubbly or over-friendly. Obviously not a salesperson. Looking around the club (I could literally see the entire club), I could see she was similar to the people in the club. She was the target group. I thought to myself that was very refreshing. I admit, clubs like Life Time and Bally's, can be very intimidating. A lot of beautiful hard bodies running around. Being not-so-fit, it's hard not to feel judged. This refreshing feeling, quickly went away. The woman was not overly friendly or really friendly at all. She said, "Can I help help you with something?" Yes, can I get a cheeseburger and fries please? Why else would I being coming to a health club? Then she she "showed" me the club. "Well here it is." she said. There are the treadmills and stair steppers. Here are some weight machines. There's a little room in the the back where you can stretch...etc. She pointed to these items from the entry way. She was reluctant to actually show me anything. She hit me with the price right away...$39.99. This seemed a little steep for this size of club, she did't seem like someone who would haggle. I had to ask her for a 7 day pass, this is usually an incentive they bring up right away. She handed me the pass card, that can be used at any Snap Fitness...this is a plus.
So far I've been to the Spring Park location at about 7 in the morning. There was only a few people there, which is good, because there is limited room there.
I will give you a review of this club at the end of my week and then start a new one.
Oh, I had another salad today!
