Globo Confidential
I remember how hurt hurt my feelings were. I was pretty devastated after I found out they didn't care. That they weren't in this for their clients. That they weren't in it for anyone's health. That they wouldn't even help their clients if it was FREE for the clients and FREE for the gym.
I had just made a grueling hour long presentation of my fitness program (now GPP) to the owner of the gym, the gym manager, the director of sales and the personal training director where I was employed. I told them I wanted to GIVE my workouts to the clientele. That I would make copies of the daily workout and pass them out at the front desk to anyone who wanted them. That I would walk the floor helping folks who had questions and direct workouts during my off times.
The meeting was sketchy and inordinately hostile. I couldn't figure out why. Weren't we all in this to help folks?
My program wasn't quite as refined back then as it is now. I had only created months before. But my clients were KILLING it! 40 y/o moms of 5 with six packs. Business owners losing weight, reducing stress and gaining energy. My schedule was booked (in fact I was doubling up clients in the busy slots). Just as today, the (GPP) programming was SOLID!
I guessed it was just me. They didn't really like me. Someone sent a letter to the gym several weeks prior saying that "everyone" perceived me as a "dick." They said I "acted like a golden-ass." After management received the letter, I was immediately hauled in and chastised. I felt bad because I was so busy I had never taken the time to think about how others "perceived" me. I started acting friendlier after that, but I'm positive it didn't help. It probably made me seem fake, because as friendly as I naturally am, I was ACTING more-so.
I was troubled at their hostility. I was also dejected. But the sales director (still a dear friend to this day) took me aside after the meeting and explained it.
"A program like this could break the gym."
"What?" I was flabbergasted. "It'd be a landslide! every one of their members would flock to this place and start actually USING their memberships."
"Yep. That's the problem. We don't want them here. Once we get their money, it's best FOR US if they just NEVER come back."
I've hated this mentality ever since. I am also personally offended at the very existence every institution that espouses this mind set.
"Off site? Might have to get a little creative with the deads. Let us know what solutions you came up with and we’ll pass them on."
Well played JMc!