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| - I hate that I have resorted to post this on social media. I really do. But I've stopped into your "gym" to talk and was turned away and told I will continue to be charged to do my contract, and I contacted your corporate HQ with no response.
A month or so ago, I learned first-hand that your so-called "judgement-free zone" is only judgement-free if you fit a certain type of physical profile.
I've been a Planet Fitness member for almost year now, using your facilities primarily as a place to walk on the treadmill during my lunch break to get away from my desk. Despite the fact that it is a gym, I've never gone to Planet Fitness to "work-out" until then (when my primary gym temporarily closed) and I never will again. Why? Because in your "judgement-free zone," my friends and I have never felt so judged in our lives.
Literally, having the discussion of "trying not to set off the Lunk alarm" and respecting your rules and other members, I can say with confidence that we were more than respectful and tried hard not to stand out among the other patrons. They didn't seem to mind us, and in fact, were friendly for the most part. Unfortunately, however, your staff went out of their way to let us know we don't fit in.
Myself and two others were in the dumbbell area sharing one of the many benches. While my boyfriend was spotting me, a Planet Fitness employee who was in the middle of giving a tour to a prospective couple, literally brought the couple over with her to tell him to pick up some dumbbells, too. Puzzled and not knowing what to think, he explained we were in a rotation and each taking turns. She replied, "We cant have people thinking you're a trainer. You have to pick some up too." Again, we explained the three of us were taking turns and he was, in fact, lifting as often as each of us. We were all there to mind our own business and get a workout in. Her response: "Well ya'll don't look like everyone else in here! " So let me get this straight- because we actually LIFT the weights YOU provide, and our bodies are a reflection of this, it somehow may intimidate the other members?! Heaven forbid our hard work may actually motivate them- could you imagine?! People going to the gym AND seeing results?!
I'm fully educated and well-aware of your business model. It's not to help people achieve their fitness goals and live a healthier life (obviously, with free Pizza, Bagels and candy for your members), but it's to sell memberships by the boatload. Please forgive me for wrongly assuming that members who pay actually use your equipment- no matter what they look like, or what their ability is.
When I see an overweight or disabled person at the gym, do you know what I think? -"Good for them!" and I often go out of my way to encourage them or tell them how inspiring they are. I fully believe we are all in this together and should be cheerleaders to help others achieve their best. It's unfortunate that the three of us who used your facility for its "intended" purpose, were made to feel out of place, and even worse, judged.
By the way, one of your "normal looking" members who you were protecting, forgot to turn her flash off before she decided to sneak a picture of us while we were walking out. I find it interesting to know this behavior is acceptable but actually working out and minding our own business at your "gym" is not.
I've tried to cancel my membership twice now and have been turned away or ignored. I'm hoping this open letter may help draw some necessary attention to the extremely poor customer service and treatment we received.
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