Yesterday I had the pleasure of experiencing something that I had up till that point not given thought to as something that I would ever encounter. As I was leaving Lifestyle Family Fitness in the Countryside area last evening after working out with my friend Gary, I was approached by the personal Trainer Manager Ryan.

I have only spoken with the man on one or two occasions before and had not been impressed by his ability to communicate with any level of dignity toward the intended recipient. In any case, he asked me to come with him to his office for a "talk", and attempted to have another of the clubs managers, who ignored him, follow. I agreed and walked with him to his office, which is a small room toward the middle of the gym that has two windows.

Immediately upon walking into the room he quickly explained that he had witnessed me training people at the gym on a regular basis and that just earlier this week he had seen me there for three hours doing so, which led to his decision to revoke my membership and to inform me that I needed to leave the building immediately. I asked him, through his crossed arms, if I might have a moment to explain my view on what he had seen, to which he said "not needed".  I, on the other hand, decided it was needed and told him that I ( who indeed one worked for the company as a trainer ) was simply working out with some friends, who at one point were paying clients of mine; however, since they no longer paid me I could see nothing that I had done wrong. Now, on a side note I will explain that I have known these people for nearly 4 years, and they are indeed my friends, who I enjoy working out with and discussing all sorts of the stuff of life.

Ryan’s response was to indicate once more that he had witnessed me training these folks for three hours, which is an absurd amount of time to be in the gym. I again explained that I had had not  been in the gym for three hours , but probably very close to two hours. His reply, " You were here from... ummm, maybe 6:30 (pm) until close to 8:30 (pm)". I agreed ( by the way that’s only... ummm, 2 hours dude ). At this point I simply asked him to be accurate with his implications, which I understood, but did not agree with.

It became clear at this point, as he lifted his arm away from his opposite pit, that he wished me to be done with pointing out to him his various misobservations by pointing to the door, with his palm upturned. I agreed that I should go, appologized that he could not understand my actions or intentions, and extended my right hand to him ( as I understood a handshake to be an appropriate action used to conclude business on friendly terms ) to which he said, "NOT NEEDED!" and made a face of contempt.

"Excuse me", was my reply, as I was actually in disbelief for a moment that he had shunned my attempt to a civil ending to his impromptu discussion with me. Continuing to hold my hand outstretched I explained to him that there are right and wrong ways to handle things. " You are acting the part of a business man here, I have no problem leaving, but you need to do the right thing here. I'll walk out of here and not have a problem with your decision, but please meet me half way here."

With a twist of his head he lowered his eyes to look at my hand, and very slowly he stretched his arm out over what was most likely at least five to six seconds ( slow for a reach to shake hands ). Then within an instant he contacted, shook my hand and retracted his, followed with, " you can leave now." 

I turned to walk away, only asking if I would need to complete any paperwork to make certain everything was handled. He told me no, that they would handle all that, and AGAIN in a harsh and rude voice told me to leave...

There is a right way and a wrong way people, PLEASE remember it IS NOT, always the act, but how it’s performed that is remembered.