WWYD? Gym related

[HoneySpider]

Sorry this will probably end up being long but I'm aggravated.

I mentioned the other day that my gym has been undergoing renovations for months now and will be completely closed Nov 23-Dec 28. This gym is part of a chain and my membership allows me to use that location only (you can pay more to go to multiple gyms) but during the upcoming months, we are allowed to go to other locations. 

Today when I got there I couldn't even get in the front door because they were moving equipment out. This gym is small to start with and today they moved out approximately half of the equipment. It was chaotic with a lot of noise and a lot of extra people. I went and talked to a manager to again share my displeasure at the current circumstances. At first she just gave me the same talk the guy gave me the other day - there is only so much they can do, they are letting us go to other locations, it's going to be great when it's done. I kept going back to how that doesn't change anything for people working out at this location right now - it's a difficult and at times uncomfortable environment (construction workers who stare at people while on machines). She told me she couldn't discount my monthly rate but would see if there is anything else they can do for people who stay during the construction. She said she's get back with me after my workout.

After I get done working out I instead get approached by the same guy from Tuesday who apparently is the head honcho of this location. The guy is a real salesman - he made a big production of offering me a bottle of water, like it was going to make me happy - LOL (I bring my own but took it anyway) Then we basically had the exact same conversation we had the other day - he kept telling me about all these great new things that are coming to the gym and pointing out specific pieces of equipment, which I have already told him I don't use and therefore, IDGAF about. It was evident we were going to keep going in the same circles so I excused myself from the conversation. Got ready to leave and couldn't get back out the door because they were moving equipment - and in the time I had to wait, I missed my bus.

I joined on Jan 1. I paid a one-time fee of $149 which is good whether I stay a month or until I die. I also pay $40 annually on Jan 1 and $20 monthly on the first of each month. Overall, this gym is cheap, especially compared to others in the area. That is the main reason I joined it - I am on a budget and $70+ a month just doesn't work for me. I also don't need a lot of fancy equipment or specialized classes or anything, I am good with cardio and weight machines. This gym is cheap because it's old, small, and pretty basic. It's a good fit for me. I can walk there or it is right on the bus line. I go during the day and it's not crowded. When I signed up I anticipated being there a few years and therefore, getting the best value out of my one-time fee.

I'm not sure what to do now. Rationally I know this is not something to get angry and stressed over and I should just let it go and deal with it, but unfortunately I'm not one to let things go. I checked my member agreement and all it says is that the club may be closed from time to time and they will do what they can to limit the disruption. When the gym is done being renovated I have no doubt it will be nicer, and my rate isn't going to go up, but it doesn't change what's going on right now, which is my issue. I paid for a product of a certain quality and that's not being delivered. It shouldn't matter that I "only" pay $20 a month, which they like to keep pointing out - I pay that price because that's what this gym is worth to me. If it cost more I probably wouldn't be a member. 

So it seems my options are this:

1. Keep going to my current location and deal with the construction, limited machines, and general chaos. Once it closes in Nov, go to another location for a few weeks until it reopens. (On the plus side, it's not very crowded right now, just me and a bunch of old people)

2. Start going to another location now. Next closest one is farther (can't walk, but can take bus) and will be, I am assuming, fairly crowded. It's a newer gym so probably busier than mine to start and then they have extra people from my gym. 

3. Cancel my membership - would do it now before the next annual fee gets processed. Do videos at home/go for walks instead. 

Right now I am going to the gym 1-2 times a week. I was going much more often the first part of the year and honestly, I think part of the reason I'm having a hard time getting back into a 3-4 times a week groove is because of the environment. I go to de-stress and have some time with my thoughts and I feel that isn't really happening now.

I haven't been to the other location and I think it probably makes the most sense to just go and check it out and decide from there - who knows, maybe it will be awesome. Right? I know that I'm not going to win the argument about somehow being compensated for the current circumstances and really, based on my agreement, I have no grounds since they can do whatever they want. 

TL, DR: My gym is under major construction and I'm being bull-headed about it. I can stay or go to another, less convenient location for the next 2.5 months. Or cancel. WWYD?

[marina007]

Ugh. Annoying.

I'd try going to the other location to check it out. If it's obnoxiously crowded, I'd probably keep going to old location even if it's annoying - construction is temporary and at least (ugh, sorry for at leasting) it'll be nice when it's done!

[luv2rn4fun]

I would try the other gym and if you like it go on the days when you want to go to the gym but don't want it to be a stressful environment (or when you have the extra time to travel to that gym vs your current location).

I totally get wanting to go to the gym closest to you...I would as well! I would continue going there for the most part for convenience and try to let the other stuff go as much as possible/understand that it's not going to be the best/ideal situation but at least you are getting out and getting a good workout in and remember that it's temporary.

$23/month (including annual fee) is a great rate...I would sacrifice some discomfort/pleasure here vs wanting to spend $70+/month so long as they have what you want/need to accomplish your goals.

Do you exercise/workout more with a membership vs. not paying for one? Do you feel you are achieving your fitness/health goals more easily/quicker with the membership? Those are all things to consider as well...if you cancel your membership but then aren't motivated to workout on your own without the accountability of paying (therefore making you want to get your money's worth) then it's worth the cost of the membership.

((hugs)) I would be frustrated and annoyed as well! I hope you can find a solution that keeps you interested in going to the gym, if that's what you decide to do!

[tacocat]

I would check oue the other location first to see how it is. That's one thing I hate about gyms is no one is going to use every piece of equipment, so not everyone cares about the fancy stuff they bring in.

If the other location sucks, I would probably keep going to the original and make comments about the construction every time I'm there, lol. It won't do any good, but it might help get the frustration out.

[HoneySpider]

luv2rn4fun I've done well on my own at home before, but my current space isn't as conducive to working out (ie: I can't have my own equipment, if I do videos I have to worry about the noise since we're above people) as I would like it to be. That has been my main hesitation in getting rid of the gym, especially since it is a good deal.

[HoneySpider]

tacocat After saying something twice this week already, I feel like I am "that" lady that they probably all talk about when I leave, lol. I am totally the kind of person to keep bringing something up, though (as I said, can't let things go)

[HoneySpider]

marina007 I know, I feel like I should look on the bright side that when this is done, I'll have a nicer gym but be paying a lower price (they are raising it for new members but no current)

[MrsMB]

I love Beachbody programs and videos to do at home. I swear by them...it's so easy to jump into some clothes, work out, then start dinner without having to drive back home. I haven't been to a gym in 3-4 years maybe? BUT I know it's not for everyone and other pp's also had great suggestions.

Edit: I see your post above about the noise. Maybe a quieter program?

[wanderingenough]

I'm not sure which location I would do, but I'd probably keep the membership. It's a great deal compared to others near you. Plus, you said you did really well at the beginning of the year. I would assume I'd be reenergized again in January and would want to already have an established routine somewhere.

[travelbug]

I would probably go check out one of the new locations before making any decisions. Maybe bring a book for the bus ride or music to let you de-stress on the way their and back to make it less of "wasted" travel time.

For me it's been more motivating to be able to go to the gym and be in a gym setting.I'm very bad about DVDs at home. I just need to do it though to get a mix of workouts.

[HoneySpider]

Thanks guys. I think I'll try the other location to get a feel for it, and hopefully it's worth the extra hassle of going to it since it's just temporary. If not, I'll decide from there.