Working at a gym can be an interesting experience, to say the least. You see what's going on behind the scenes and meet people from all walks of life. Just like any other job, it comes with its ups and downs. But there are a few things that are unique to this particular type of work, so here's what you need to know about being a gym employee:
1. You're the first person people see when they come in.
When you're the first person they see, you have the power to make or break someone's day. If you greet them with a smile and ask how they are, they're more likely to feel welcome and comfortable at the gym. You could also be the first person they talk to when their membership expires or if they need help with anything in particular--like getting a new pair of shoes or weightlifting gloves.
This responsibility carries over into how other employees treat customers as well: no one wants to deal with an angry customer who's already been treated poorly by someone else!
2. You're also the last one to leave.
You're also the last one to leave.
As a gym employee, your job extends beyond just working out and helping clients. You're responsible for keeping the place clean, which means you might have to stay late to take care of things that can't be done during regular business hours (like cleaning up after those who don't wipe off their equipment). You might even have to stay later on occasion if someone needs help using equipment or getting dressed after class--or if someone is just having a bad day and needs someone else around for support. As far as responsibilities go, this isn't too bad; however, it does mean that your days off are spent entirely differently from most people's leisure time activities: instead of playing video games or watching Netflix all day long with friends like other twenty-somethings do (and sometimes even during work), you spend much more time working out than relaxing at home because--well--you have no choice! This can get frustrating at times but luckily there are ways around this problem...
3. There's always someone who wants to talk about their workout plan.
- There's always someone who wants to talk about their workout plan.
I understand that people want advice on how to get fit, but you can't always give it to them. For example:
- You can't tell someone how to get fit if they don't want your help (or anyone else's). They're going to find their own way and do it at their own pace, so don't try too hard with the "I'm just trying to help" line when offering unsolicited advice that isn't wanted or needed in the first place!
- You also can't give them advice on how specifically YOU got fit either because there are so many different ways for people with different goals, lifestyles, interests, and priorities when it comes down those things; each person has a unique journey towards fitness which might not look like yours at all! That being said...
4. And some customers think you can read their minds.
You're probably used to clients coming in with all kinds of intentions. Some people want help with their workout, others with nutrition, and still others just want general advice about their health. But sometimes it can be hard to predict what a client will want from you--and even harder for them to understand that you don't know everything there is about fitness.
This means that you'll have some repeat questions from time to time: "Should I eat gluten-free?" "Does this protein shake have enough carbs?" And most often, "What should I eat after my workout?" (If only there were an easy answer!)
It also means that clients may assume too much about your knowledge base and experience at the gym--which can lead them into making poor decisions on their own behalf!
5. If a client is overworking themselves, you are the one they'll talk to about it.
As a gym employee, you are the one they'll talk to about it. You have to be careful not to overwork yourself. If you do, then it can lead to injuries or even sickness. You should rest when you need to and take care of yourself so that your body is ready for any challenge thrown it's way by clients who might be too eager for their own good.
6. Clients who don't work out often feel guilty about taking up space in the gym (and they shouldn't).
You'll see people work out at different paces. Some are fast, some are slow; some do one set and leave, while others stay for hours. It's not your job to judge them for their speed or intensity of the workout. If someone wants to take up space in the gym for an hour when they could just as easily walk over to their house and do it there, that's their prerogative! Let them do what they want with their time and money--you're not paying for their membership (the client is).
Also, remember that some people need more time than others depending on what they plan on using during their visit. For example: If someone wants to use free weights but doesn't have any yet (or doesn't know how), then it might take a while before he gets started working out because he needs those items first! In this case, let him come back later when he has what he needs so that everyone else can continue working out uninterruptedly without having to wait around while someone gets ready slowly every single time they come in."
7. Sometimes people come in just to hang out and chat with people at the gym, even if they aren't working out at all (or even paying).
Some people may come into your gym with the intention of working out, but then change their mind. This is normal and nothing to worry about!
There are also those who don't work out and often feel guilty about taking up space in the gym (and they shouldn't). If someone comes in for a quick chat or to use an open machine for 15 minutes before heading home, let them know that it's okay--they're welcome there as much as anyone else!
8. There's no real way to predict how long a customer will be using something or how much time they need before returning to it (or if they will ever return at all).
When you're working in the gym, you never know if a customer will come back to the same piece of equipment or even return to the gym.
If a customer is using a weight machine and another person comes along, there's no way to predict how long that second person needs before returning to their own machine, or if they will ever return at all. If a customer chooses not to leave after finishing their workout, but instead sits down on one of our benches and starts scrolling through Instagram (or whatever social media app they prefer), there's nothing we can do about it except politely ask them if they need anything else before leaving for lunch or heading home for the evening.
Conclusion
All in all, the life of a gym employee is not as glamorous as it may seem. You have to deal with all kinds of customers, some of whom are rude and inconsiderate. You also have to clean up after them and keep things running smoothly so that everyone can have a good time at the gym. But if you love working out yourself and have an outgoing personality, this could be an excellent job for you!
