TL:DR: If you don't 100% agree with the owner's opinion, this might not be the gym for you.
I started at CFV the very first day they opened and continued to do so consistently for almost 3 years. That is a lot of time and money invested in this business. And in fact, felt very favorably toward this establishment and have a review to show it (about 2 years ago). But over time, I watched it decline into a very impersonal and insincere environment.
Around this same time, the owner posted some....words of wisdom on his personal facebook page. We were friends on that platform. He wrote the following:
"Let's try something today. I challenge you to call everything for exactly what it is. Remove the BS. Fair warning, it's going to be hard. Instead of "I am so swamped at work I just don't have time for anything else" try "my time management is poor and could use some planning." Instead of "I just can't stop eating like crap" try "I'm too lazy to buy and prepare my food." Instead of "I'm sorry about missing dinner again tonight honey, I'm working so hard for the family, try "work is a priority over family dinners together." Instead of "I'm sorry, I have to answer this text," try "this text is more important than our conversation." Instead of "I can't afford it," try I don't budget my money properly to do the things I want/need to." Instead of "I just don't have time to workout," try "my health just isn't a priority." Instead of "Oh, I'm just getting older so everything hurts," try "I am actively neglecting to take care of my body." Instead of "I just can't do XYZ, try "I do not devote enough time and effort into working on XYZ." Did any of those sting? I feel you. I've tried to make excuses like this too. It is easy to find justification or excuses quickly. "I would have done this but...." But they are just that, excuses. A pacifier for the real issues at hand. Own your shit. Remove the BS. Give it a try."
Not ironically, I commented about this BS. My response was the following:
"These are words from a very privileged place. I was there once as a young white girl from small town Ohio. Through life experiences, education, and personal growth, I've learned that this bootstrap mentality is ineffective and harmful, especially to marginalized groups in our society (p.s. White men aren't one of them). I'd be happy to discuss this idea in more depth with you, that is, if you don't have an excuse to not meet with me! ;) Personal growth is a favorite past time of mine, so I'd love to chat."
When I pointed this out to the owner, my comment was deleted. I then received a message from the owner's wife demanding that I apologize to the owner.
I refused to apologize. My response was neither mean nor rude. I was pointing out his privilege and fundamentally flawed reasoning and if that hurt his ego, then that was not my problem.
I had been thinking about eventually switching gyms because I had become disillusioned with some of the changes, but I wasn't ready to pull the plug. I sent the owner a message asking what the cancellation policy was but emphasizing that I did NOT want to cancel yet. I did not receive a response.
I did, however, receive 2 emails. One refunded my remaining monthly cost for the current month. The other email notified me that my membership had been cancelled. Just like that. 3 years, friendships, thousands of dollars - a pretty large investment. And I was kicked out of a gym for having a difference of opinion and voicing it.
The owner and his wife are unable to take constructive criticism without feeling threatened and lashing out emotionally. I hope for their sake, through personal growth and maturity (which will take some time - we were all in our early 20s once), they will gain a larger world perspective and be able to listen to others.
Due to the lack of professionalism and maturity, I cannot recommend Crossfit Veneration. Maybe this IS the gym for you, if you are willing to pay $150+ per month to come in, do what you are told, and not be able to give feedback or have a difference of opinion. Just don't disagree with him, personally or professionally, or you will be kicked out. read more
