FAQ [Frequently Asked Questions]:
FAQ Directory
Interested in Joining?
- I came by to check out the gym and the doors were locked. What gives? Do I need to schedule an appointment?
- Is theGYMkc a beginner-friendly gym?
- No hidden fees and no contracts ... seriously?
- Can I work out immediately after I sign up?
- As a member, can I work out at ALL of the theGYMkc locations?
- How old do I have to be to join?
- How much do your memberships cost?
- Can I add someone to my membership?
- How do I cancel my membership?
- Do you offer guest passes?
- I'm a monthly member ... what happens if my debit/credit card is declined?
- I'm having a hard time getting in the front door. I know my member ID is correct, but the hand scanner won't let me in!
- What do I need to do to enroll in one of your classes?
- Are classes ever canceled?
- Could you recommend a personal trainer?
- I'm interested in becoming a theGYMkc personal trainer ... to whom should I talk?
- What's with the gym etiquette mention on the membership sign-up form?
- I was in the middle of class when my cell phone started ringing. I went to answer it, and the instructor whipped a water bottle at me. Why can't I talk on my phone in the gym?
- What do you consider a "meathead" and what's your hang-up with them?
- What IS the dress code?
- Why don't you don't like bodies?!?!?
- I've lost my [insert item here] and I think I left it at the [insert theGYMkc location here]. Is there a lost and found?
Interested in Joining?
Q: I came by to check out the gym and the doors were locked. What gives? Do I need to schedule an appointment?
A: Our doors are ALWAYS locked. theGYMkc is accessible [for members] 24 hours a day by use of a biometric hand scan recognition door access system. When members sign up, they are assigned a member ID, their right hand is scanned, and the image is stored in our database. If you would like a tour the facilities, please call us at 816.960.0502 to set up an appointment. If you arrive and do not get the attention of the front desk person, please don't follow a member into the gym. The member has been instructed to karate chop first and ask questions later. Instead of Kung Fu fighting your way in, just call 816.960.0502, and we'll get the front desk person up to the door. * Note: If you wave to a member and he/she doesn't let you in, please don't assume that he/she is rude. We have a strict policy against letting non-members into the gym, i.e. we will cancel his/her membership. |
Q: Is theGYMkc a beginner-friendly gym?
A: theGYMkc is definitely a beginner-friendly gym. We offer a variety of classes that are all designed to accommodate beginners and veterans. 50/50 and Project Poolside are two free classes that will expose you to weight training fundamentals as well as encourage proper technique. If an hour-long class is intimidating, Project Poolside: Quickie and Project Poolside: Core Blast are half-hour versions of Project Poolside.
All of our classes are beginner friendly and are designed so that you can go at your own pace and still be challenged as you progress. We offer a range of interest-specific classes: Project Poolside, Project Poolside: 50/50, Project Poolside: Quickie, Project Poolside: Core Blast, 808 Dance Fitness ... in the hopes that members will find something they truly enjoy and therefore will be encouraged to stick to a consistent workout regime.
We also have a wide variety of personal trainers available. Most of our personal trainers charge between $50 and $75 per hour. Some members elect to hire a personal trainer for a short period of time in order to help them acclimate to a gym setting, to help them develop and follow a lifestyle change, and/or for support and encouragement. While on the other hand, many members use personal trainers on a long-term basis.
A: theGYMkc is definitely a beginner-friendly gym. We offer a variety of classes that are all designed to accommodate beginners and veterans. 50/50 and Project Poolside are two free classes that will expose you to weight training fundamentals as well as encourage proper technique. If an hour-long class is intimidating, Project Poolside: Quickie and Project Poolside: Core Blast are half-hour versions of Project Poolside.
All of our classes are beginner friendly and are designed so that you can go at your own pace and still be challenged as you progress. We offer a range of interest-specific classes: Project Poolside, Project Poolside: 50/50, Project Poolside: Quickie, Project Poolside: Core Blast, 808 Dance Fitness ... in the hopes that members will find something they truly enjoy and therefore will be encouraged to stick to a consistent workout regime.
We also have a wide variety of personal trainers available. Most of our personal trainers charge between $50 and $75 per hour. Some members elect to hire a personal trainer for a short period of time in order to help them acclimate to a gym setting, to help them develop and follow a lifestyle change, and/or for support and encouragement. While on the other hand, many members use personal trainers on a long-term basis.
Q: No hidden fees and no contracts ... seriously?
A: NO sign-up fees. NO cancellation fees. NO contracts. NO kidding. Your experiences with other gyms may have included sign-up fees and/or cancellation fees ... as well as lengthy contracts with a lot of fine print. There are NO hidden sign-up fees, NO hidden cancellation fees, and NO contracts at theGYMkc. You may cancel and rejoin at any time with no consequence. We ask only that you cancel [1] one day BEFORE your billing date. Billing dates are either on the 1st or the 15th of the month. If you call on your billing date or after, your card will have already been charged and your money CANNOT be refunded.
A: NO sign-up fees. NO cancellation fees. NO contracts. NO kidding. Your experiences with other gyms may have included sign-up fees and/or cancellation fees ... as well as lengthy contracts with a lot of fine print. There are NO hidden sign-up fees, NO hidden cancellation fees, and NO contracts at theGYMkc. You may cancel and rejoin at any time with no consequence. We ask only that you cancel [1] one day BEFORE your billing date. Billing dates are either on the 1st or the 15th of the month. If you call on your billing date or after, your card will have already been charged and your money CANNOT be refunded.
Q: Can I work out immediately after I sign up?
A: Absolutely! Wear your workout clothes when you come in to sign up.
A: Absolutely! Wear your workout clothes when you come in to sign up.
Q: As a member, can I work out at ALL of the theGYMkc locations?
A: Yes! Your theGYMkc membership includes access to ALL theGYMkc locations: River Market, Westside, and Uptown.
A: Yes! Your theGYMkc membership includes access to ALL theGYMkc locations: River Market, Westside, and Uptown.
Membership Basics:
Q: How old do I have to be to join?
A: We are an 18 and OVER gym. All members must be at least 18 years old.
A: We are an 18 and OVER gym. All members must be at least 18 years old.
Q: How much do your memberships cost?
A: The Spiel ... or Lack Thereof: We do not have sales reps and our prices are always the same for everyone [no specials]. We offer monthly memberships [reoccurring billing], 3-month memberships, 6-month memberships, and 12-month memberships.
A Couple is Any Two People: You can save money by joining with a friend, partner, cousin, co-worker, neighbor, cousin's friend's neighbor. We don't care, as long as you're all paying with the same debit/credit card. We can also set up triple, quadruple, quintuple, etc ... memberships.
Here's how it breaks down in an easy-to-read chart:
12-month membership [paid in full, non-refundable]
* Checks and cash are NOT accepted for monthly memberships.
* 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month memberships do not automatically renew. When your 3-month, 6-month, or 12-month membership is close to expiring, we will email you your membership options ... and then we call you to see if you would like to renew.
A: The Spiel ... or Lack Thereof: We do not have sales reps and our prices are always the same for everyone [no specials]. We offer monthly memberships [reoccurring billing], 3-month memberships, 6-month memberships, and 12-month memberships.
A Couple is Any Two People: You can save money by joining with a friend, partner, cousin, co-worker, neighbor, cousin's friend's neighbor. We don't care, as long as you're all paying with the same debit/credit card. We can also set up triple, quadruple, quintuple, etc ... memberships.
Here's how it breaks down in an easy-to-read chart:
12-month membership [paid in full, non-refundable]
- $470 plus tax: single membership
- $740 plus tax: couple membership
- $1,110 plus tax: throuple membership
- Cash, check, or debit/credit card [Visa/MasterCard/Discover ONLY]
- $258.50 plus tax: single membership
- $407 plus tax: couple membership
- $610.50 plus tax: throuple membership
- Cash, check, or debit/credit card [Visa/MasterCard/Discover ONLY]
- $141 plus tax: single membership
- $222 plus tax: couple membership
- $333 plus tax: throuple membership
- Cash, check, or debit/credit card [Visa/MasterCard/Discover ONLY]
- $47/month plus tax: single membership
- $74/month plus tax: couple membership
- $111/month plus tax: throuple membership
- Billed monthly to a debit/credit card ONLY [Visa/MasterCard/Discover ONLY]
* Checks and cash are NOT accepted for monthly memberships.
* 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month memberships do not automatically renew. When your 3-month, 6-month, or 12-month membership is close to expiring, we will email you your membership options ... and then we call you to see if you would like to renew.
Q: Can I add someone to my membership?
A: You are welcome to add and remove people from your MONTHLY membership. Please make changes to your monthly membership at least [1] one day BEFORE your bill date. If you purchase a 3-month, 6-month, or 12-month membership, you may not add someone to your membership [or cancel the membership] until your 3 months, 6 months, or 12 months are up. When your 3-month, 6-month, or 12-month membership is close to expiring, we will send you an email and/or call you and see if you would like to renew. If you would like to change membership types at that point, just let us know!
A: You are welcome to add and remove people from your MONTHLY membership. Please make changes to your monthly membership at least [1] one day BEFORE your bill date. If you purchase a 3-month, 6-month, or 12-month membership, you may not add someone to your membership [or cancel the membership] until your 3 months, 6 months, or 12 months are up. When your 3-month, 6-month, or 12-month membership is close to expiring, we will send you an email and/or call you and see if you would like to renew. If you would like to change membership types at that point, just let us know!
Q: How do I cancel my membership?
A: We Love You Even When You Cancel: You MUST call at least [1] one day BEFORE your billing date. Billing dates are either on the 1st or the 15th of the month. If you call on your billing date or after, your card will have already been charged and your money CANNOT be refunded. To cancel, please fill out this CANCELLATION FORM or call 816.960.0502.
A: We Love You Even When You Cancel: You MUST call at least [1] one day BEFORE your billing date. Billing dates are either on the 1st or the 15th of the month. If you call on your billing date or after, your card will have already been charged and your money CANNOT be refunded. To cancel, please fill out this CANCELLATION FORM or call 816.960.0502.
Q: Do you offer guest passes?
A: Our Guest Policy: No guests are allowed. Anyone staying in the facility longer than the length of a staff-guided tour MUST be a member. We do offer 1-day and 7-day memberships for those only needing a very short term membership. Please call 816.960.0502 for pricing. Remember: No Sneaky, Sneaky! Your membership WILL BE canceled if you allow non-members to enter the gym [or you try to sneak someone in who is not a member]. You MUST scan in to the hand scanner when entering a theGYMkc location. DO NOT hold the door open for others. DO NOT let anyone in the gym.
A: Our Guest Policy: No guests are allowed. Anyone staying in the facility longer than the length of a staff-guided tour MUST be a member. We do offer 1-day and 7-day memberships for those only needing a very short term membership. Please call 816.960.0502 for pricing. Remember: No Sneaky, Sneaky! Your membership WILL BE canceled if you allow non-members to enter the gym [or you try to sneak someone in who is not a member]. You MUST scan in to the hand scanner when entering a theGYMkc location. DO NOT hold the door open for others. DO NOT let anyone in the gym.
Q: I'm a monthly member ... what happens if my debit/credit card is declined?
A: Declined Debit/Credit Card Policy: If you are a monthly member and your debit/credit card is declined, we will email and/or call you to let you know. When we call, we'll simply ask if you would like us to try running your debit/credit card again or if you would like to provide us with a different debit/credit card. In the meantime, you will still be a member of the gym and you can still come in and work out. If we can't get in touch with you [because your phone number has changed, we typed in your email address incorrectly, you switched email accounts], we will have to cancel your membership. We will attempt to contact you before doing so.
Debit/credit cards are run on either the 1st or the 15th of the month [depending on which date you picked when you signed up]. If you know your debit/credit card will be declined for whatever reason [you've gotten a new one, your car broke down and your card is maxed out] just call us at 816.960.0502 and let us know.
A: Declined Debit/Credit Card Policy: If you are a monthly member and your debit/credit card is declined, we will email and/or call you to let you know. When we call, we'll simply ask if you would like us to try running your debit/credit card again or if you would like to provide us with a different debit/credit card. In the meantime, you will still be a member of the gym and you can still come in and work out. If we can't get in touch with you [because your phone number has changed, we typed in your email address incorrectly, you switched email accounts], we will have to cancel your membership. We will attempt to contact you before doing so.
Debit/credit cards are run on either the 1st or the 15th of the month [depending on which date you picked when you signed up]. If you know your debit/credit card will be declined for whatever reason [you've gotten a new one, your car broke down and your card is maxed out] just call us at 816.960.0502 and let us know.
The Doors:
Q: I'm having a hard time getting in the front door. I know my member ID is correct, but the hand scanner won't let me in!
A: Mano Incognito: Are you wearing a large ring or long sleeves that hang over part of your hand? The hand scanner recognizes the size and shape of your hand, so if you're wearing something that changes that size or shape, the scanner won't recognize your hand and won't let you in. It is also possible that we've had trouble with your method of payment. If we are unable to contact you regarding payment, the membership system may have temporarily deactivated your code. Just give us a call [816.960.0502] to update your billing info, and we'll get your code working again ASAP. |
Classes:
Q: What do I need to do to enroll in one of your classes?
A: Nothing! All classes are free to members; just show up ready for a workout. Our classes are beginner friendly! For days and times or to learn more about our classes visit our classes page.
If the class is listed under SGPT [Small Group Personal Training], there is a small class fee [$10-$15] that you pay to the instructor directly.
A: Nothing! All classes are free to members; just show up ready for a workout. Our classes are beginner friendly! For days and times or to learn more about our classes visit our classes page.
If the class is listed under SGPT [Small Group Personal Training], there is a small class fee [$10-$15] that you pay to the instructor directly.
Q: Are classes ever canceled?
A: There is always a slight possibility that classes will be reduced or eliminated if they fall on a government-appointed holiday [the list of those holidays are found at the bottom of the classes page.]. We post class schedule changes on the classes page of our website, usually on our home page, and also on Facebook. In addition, your instructor will let you know about upcoming changes. Occasionally, there are things that come up and we have to cancel with short notice, but we'll do our best to post and get the word out ASAP.
In the event of bad weather and/or road conditions, please check the home page, and/or Facebook for updates regarding class cancellations. Regardless, as a member, if you can get to the gym SAFELY, you may still access the facilities for your own workout.
A: There is always a slight possibility that classes will be reduced or eliminated if they fall on a government-appointed holiday [the list of those holidays are found at the bottom of the classes page.]. We post class schedule changes on the classes page of our website, usually on our home page, and also on Facebook. In addition, your instructor will let you know about upcoming changes. Occasionally, there are things that come up and we have to cancel with short notice, but we'll do our best to post and get the word out ASAP.
In the event of bad weather and/or road conditions, please check the home page, and/or Facebook for updates regarding class cancellations. Regardless, as a member, if you can get to the gym SAFELY, you may still access the facilities for your own workout.
Personal Trainers:
Q: Could you recommend a personal trainer?
A: We recommend all of our trainers - otherwise we wouldn't have them here! There is a bio page for each trainer. Reading about each trainer might help you to narrow down your search a bit. Each trainer's personal page includes contact information and is accessible from the main trainers' page. Feel free to just walk up to a trainer if you see him/her in the gym ... although please be respectful if he/she is with a client.
If you have specific concerns and/or questions, contact us on our main line: 816.960.0502.
A: We recommend all of our trainers - otherwise we wouldn't have them here! There is a bio page for each trainer. Reading about each trainer might help you to narrow down your search a bit. Each trainer's personal page includes contact information and is accessible from the main trainers' page. Feel free to just walk up to a trainer if you see him/her in the gym ... although please be respectful if he/she is with a client.
If you have specific concerns and/or questions, contact us on our main line: 816.960.0502.
Q: I'm interested in becoming a theGYMkc personal trainer. Who should I contact?
A: If you call the gym number: 816.960.0502, you'll reach theGYMkc. That's a good place to start in regards to becoming a personal trainer at theGYMkc, as well as someone to talk to about starting a career in fitness in general. You can also submit the Website Contact Form.
A: If you call the gym number: 816.960.0502, you'll reach theGYMkc. That's a good place to start in regards to becoming a personal trainer at theGYMkc, as well as someone to talk to about starting a career in fitness in general. You can also submit the Website Contact Form.
Gym Etiquette:
Q: What's with the gym etiquette mention on the membership sign-up form?
A: Common Courtesies: We mention gym etiquette immediately when you sign up in the hopes you will be more aware of how your behavior affects other members ... and vice versa. Remember: we reserve the right to cancel memberships ... so be nice. Put Your Weights Back: Picking up after yourself is a common courtesy. Please be considerate of other members and do so! Grunting: It's really not necessary to scare the daylights out of innocent exercisers by grunting loudly and/or screaming your way through your workout. |
Flying Equipment: We are a "No dropping. No slamming. No throwing." facility. You should be in control of the equipment you're using. Once you let something go, you have no control over where it lands ... that might be your foot, your neighbor's foot, a wall or mirror. Damage is bad ... whether it's done to your foot, your neighbor's foot, the gym itself or the equipment.
I'm Sorry, But You Smell: It's normal to be a bit funky smelling after you work out. But if you just plain stink all of the time, someone may pull you aside and tell you so.
With all of that said, we know this is a gym [not a library]. Weights are heavy and they're made of metal. We don't expect silence. If we feel like you might be pushing the limits of our policies, we'll politely come talk to you about it. As long as you're able to lift [relatively] quietly, safely and respectfully of those around you, you're good to go, regardless of your lifting "style."
I'm Sorry, But You Smell: It's normal to be a bit funky smelling after you work out. But if you just plain stink all of the time, someone may pull you aside and tell you so.
With all of that said, we know this is a gym [not a library]. Weights are heavy and they're made of metal. We don't expect silence. If we feel like you might be pushing the limits of our policies, we'll politely come talk to you about it. As long as you're able to lift [relatively] quietly, safely and respectfully of those around you, you're good to go, regardless of your lifting "style."
Q: I was in the middle of class when my cell phone started ringing. I went to answer it, and the instructor whipped a water bottle at me. Why can't I talk on my phone in the gym?
A: Cell Phone Etiquette: You can talk on your phone in the gym. But it's RUDE when it interferes with other members' ability to enjoy a class or workout session. Turn your phone off during class. And keep your voice [respectfully] down when you're in the gym. Please refrain from having phone conversations in "speaker" mode.
A: Cell Phone Etiquette: You can talk on your phone in the gym. But it's RUDE when it interferes with other members' ability to enjoy a class or workout session. Turn your phone off during class. And keep your voice [respectfully] down when you're in the gym. Please refrain from having phone conversations in "speaker" mode.
Q: What do you consider a "meathead" and what's your hang-up with them?
A: YES ... "Fewer Meatheads and Hardly Any Dipshits" is one of our catch phrases. A "Meathead" is a general term for someone with poor gym etiquette. Please refrain from wearing spandex, taking steroids, showing your mipples, and/or grunting while you are lifting weights. We discourage "meathead" behavior because it makes other folks uncomfortable ... and it makes you look dumb.
A: YES ... "Fewer Meatheads and Hardly Any Dipshits" is one of our catch phrases. A "Meathead" is a general term for someone with poor gym etiquette. Please refrain from wearing spandex, taking steroids, showing your mipples, and/or grunting while you are lifting weights. We discourage "meathead" behavior because it makes other folks uncomfortable ... and it makes you look dumb.
Q: What's wrong with grunting?
A: As for grunting, we understand that noises happen. Weights are heavy, they take effort to move, and sometimes a little noise happens. We don't expect complete silence. What should NOT be happening is the "I have to be making noise during every rep of every set ... so people watch me lifting this heavy thing" grunting. If someone is making noise that we feel is excessive, we're not going to "sound the alarm." We'll have a polite conversation about it first and probably suggest maybe doing a set or two without headphones so you can hear for yourself.
A: As for grunting, we understand that noises happen. Weights are heavy, they take effort to move, and sometimes a little noise happens. We don't expect complete silence. What should NOT be happening is the "I have to be making noise during every rep of every set ... so people watch me lifting this heavy thing" grunting. If someone is making noise that we feel is excessive, we're not going to "sound the alarm." We'll have a polite conversation about it first and probably suggest maybe doing a set or two without headphones so you can hear for yourself.
Dress Code:
Q: What IS the dress code?
A: SHIRTS: Must cover the full chest and torso. Shirts must be full length and full width. Excessively cutoff sleeves, bodybuilder style stringer tanks, crop tops, open back tops etc. are NOT allowed. The bottom hem of your shirt and the waistband of your pants MUST be able to maintain contact throughout your workout.
Shorts & Pants: Must have an inseam and completely cover the glutes.
Shoes: MUST be closed toe and worn at all times. Slides and/or sandals are NOT allowed.
Exceptions are:
A: SHIRTS: Must cover the full chest and torso. Shirts must be full length and full width. Excessively cutoff sleeves, bodybuilder style stringer tanks, crop tops, open back tops etc. are NOT allowed. The bottom hem of your shirt and the waistband of your pants MUST be able to maintain contact throughout your workout.
Shorts & Pants: Must have an inseam and completely cover the glutes.
Shoes: MUST be closed toe and worn at all times. Slides and/or sandals are NOT allowed.
Exceptions are:
- You may squat or deadlift without shoes.
- You may kick the heavy bags without shoes.
- You may participate in a stationary mat workout [think yoga, stretching etc. done on a yoga mat] without shoes.
Q: Why don't you don't like bodies?!?!?
A: We like bodies of all shapes and sizes!! ... but we don't like germs.
Skin infections are bad. No one wants ringworm, MRSA or any other weird skin thing. Our dress code was developed to help us with "germ control." Yes, we have the air cleaners, and yes, we provide sanitizer stations for you to wipe down the equipment [in addition to our staff cleaning protocols], but the #1 way to help prevent the spread of skin-to-equipment-to-skin diseases is clothing.
Our dress code is not meant to control people's self expression. Our dress code is part of our goal of keeping the gyms clean and germ-free.
A: We like bodies of all shapes and sizes!! ... but we don't like germs.
Skin infections are bad. No one wants ringworm, MRSA or any other weird skin thing. Our dress code was developed to help us with "germ control." Yes, we have the air cleaners, and yes, we provide sanitizer stations for you to wipe down the equipment [in addition to our staff cleaning protocols], but the #1 way to help prevent the spread of skin-to-equipment-to-skin diseases is clothing.
Our dress code is not meant to control people's self expression. Our dress code is part of our goal of keeping the gyms clean and germ-free.
Dress code clarification:
- Yoga pants/leggings/bike shorts are totally okay as long as ... how do I put this delicately ... the bathing suit area parts aren't screaming: "Hey, look! Here I am!" That's a weird sentence, but I think that will make sense. *This part of our FAQ is more of a reference to the bodybuilder/lifters/fitness enthusiasts of "olden times" [like the 80s and 90s] that wore the itty-bity-tiny spandex shorts/suits that put "everything" on display ... not cool.
- A little more about the dress code: YOU MUST WEAR a shirt, shorts [with an inseam that completely covers the glutes], & close-toed shoes [MINIMUM]. Crop tops, stringer tanks, or cut-off shirts exposing the chest or abdomen are not allowed.
- High-waisted leggings with a short-cut top are ok, provided pants and shirt remain in contact with each other throughout the workout [no gapping].
Other Notable Mentions:
Q: I've lost my [insert item here] and I think I left it at the [insert theGYMkc location here]. Is there a lost and found?
A: We have Lost & Found at each location. Just ask a front desk person for assistance, and he/she will be glad to look to see if your stuff is in our lost and found. PLEASE, if you're missing any kind of shaker or water bottle, ask the staff ... at any give time we have dozens waiting to be returned to their owners. After a short time, unclaimed items are donated to charity. |