Gymophobics

squilly15

I started a gymophobics membership last year in the Sydenham branch - although about a month later I started seeing a chiropractor who told me to lay off the gym for a period of three months. Gym agreed eventually and I got a three month hold. Three months on, my back isn't right and I feel this could be a longterm problem and therefiore would prefer to cancel my membership -which I thought would be in my rights as I had a health issue. If they did pilates or had a pool - it would be no problem but I can't use the machines. I wrote to them in good notice twice but they took ages to reply and said I had to prove I had longterm incapacity health problems with a note from my doctor, even though I'd already offered them a chiropractor letter. I can't speak to this membership person - only communicate by letter -I have tried to go in when I was told he'd be working for a chat - but the staff told me this wasn't possible. It all seems a bit dodgy. Surely I have the right to cancel if I have this back problem that seems longterm? Any advice?

dmg24

Is there a reason why you cannot get a letter to this effect from your GP? This is quite a reasonable request from the gym.

squilly15

I have offered them a 2nd chiropractioc letter -surely this is more expert - my doctor knows nothing of my back issues as this is a totally separate clinic.

I can go to my doctor and ask but they are probably not going to write a letter saying I have longterm incapacity.

Do you not think the gym are being slightly unreasonable here?

dmg24

No, I do not think that they are being unreasonable. A GP is more qualified than a chiropractor. Some would argue that a chiropractor is not a medical professional (I have no opinion on the matter!).

Anihilator

A chiropractor is also likely being paid to write what you want.

squilly15

I will attempt to get the doctors note if it comes to it. I'm not in any doubt they will be able to write me a letter although they may well want to see my chiropractor's notes, x-rays and so forth which could take time...and I will be paying the gym membership in the meantime.

I think your email is a bit harsh to be honest - I clealy am not faking a back problem, and I'm not sure that you understand how frustrating it is to pay for a service you cannot use for a genuine reason.

Well -thanks for replying. I feel slightly more stressed than I did before I came on this forum-thanks! Have a great evening.

squilly15

Anihilator wrote: »

A chiropractor is also likely being paid to write what you want.

what?! slightly judgemental don't you think?? Not a decent one wouldn't and I'd like to consider my chiropractor is very professional.

Anihilator

squilly15 wrote: »

what?! slightly judgemental don't you think?? Not a decent one wouldn't and I'd like to consider my chiropractor is very professional.

Professional or not Chiropractors tend to be employed privately as opposed to on the NHS by most and hence whilst they may not lie they will be far more sympathetic to spin it your way.

Ultimately it comes down to why if you have a genuine back complaint preventing you going to the gym are you unwilling to visit your GP for confirmation?

Equaliser123

Anihilator wrote: »

A chiropractor is also likely being paid to write what you want.

Yet another stupid comment.

Anihilator

Equaliser123 wrote: »

Yet another stupid comment.

So you are saying that if a chiropractor is employed on a private basis they are not more likely than a GP to write a letter for the OP more in keeping with what they want written?

Equaliser123

Anihilator wrote: »

So you are saying that if a chiropractor is employed on a private basis they are not more likely than a GP to write a letter for the OP more in keeping with what they want written?

No - the stupidity of your comment relates to the generalisation you made.

A good professional - whether GP or chiropractor - will be objective.

Perhaps you judge others by your own standards?