I had a membership to this gym back in April to May 2018. The first thing that attracted me to it…read morewas the price. I've actually connected with this gym via Instagram. Whoever ran its account followed me and remained active as far as liking my posts and commenting. I really appreciated it and because of it, I've paid a visit and signed up. The first day, the employees were helpful and seemed very welcoming. I've signed up and the fee at the time was $35 a month. It was something that I could get with.
I started going to the gym at least every other day around 6 a.m. because it's usually empty and I would get enough exercise in without worrying about being around others. It was cool for a minute. Then one day, due to the fact that I had be elsewhere earlier in the day, I've decided to go around noon where I know plenty of people were going to be around. When I walked in, I flashed my membership card so that no one can stop me and try to ask a million questions. The employees all had this weird look on their face. It was a look of "Who is he?" and "Does he even belong here?" You could cut the tension like a knife. It felt as if the record stopped once I walked in. Anyway, I walked straight to the locker room to get into my workout gear. No more than 2 minutes later, one of the employees, or who I believe is the owner, came in behind me. He walked around the locker room for at least 30 seconds. Then he pretended to use the bathroom because the urinals are right there as soon as you walk in. I didn't hear anything nor did he wash his hands, so my b.s. detector went off immediately. I've proceeded to go upstairs to begin my workout. However, 10 minutes later, I packed it all up because it was fresh in my mind.
The next day, I called to cancel my membership. I had to pay an extra $35 for the next month, but I couldn't get down with what I felt, in which I believed that I was a target of discrimination. And even if it wasn't direct, I'm sure if I've stayed longer, it would've happened. Several times prior to going to this gym, I've called and the owner, I assume uses his private phone, answered. Each conversation felt very dry and he didn't even show no enthusiasm towards a new gym member. I had to get out of it quick because other than getting myself together, I would like to feel welcomed. Gyms are usually places where bonds are formed through the shared love of fitness. Here, it felt like I was a ghost...one who was visible, but unwanted.
