Free Two Week Trial Gimmick

I am now the proud owner of a twelve month family gym membership. How did I get suckered into such a thing you might wonder.  Five words: free two week trial gimmick.

The first mistake was letting my husband get the mail. The second mistake was letting him make an appointment. The third mistake was attending the sports club.

After our tour, it was time to listen to the sales pitch. We were informed that a membership includes use of a pool, racquetball courts, a sauna, all exercise classes, cardio equipment, weights, locker room, and a kids club. All for one low monthly price.

I looked over at my husband who lost all sense of negotiation. He was sold the second he received the coupon in the mail. He wanted it bad and it was all over his face.

"Each time we've had a membership somewhere, we never use it," I stated our usual good intentions.

"I promise I'll come every day," he pleaded. "It will be fun! And this is something we can do together."

"Ugh..." I sighed. "This was supposed to be a free two weeks, not a year contract," I reminded.

"This can be my birthday present then," he suggested.

"Your birthday's not 'til October," I harked back.

He sat next to me and put his most pathetic face.

"Fine, Happy Birthday!"

 I'll even the score when I take him car shopping.

Exercise Equipment

Exercise, it's so much work, I mean really...who has the time? Which is why purchasing exercise equipment from an infomercial makes complete sense. The prospects of getting quickly into shape, in the comfort of my own home, while watching TV.  It's almost too good to be true.

I've owned the Ab-doer, the Ab-roller, the Ab-wheel, the Ab-cruncher, and three balance balls.  I've even owned the complete set of Abs of Steel on VHS.  Sadly, my abs are nothing of the sort. 

"Oh, when are you expecting?"  A strange lady asked at the supermarket while reaching for my stomach.

"I'm not!"  I shooed her hand away. She huffed away hastily. How dare I embarrass her for insulting me.

Comments like those only motivate me to obtain another machine promising a quick fix.

The side-stepper, the stair-stepper, the treadmill, and the Gazelle were supposed to tone my legs and give me a firmer backside.  But after a few weeks, they became more ornamental than functional.

The Reebok Slider, a rowing machine, and a bike were for cardio, but the trick is, you have to actually use them. The resistance bands and ankle weights barely made it out of the box. I won't even mention the gym membership.

So I'm back to the basics. A jump rope and a pair of Reebok Easy Tones.

Well...for a few weeks.

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