Private Workout
Caveat Emptor - A Highly Deceptive, Poorly Designed Fitness Program for Out of Shape Beginners

Like many middle aged, out of shape folks, I made the life changing decision to start a fitness program. And - like many others, I did not want to join one of those popular fitness clubs that advertise extensively in the print and broadcast media. I wanted something more private and geared toward my physical condition. I had recently given up smoking (a 20 year habit) and began a simple walking program around my neighborhood. That's how I learned about Private Workout. It was it in a strip shopping center along my chosen walking path. So far so good. Or so I thought.

My initial consultation was with Sharon, one of the "trainers" and a success story featured on their web site. That's pretty compelling advertising for any fitness program, especially one that claims to be Cooper Institute certified. She was pleasant enough, but obviously well rehearsed on how to execute their binding contract. The "dialog" was a mechanical recitation designed to evoke affirmative responses from its numerous questions. That should have been my first warning sign that the company was "lawyered up" and more interested in taking my money than helping me attain reasonable fitness goals.

But I forged ahead and signed the contract because I was determined to take on the challenge (pride wouldn't allow me to say "no" to any of those questions - as it would with anyone who has any) and make it work. Given its reasonable monthly fee, I assumed I could hang on for 100 workouts, or sacrifice the $199 if I failed to do so. I also purchased the supplemental protein shakes, despite my growing skepticism from their hard sell to do so. Although it was not one of the questions asked, I told Sharon about my diminished lung capacity from years of smoking.

I quickly learned that the program was not for me. The "circuit" training was, quite simply, brutal and unsanitary. Not only was I required to learn how to operate the numerous machines "properly" (a bold print warning in the contract makes it clear the company isn't liable for injuries resulting from failure to do so) but I had to make adjustments to the equipment just to begin the exercises. On top of that, all participants had to carry around a small clipboard containing their personal settings for each machine, as well as space to record the number of repetitions completed. All of this had to be done in less than a minute for each exercise, and each piece of equipment was in an isolated room with no staff oversight.

You were given two assisted "circuits", and were then left on your own, unsupervised. Although not required, you needed to carry a towel with you to wipe down the machines. On more than one occasion the person in front of me did not, which further delayed the amount of time I actually exercised.

Once again, I re-iterate that this program is not for people who are out of shape. Not only was I unable to complete the number of prescribed repetitions in time (they say it's do-able once you get "used to the routine"), but I was shaking so bad from fatigue that I couldn't write down the number of completed reps. Two weeks later I received a mass mailed letter from them stating that the weights for everyone were set too low to achieve the desired fitness goals. I had already strained my lower back and ended my routine with them the week before. The letter was further proof to me that this company was highly unethical, and I felt stupid for ignoring my skepticism and signing the contract.

While they can rest on the verbiage of the contract to defend themselves, it's evident that their claim of being Cooper Institute certified is misleading.in my conversation with another trainer, Thomas (another success stories on their web site) - I asked him if he was Cooper Institute Certified, and he said no. However, he did say he had trained there.

As is the case with most unethical businesses I've dealt with over the years, the terms and conditions of the contract were understandably one-sided in favor of Private Workout.in light of that, I strongly discourage a physically unfit beginner from doing business with them. This is a scam company, and I would be shocked if their one-size-fits-all circuit training program received any kind of approval from the Cooper Institute.

Company: Private Workout
Country: USA
State: Texas
City: Plano
Address: 2412 Preston Road Suite 140
Phone: 9723982827

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