I came across a Facebook ad for an F45 "Free 6-Week Comeback Challenge." Since I'm on a health…read morejourney, I thought, "Okay, something different. Let me check it out."
The second I filled out the form, I got a call. Lots of questions, which was fine, but my first red flag was when I asked about pricing and how the "free" challenge worked. Before I could finish my question, the subject changed. I was told pricing varies by person, but nobody would explain the free part.
I scheduled an appointment anyway because I wanted to see what the hype was about. Before the appointment, I got several texts, including one asking what type of protein shake I wanted. Remember that part for later.
When I arrived, it was so dark I wasn't sure anyone was there. I filled out paperwork that mostly repeated the questions I had already answered over the phone. Then I saw a question that said:
"If you are not the primary financial decision-maker, please reschedule with your spouse present."
Red flag number two.
Immediately I thought, "This is about to be a sales pitch."
I never got a tour. Nobody explained the classes or how the workouts worked. Instead, I was taken to the back and questioned about my health journey.
I explained that I've successfully lost weight before, work with a dietitian, and that my biggest struggle lately has simply been motivation due to some personal things that started around December.
The response?
Basically, everything I was doing "wasn't working."
Wait a damn minute.
I've only been struggling for a few months. I wasn't there because I don't understand nutrition or exercise. I wanted to see if group fitness would help with motivation and accountability.
Then my dietitian started getting discredited despite him knowing almost nothing about her recommendations or my situation. Every explanation somehow got met with, "Well, it's not working."
The facility itself appeared clean at least I think it did. The lights were never fully turned on, so I was basically evaluating the gym in mood lighting . Thankfully my iPhone can make a dark room look like it has light.
Then we got to pricing.
The "free" six-week challenge was suddenly around $699 and included coaching, classes, meal plans, body scans, and other services.
My immediate thought was:
Where exactly was the free part? The conversation
The second option required an upfront payment, a 12-month commitment, and weekly payments.
I explained that I don't make financial decisions on the spot. I like to go home, think about it, compare options, and then decide.
That wasn't received very well.
The conversation became more about getting me to commit than helping me determine whether the program was a good fit. At one point I was basically told I could either commit or keep doing what I was doing which apparently "wasn't working."
Then came the final straw.
I was told women spend money on hair, nails, and shopping and could redirect those funds toward fitness.
Sir...
You don't know me.
I budget carefully, and even if I did spend money that way, that's none of your business.
Before leaving, I asked if I could observe a class. The answer was no because apparently if people leave, they don't come back. And looking at a class is not going to determine anything. No trial was offered now I see several trial offers online for lower than what I was offered which was nothing
Funny thing is, I'm exactly the type of person who leaves, sleeps on a decision, researches it, and then comes back if it makes sense.
In the end, I chose not to join.
My issue isn't that they charge for services. My issue is advertising a "Free 6-Week Comeback Challenge" and then presenting expensive packages without clearly explaining costs upfront.
Ironically, the experience motivated me just not in the way they intended. It reminded me that I've reached my goals before and I can do it again.
Oh, and remember that protein shake he texting me about? Yeah... nobody ever offered it when I got there. Guess we both left disappointed
False advertising at its finest.
