I'm getting rid of my Winsor pilates dvd's and tape!

[bliss_eternal]

After visiting www.choosetheblue.com last night, I was stunned to find that Guthy Renker gave 62% from Winsor pilates to the GOP! I will NEVER do that workout again! I am so mad! I did that workout a lot and really enjoyed it.

I guess I'll list it on ebay, half.com or amazon and hope to get a little of my money back from them. It's way too late for me to return them to the company for a refund.

Mari Winsor sucks!

Oh the bright side, I have plenty of other workout videos that I enjoy! So I shouldn't even miss that workout. But I'm still pissed.

[K8-EEE]

1. I Hear Ya -- I Have 6 Months Left On My Curves Contract!!

I told the Curves owner I would not be renewing after my year was up, after becoming aware of their corporate donations. She acted shocked (possibly because I actually show up every day at 7 like clockwork where as most of her clients disappear after a couple of months) then became rather pissed and told me she herself was a liberal and had a Kerry sticker on her car and was trying to run a local biz and blah blah blah. I'm small minded and blah blah blah. She bets that I have had jobs where money is pure as the driven snow and blah blah bla.

Let's say we didn't change each other's minds! I could actually sympathise to an extent -- she is just a franchise owner. However I think they need to KNOW that customers (especially here in L.A.) will LOOK and see the corp donations; if they turn it around I'll reconsider.

I did find an indie outfit not far away that is a knockoff of Curves (1/2 hour circuit/resistance training,) it's not rocket science, I'm sure there will always be a similar workout to choose from.

[bliss_eternal]

2. It's cool you found one nearby

that is a similiar workout and independent.

Honestly, I think SHE was the one being small-minded. As a biz owner, she could have at least just said she understood and respected your standing by your convictions. Maybe also adding something like, "I wish you would reconsider as I am a liberal too and ____(amount)___of the business does go to me" or something to that affect.

She came off like you were committing some sin, instead of refusing to support a company that goes against your convictions. It would have been nice if she could have been more understanding and little less intent on arguing with you about your decision. That doesn't seem particularly professional to me.

Thank you for sharing your experience with me.

You've inspired me! Maybe I should write a letter to Mari Winsor letting her know I will no longer support her products in spite of enjoying them, etc. She may not care, but it seems fruitless in a way to no longer purchase her products (that I loved) without telling her and her company exactly why they've lost me as a customer.

[wildeyed]

10. She is upset because she is losing a good customer.

I can relate, I own a small business myself and I hate to see a good customer walk out the door for whatever reason. But she WILL complain to the Curves Corp about there corporate political donations, and that is good. Plus, sounds like she could use some tips on handling customer service issues.

[Warpy]

12. "What can I do to persuade you to stay?"

is the approach to take when losing a good customer.

I've worked retail and found it very instructive to listen to the reasons a good customer left and what it would take to persuade them to return.

No, she has absolutely no control over what the head office does with their campaign contribution money. However, explaining what percentage went to the head office would have been a start, as well as explaining what she had given to liberal causes in terms of time and money.

My guess is that she's another one of these "I'm a Democrat but" types. Her angry reaction to you was completely uncalled for and I'm glad you have found an alternative.

[Lorien]

3. I say if you enjoy the workout, keep doing it

because it may keep you from putting even more $$$ in the hands of the GOP-via big Pharma!

[K8-EEE]

4. Good Point...

The best revenge for us is to reject all the junk food & the sententary "American way of life" they push, it just makes us sick and slaves for the pharms...

True though that if you own the tapes, it won't hurt them to throw them out. But def write to them and tell them you won't recommend them or buy any more of their product.

[bliss_eternal]

6. Excellent point!

I guess the only one I hurt by not doing the workout is myself. But I will be writing a letter/calling the company to let them know I won't recommend their product or purchase any others. Definitely!

[AndyTiedye]

11. Why Is Exercise a Commodity That Must Be Purchased in a Gym??

I don't get it.

Those places always remind me of phys ed class :puke:
and the exercise they offer is infinitely dull and boring.

Why would anybody pay for something like that?

I get my exercise on the dance floor and the mountain biking trails.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

5. If you want to do Pilates

check out your local YWCA. It costs little more than Curves, and you get a whole range of exercise options.

Mine has as its slogan, "Empowering girls and women and eliminating racism." Can't get much better than that.

[bliss_eternal]

7. Thank you, Lydia!

I had no idea that the YWCA was so progressive. I love the slogan of the one near you!

I actually have a pilates machine here at home, and quite a few other tapes I really love to do.

:)

[msgadget]

8. If you join

http://forum.videofitness.com/ you can exchange or sell videos you no longer wish to use. I don't know that I'd mention the GOP contributions as a factor, however, because it's a non-diet, non-political haven.

[cally]

9. If you already bought it, then

you may as well use it. :shrug: