So, I joined a gym a little over a week ago with Todd and I am so proud of myself. We have gone almost everyday, going directly from work has been the key, we don't get home and get distracted first. I joined Planet Fitness and little did I know when I joined the gym with the philosophy of being the "average joe" type gym that there is a divisiveness among other gym goers.
I'm sure it is because I wasn't looking but suddenly I am noticing actual news articles critiquing Planet Fitness and several of the companies standards, beliefs, policies. Planet Fitness has certain rules that help everyone feel welcome, like you can't drop the barbells full of weight on the ground like you see during heavy lifting competitions. It is to reduce the anxiety and intimidation of some other gyms where you hear grunting and lifting and dropping etc. Not a bad rule, not sure it makes a different to me either way. Then there is the complaining about no grunting, okay, so I sometimes grunt myself when I exert in an exercise it happens, I think the real purpose of this one is again the heavy lifting competitor meat head grunting (oops, I will have to go back to that judgement of mine right there.)
Another rule that has come to media attention is the dress code. Planet Fitness clearly states in the contract and several places posted throughout the building that they don't allow certain attire, like string tank tops, which seems to be the most troublesome to some. Beautiful fit woman gets told to "cover up" and it is suddenly news. I'm not questioning her fitness, commitment to looking great etc, but it is a rule, posted several places it is not newsworthy and I believe it wouldn't be if this occurred in another gym.
Here is my point, or one of several points, lets see where this takes me. I believe it is so demoralizing to put people down for the gym they attend and these articles and comments are doing so. I truly believe that anyone trying to better their self should get an atta boy or girl no matter if you attend the best most expensive gym in town, the local fitness place or your own home gym. I have heard people I respect greatly make comments like "I hope these one month wonders get out of my gym soon so I have room again for my workout." Of course referring to the influx of people in January, or make fun if one doesn't know how to use the equipment. I think this is the crux of why Planet Fitness has the philosophy they do. Many of us aren't fitness experts and need help and compassion when we are figuring it out. Believe it or not going to a gym can be very intimidating, at least for me. Now, is that a me problem, yes absolutely, and Planet Fitness appreciates that about me and has given me a place where I can feel comfortable. They try to make it as welcoming as possible and let's just say affordable. I can't afford $50+ dollars a month for a gym, $20 is good and comfortable for my budget.
Another complaint I have heard is about the free food days and tootsie rolls Planet Fitness gives. I don't remember the exact rotation but they provide members once a month free pizza and on another day free bagels. I have not partaken in this yet but maybe will sometime. I love pizza and bagels. I am pretty sure that those who are against this have at some point eaten one or both of these food items. I know several actual nutritionists and the mantra for them is moderation. We can eat pizza and bagels and its okay. I plan on eating a bagel, I enjoy bagels. I occasionally have one and promptly before or after put it in my Weight Watchers food log with the points and move on with my day.
I feel so frustrated that we judge each other, I often kid that I am a no judgement zone and I really strive for this in my life. Now, I am not perfect, as evidenced by my use of meat head earlier in this blog; and by the fact that I think the girl in the ridiculous string sports bra that was told to cover up at Planet Fitness and then created a media event out of it can't possibly get any sort of actual support from it. I think you know what I mean, but to further my judgement of her she doesn't have much to support. There, it is out of my system. I try to be supportive and wish we all were a little more.
I think we need to be more supportive of any effort and of no effort. Honestly putting down where I have found motivation and look forward to going each day has hurt my heart. I try not to be sensitive in general but this one bothers me. Now, I am hearing the song Imagine in my head, yes a Beatles song, but nonetheless let's focus on the good and try to let go of the negative and judgement.
