This is very interesting and relevant. Thanks for sharing.
Indeed I try to do my part. Though I got a voicemail yesterday from a regional director saying my grandfathered special rate is no longer going to be honored. Which means I'll have to start paying literally double - from about $90 to $180 per month, to travel 20 minutes each way to a gym that's not at all set up for but tolerates what I do. He didn't give details but apparently he meant "immediately" because my membership today was already cancelled. I know the desk people and also get massages there all the time, so they let me in. I'll go tomorrow too but will probably be looking for a new option next week. $180 to travel 20-25 minutes each way for a gym in which I always have to worry about getting a rack (even though I always do), and where the new building manager comes and gives people grief about putting down 250lb deadlifts. I know I have complained about the lack of Manhattan options, but there's gotta be something better.
So I may not be there for much longer to help the kids out. It's really a shame. I literally give their trainers a free $900 education, am friendly with almost all the staff, and get a massage there almost every week so am a pretty good revenue stream, despite the slightly lower membership cost. You'd think they'd just let it go, considering all that.