The Problem with Commercial Gyms
One of the common themes with the COVID reopening process is the return to exercise. With restrictions on capacity and equipment, as well as financial implications on operating hours and staffing, more and more people are leaving commercial gyms such as 24 Hour Fitness, LA Fitness, etc. To give a bit of insight on the other side of commercial gyms, the employee side of the story, this week focuses on the experiences of a former 24 Hour Fitness employee, Chance.
“I started working at 24 Hour Fitness about 4 years ago when I felt a passion for the fitness industry. I saw an entry-level job at 24 as being a good way to get my foot in the door and I’ve been working in the industry since.” Chance said. He started working at the Rancho Bernardo location before moving to the Rancho Penasquitos gym. “I wasn’t really an athletic kid, in the traditional sense, growing up. I did a lot of individual sports like different martial arts disciplines, so the most of the competition is internal. After seeing “newbie gains” from my first few strength training sessions, I was hooked. My immediate thoughts were about how to monetize this. So I decided to get into personal training”.
When asked about his time working at 24 Hour Fitness, Chance had this to say: “I was very bright eyed and bushy tailed - I wanted to learn how to operate a gym, how to sell, how to train, how to manage. Things were great until I moved to a bigger location. I went from a small, tight-knit gym to a much bigger operation. But the size and demographics weren’t what really push me away from the company, selling was. The main thought process was not about getting people healthy, it was about getting members, who are already paying us, to come more often and pay for packaged training sessions. Very unethical.”
24 Hour Fitness came under much scrutiny during the COVID lockdown because their members were charged for their gym membership even though they had no access. “I didn’t know the company was problematic when I first started working for them, but the way they handled COVID was the straw that broke the camel’s back. Charging people for unavailable services during a financial and health crisis is just disingenuous to me. I didn’t want to associate with myself with a company that was doing that to people.”
So what do you do if you belong to a commercial gym and you want to change? Where do you go? What are your options?
There are plenty of independently owned gyms and private training facilities who are ran by real people, founded on hard work and perseverance, and are dedicated to serving the community.
Check out my shortlist of choice independently owned gyms across San Diego County!
Convoy Strength - Kearny Mesa - Powerlifting, Olympic Weightlifting, etc.
“Located in the heart of San Diego, Convoy Strength is a 24/7 private strength focus gym catered to powerlifters, weightlifters, or anyone looking to get stronger. We welcome anyone of any skill set here at Convoy Strength. Interested in becoming a member? Contact us for a tour today, or sign up now!”
S10 Fitness - Point Loma - Strength & Conditioning, Weight Loss, Group Fitness, etc.
“In a world, starving for affection, plagued by indifference, and cruel beyond belief, 7 trainers, one gym, stood at the threshold of despair, and offered...salvation (in the forms of corrective exercise, rehabilitation ,and competitive sport and stage preparation).”
Stratum Fitness - Solana Beach - Personal Training, Group Fitness, Olympic Weightlifting, etc.
“At Stratum Fitness, we don’t believe in quick fixes or shortcuts. Our dedicated coaches build athletes from the ground up. That means developing a fitness regime that will benefit you for life. We know what it takes to be a success and we’re in it for the long haul. Are you?”
Fitness Quest 10 - Scripps Ranch - Personal Training, Pilates, Group Classes, Nutrition, etc.
“Fitness Quest 10 exists to motivate, educate & inspire people to optimal levels of performance and balance in life. We are driven to help transform mindsets by empowering people to reach their full potential!
We pledge to deliver the finest customer experience by always delivering a positive attitude, great energy, and 100% focused sessions.
FQ10 will instill well-being, confidence and belief in our clients, and fulfill the expressed and unexpressed wishes and needs of our clients.”