You’ve probably seen the ads: “$10/month!” “No commitment!” “Judgment-Free!” It sounds like a dream for anyone looking to start their fitness journey. But behind the flashy signs and low-cost memberships, pay-for-access gyms have built a business model that relies on one thing: you not showing up.
Here are five things these gyms don’t want you to know—and why places like CrossFit Longma are built on a completely different philosophy.
1. They Profit When You Quit
Pay-for-access gyms thrive on volume. Their business model only works if most members don’t actually use the facility. In fact, they often sign up thousands of members, knowing full well their locations can only physically accommodate a few hundred at a time.
If everyone showed up regularly, the whole system would collapse.
So when you lose motivation, stop going, or forget to cancel your membership—they win.
2. Low Prices Are Designed to Make You Forget
The average person doesn’t notice a $10 monthly fee on their bank statement, and these gyms count on that. They’ve made your lack of attendance so affordable that it doesn’t feel urgent to cancel.
Out of sight, out of mind—and out of your wallet every month.
3. Cancellations Are Confusing On Purpose
One of the biggest complaints about pay-for-access gyms is how difficult it is to cancel. Some require in-person cancellation. Others ask for certified letters. Some have hidden fees or lengthy cancellation windows.
It’s not an accident. These policies are designed to frustrate you into giving up—so they can keep billing you, even after you've mentally checked out.
4. There’s No Real Accountability or Coaching
You can swipe your card, walk past the front desk, and no one will notice if you never come back. There are no coaches checking your form, no one to push you through a tough set, and no one to celebrate your progress with you.
You’re on your own—and for most people, that’s exactly why it doesn’t work.
At CrossFit Longma, we do things differently: every workout is led by a coach, every member is part of the community, and every class has built-in accountability.
5. They’re Betting on You to Fail
This is the hard truth: pay-for-access gyms don’t want you to succeed.
Success means consistency. Consistency means showing up. Showing up means crowding the floor space, using the equipment, and possibly canceling when you realize you need more support.
Their profits depend on your failure to follow through—but we believe you deserve better.
Read more HERE
Choose a Gym That’s Built for Your Success
At CrossFit Longma, we don’t rely on empty memberships. We thrive when our members show up, put in the work, and achieve real results. Our coaches know your name. Our community holds you accountable. And when you succeed—we succeed.
Ready to break out of the cycle and commit to something better?
Come see the difference. Contact CrossFit Longma today and start your fitness journey with a gym that’s built to see you win.
