I understand that Planet Fitness caters to a certain type of athlete... someone who isn't very experienced in weight training...someone who wants a very simple and easy workout. I get it.
Earlier this year, I was assigned a 3 month project to manage a few miles away from this gym, so I went there one day looking to get a temporary membership. While the tour/sales pitch didn't make me feel pressured, it made me feel like a number. Like they have a very specific pitch and they recite it thousands of times (which I am sure, is the truth!).
Now, I am a woman, and I'm not "buff", but I have plenty of workout experience. I know what machines I like, and seeing people lifting heavy weights, or sweating, or even grunting, is OK with me. When I go to the gym, I go there to get hot and sweaty and to get in shape. I don't go there to sit on my butt for half an hour watching TV so I can "feel" like I improved myself.
I am sure that appeals to some people, but at this gym, on the tour, it just seemed way over the top. Plus, the guy who gave me the tour made some pretty big leaps about my fitness goals based solely on the fact I am a women. He completely skipped the small free weight section, and most of the machines. He pointed out the leg and thigh machines and said that women like me usually stick to these machines and he didn't need to show me the rest.
Like I said, I'm not buff, but I am in good shape. I was insulted he would assume I would only do a couple machines for my thighs!!!
Luckily, I joined another gym a few miles away, and it kept me occupied until I returned home to Raleigh 3 months later when my assignment was up.
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