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It’s 2018 and some people still think that independent gyms are not serious businesses that can be taken advantage of.

One of our top ten problems at X Fitness has been people entering by fraud and false pretenses. The two most common ways of fraudulently entering has been:

(i) a non-member using someone else’s card, and

(ii) a member bringing in a non-member.

The main reason why people enter fraudulently is their attitude toward independent gyms. Some people just don’t take gyms seriously. Some people believe we are a charity or a government-owned recreation facility, open to the public for free. The second reason is a weak conscience. Some people just don’t know right from wrong and want to rip your off.

Our policy saved our gym from going broke a long time ago:
1. Investigate each incident thoroughly. Never ignore any incident of trespassing. Never, ever let it slide. Just one incident that you let slide sets a precedent. Word will spread at the speed of sound that your business is joke. You will become a target of illegal entry again. Recidivism is guaranteed.

2. Interview the suspects. The interview plan includes:

(i) Inform the suspect of the circumstances in concrete language.
(ii) Inform them of the specific offences they committed. Trespassing is a provincial offence. Many people are unaware that ‘personation’ is a Criminal Code offence and that entering a place by fraud may constitute ‘break & enter with intent’ under the Criminal Code.
(iii) Inform the suspects that we have no free trials.
(iv) Explain why we have no free trials – security and insurance reasons.
(v) Ask for an explanation for their unlawful entry.
(vi) Make a decision – ban them from the gym or allow them to join and pay. The decision is based on reasonable grounds of threat – are they a threat to your members, staff, or gym?

3. Write a written report of every incident.

4. Archive the security video.

5. If public safety is threatened, call the police asap.

Security for our paid members is our number-one priority at X Fitness. We have a written security policy that is rigidly enforced to protect us from liability. Never let your gym security become complacent. Protect yourself from liability, civilly and criminally. If you have any questions, please contact me at www.xfitness.ca or www.ginoarcaro.com or through social media. I will be glad to help.

X Fitness is committed to lift in mind, body and soul. Our lifting mission includes sponsoring Blunt Talk Podcast that has reached 83 countries and over 30,000 listeners in less than 3 years. All Blunt Talk Podcasts are soul-lifting. All 304 episodes are free, permanently archived at: www.ginoarcaro.com

There is no business tougher than the fitness business. Never stop learning. If you would like to be a guest on Blunt Talk Podcast, please contact me at: www.ginoarcaro.com