Rants
Of Civilization and Spin Bike Thieves
At Crunch Fitness, you have to sign up in advance for the classes you want to take. The good part about this policy is that you are guaranteed a spot. The bad part about this policy is that you are not guaranteed a spot.
Yeah, you read that correctly. Apparently, signing up for a spin class does NOT mean you'll be sweating up a storm in your favorite spin class, thanks to the awesome people who sneak into the classes, even when they're full!
It was a Sunday spin class, so I knew it would be popular. I got to Crunch 20 minutes early, on purpose, and put my name on the list. Then I stepped out to pick up a few last minute dinner items at Whole Foods around the corner. Not smart. Sunday, at Whole Foods? I should have known the line would be out the door.
Finally, 17 minutes later, I sprint back into Crunch, race down the stairs and burst into the spin studio, right on time. Score! The instructor has just turned off the lights, so it's a little dark. I crane my neck and look for a bike. Score! I see one in the corner, make my way to it, and start adjusting the seat. Suddenly I feel a tap on my shoulder:
"Um, this is actually my bike I was just in the bathroom." I look up at a perfectly nice looking Asian girl.
"This bitch is taking my bike!"
Well, at least that's what I think. What I say is a more diplomatic, "Oh, ok. Sorry." I walk out of the studio and back to the front desk.
"Hi, I'm sorry to bother you, but I signed up for the spin class and all the bikes are taken..." The front desk girl gives the other girl a knowing look. Apparently this is a common problem. We walk down to the spin studio together, list in hand. Front desk girl means business! But her resolve falters as she steps inside the dark, sweaty room. The music is blasting, the instructor is yelling, and we both know there was no way I'll be getting on a bike.
Front desk girl was very apologetic, and explained that sometimes people sneak into classes. Psht. I may use guest passes to work out for free, but at least I'm classy enough to sign up for the classes!
In the end, no harm no foul. Half an hour on the elliptical, 15 minutes on the stairmaster, and off to Trader Joe's I went for some wine to cap off dinner.
PS: I had to blow up this 'Light Saber Training Class' image. I LOVE the things I find on the Internets....
The Deets....
For the ongoing adventures of Buns of Steal, an impoverished but equally resourceful law student in New York City, hoping to make it through 2010 without ever paying for a gym membership, visit "Buns of Steal."
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Comments
Why don't they just assign you a bike number like they do at NYSC. That way, if you have a certain bike and someone is on it they're kicked out.
Submitted by erikka on 05.11.10 at 01:54.
don't they give wristbands when you sign up for popular classes at crunch?
Submitted by Fraidy on 05.11.10 at 02:16.
hey! i met you when you came to 5 points!
Submitted by Eis4Emily on 05.11.10 at 02:21.
I was told about this the next day. My apologies.
Submitted by killercadoogan on 05.11.10 at 02:54.
Oh, man! Spin world mania: I practice this rule, don't leave your favorite girl at a bar alone, don't leave your pet without food, and make sure your bike remains in sight. I've lost mine a few time but it's not worth the conflict as long as they can give you another bike.
Submitted by Kaitlyn on 05.11.10 at 10:31.
Killercadoogan: not to worry, totally not a big deal, and I definitely got more than my money's worth at Crunch :)
I remember something similar happened to me at a gym in Miami, and the instructor actually went down the list and kicked out the offending exerciser... I was sure she'd be waiting for me after class was over :)
Submitted by Julia N. on 05.11.10 at 10:51.
Personally, I wish athlete's foot on people who steal bikes in class...
Submitted by Evangeline on 05.11.10 at 11:24.