An Open Letter To The Training Ground

Dear Training Ground Management:

When I joined about a year ago, it was my first foray into a gym membership. As part of that membership I had to sign a contract. By nature, a contract indicates a certain level of responsibility from both parties involved. For my part, I agree to pay you. I agree to be respectful, responsible and follow gym rules. I must respect other members, clean off equipment I sweat upon and to not misuse the machines.

For your part you are to keep the facilities in order, supplied, have available instruction and -- here's the kicker -- be open.

I have only two days to get rest, Saturday and Sunday. Now, it is my choice to select Saturday to get up as I would for work and prepare to go to a Spin class. That is a very important class to me because it allows me to train muscle groups I would not normally be able to on our flat terrain. I do it for my team and foundation to raise money for animal shelters via distance bike rides. I value it so much so I forgo sleep to attend the class.

This past Saturday I arrived to an unopened gym. Sure, we are all late sometimes, but it was 2-1/14 hours past opening time, plus I waited 20 more minutes until it was pointless. If this was an isolated incident I wouldn't mind but is not. I really did not mind when you converted a nice, organized facility into a seemingly random collection of machines to make way for an "old-school" type high-school gym class. It certainly benefits some, not myself however. I never mentioned it in part because I valued my membership and the management would terminate the "contract" of anyone who raised issue or complaint -- be it employee or member.

But you crossed my line and robbed me of sleep time. Am I tired and cranky? You bet. But I joined The Training Ground to better myself -- I suggest you do the same.

Spin On