Monday, July 13, 2009

Free gym

Our local gym is possibly the least money-hungry business I have ever encountered. When we first went there at the start of the year to check it out, they seemed delighted to have us even consider them, so they gave us some free passes to try it out. We used the free passes, and they seemed so happy that we did that they gave us some more free passes. This kept happening for about a month.

Eventually they stopped giving us free passes so we decided to buy a 10-trip ticket to see if we could build up some good gym habits before committing fully to an exercise relationship. They only gave concession prices to pensioners though, so we asked if they could maybe give us a special price because we were students. So they did.

We typically go the gym every few days (when we're feeling motivated), so we expected to use up the 10-trip ticket in a few weeks. A couple of months later, we realized that we still had half of our trips left. The staff hadn't been punching out the holes in the ticket when we left them at the desk like they were supposed to, so our trips weren't being recorded! We agonized over this for a while, because the prospect of free gym for the rest of our lives was sorely tempting, but eventually we caved and dobbed ourselves in. The manager apologised to us for the inconvenience that they had caused us. We graciously accepted the apology.

Finally last week my Smaller Half used up the last of her 10 trips, so tonight we rocked up and asked if she could become a fully paid-up member. The woman at the desk said there was no need, since I still had a few trips left on my ticket, and apparently July is "Bring A Friend For Free" Month. When we asked about prices, she confirmed that there was still no student concession, but said that the quote we got from the previous manager back in February was good enough for her so she'd be happy to give us a discount.

I don't understand how they stay in business. Maybe it's a front for some kind of smuggling operation and they're just glad to have the extra cover.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Maybe they are using your Edward Norton-esque physique as free advertising.

PTR said...

Of course! They are probably also using my scintillating wit as free lighting.

Anonymous said...

Norton-esque physique? Does that mean that you're shaped like a vintage British motorbike?

Sheesh - nice tailpipe PTR!

Anonymous said...

BTW, PTR - what's the MOST money-hungry business you've encountered?

PTR said...

Norton is a British motorbike? Good trivia skillz! You're the first person to compliment me on my tailpipe, and hopefully the last.

And the MOST money-hungry business? I would have to say the mechanic who used to service our Renault. He used to roll around in our money like Scrooge McDuck.

Anonymous said...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPQV0gevAyk