The idea of going to the gym was intimidating for Stephen Lee, 33, who in October of 2008 weighed 655 pounds. “I knew I had to do something. My dad is diabetic; I was pre-diabetic. Things were becoming really dangerous for my health.”
Lee had a friend who convinced him to go to a local 24 Hour Fitness near his home in Danville, Calif. Having someone to go to the gym with made a big difference to Lee. The pair started working out at a 24 Hour Fitness Express location — it was smaller and there were fewer members. “During the day it wasn’t as crowded,” Lee said. “I was definitely uncomfortable. There are mirrors everywhere — it was intimidating. Coming from the weight I was, it felt like an anxiety attack at first [going to the gym].”
Lee managed to lose 50 pounds working out on his own from October through February 2009. During this time, a personal trainer, E.J., had taken an interest in Lee, talking to him during his workouts and giving him some advice and nutrition tips in his down time. Coincidentally, around the time Lee’s workout partner’s gym time was dwindling, Lee received a promotion in the mail for a free personal training session. Lee knew that E.J. would be a great fit for him, so he signed up for his free session with E.J. “It just worked out so perfectly for me,” Lee said.
Lee began working out one to two times a week with E.J. and five to six times a week on his own. “He told me, don’t worry about weights. Everything was focused on my cardio, and I saw immediate results. I had practiced portion control before, but not really changing my diet. He had me log my food. He sat with a marker and crossed things out saying, ‘You’re not going to eat this.’ And gave me foods to replace it with.”
When Lee used to enter the gym, it was with his head down, but the staff still smiled and said hello to him. The upbeat atmosphere and support he felt were appreciated. The motivation Lee got from E.J. and the staff at 24 Hour Fitness was a huge factor in his success — to date he has lost 409 pounds! “My confidence with E.J. was different. He was forcing me out of my comfort zone daily. I couldn’t do the exercises at first and then it snowballed. We never set goals on weight, we set goals on exercises and the process and weight loss was a result.”
To help more of the deconditioned population start to change their lives, Lee suggested that clubs be more closely connected with doctors, especially those that perform gastric bypass surgery. Lee visited that as option, but is thankful that he didn’t go that route. He said direct-mail promotional pieces, like the free personal training session, help — as well as promoting success stories within the gym, showing people that others have done what they’re trying to do.
How many of your personal trainers are seeking out members in the gym who are not their clients? Establishing a relationship with members, without them paying for your service, develops a sense of trust. And, when they are ready for training, that trainer will be the first person that comes to mind.
What are ways your club can ensure a welcoming, judgment-free environment? What does your staff do to make sure every guest is acknowledged and feels comfortable?
Lee hopes to become a personal trainer someday so he can pass on what he has learned. Stories like Lee’s are not only inspiring; they’re also the epitome of what this industry strives to do — to give people the tools to become healthy and better themselves. -CS
By Ali Cicerchi
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