After the harsh review I'd originally written (see below), the NEW owner sent me a handwritten note and an email stating all employees responsible for my terrible treatment are now gone from her facility. I think it's safe to say, you'll be treated better than I was in the past. Sounds like it's time to delete my review. If only I could figure out how. I'm editing this and giving them a few more stars for taking steps to right their ship.
ORIGINAL REVIEW: I can't remember a time I've ever been so publicly humiliated by anyone. I went into Get in Shape for Women intent on their one week free trial and 6 week Summer Slim Down special for $275, normally over $500 dollars. I don't have much weight to lose, so I thought this the perfect opportunity to slim down, tone up, and keep my nutrition on track. But, thanks to the woman in charge of membership development, who claims also to be a "counselor", I left on day two completely stunned by her actions.
Day two started like the previous with 30 minutes of strength training with the GM/personal trainer, which went very well, and I was happy to see I was in shape enough to still do side planks with a medicine ball. I was nervous, however, knowing I had only allowed myself about 15 minutes (instead of the required 30 mins) for cardio before my scheduled 30 minute consultation and measurements with "counselor". They are all about accountability there and I hadn't mentioned my need for early cardio dismissal. When my 15 minutes were up, I stopped and proceeded to get my protein drink. As I was at the drink station, The Counselor approached me with this odd look on her face and started in with harsh words about getting off the treadmill too soon and then began to question my commitment to their family and to the complete stranger I'd left to walk alone on the treadmill. Really? I was committed enough to be there. I did all that I could in the 45 minutes I had available. That's not committed enough? Let me reiterate, this was on DAY 2 of my one week free trial. When I tried to explain, she just kept going on and on about commitment and family. And it wasn't in an uplifting, nice tone. It was pure condescension. I truly and honestly believe her behavior had more to do with the fact I insinuated I wasn't interested in anything more at that point than the six week Summer Slim Down advertised on Facebook. I asked her to please stop, putting my hands up, "please stop", I said again, but she wouldn't. Other gym members were standing there watching the principal scold the student. I was mortified...and getting more angry by the minute.
After emailing the owner my concerns, they called me in for an after-hours Saturday session leading me to believe they were going to finish my assessment and sign me up. I really wanted to join this place (I know, I know, why would I ever want to consider going back?). I was determined and in the right frame of mind to commit to better health and a more active lifestyle and really thought this place could impact my life in a positive way. So, I showed up Saturday at noon, when the place was empty and the GM had me step on a scale, which showed my weight and measured my body fat content. He recorded it on paper and then through some mathematical equations (you know, all that stuff no woman really likes to hear?), figured lean body mass vs. total body fat. He used a giant blob of fake fat as a visual tool for me. We talked about nutrition for 30 minutes, he asked alot of questions and recorded my answers on a questionnaire. Then, after finishing my consult, he told me they weren't going to accept me into their program on the basis of the interaction the counselor and I had--and that was that. I'm 100% convinced they knew all along they weren't going to accept me. So, why set up an appointment with me on my busy Saturday and then waste my time? Because they care so much? I don't think so. I'll let you be the judge of their motives behind this tactic.
Sound like a place you want to give your money? I'm so happy they turned me away. I don't know what I was thinking, going into a place like that. My good sense should have known better.
Please be aware, the counselor, who is currently in charge of membership development, comes into question knowing she used to work for Inches-A-Weigh in Independence . You know the one that sprang up, signed people up for expensive memberships, took money until the day they closed their doors, then skipped out of town with everyone's cash? Makes it hard to trust them. read more
