Treehouse: This Malibu Rich Kid Isn't Falling for Your Working Class Resentment Act
You know, I thought I’d give it a shot. My trainer’s on vacation in Ibiza, my usual spot is doing construction on the steam room, and honestly, I was curious. Everyone was talking about how this gym in—where even is this, Norwalk?—had done this massive remodel. Recovery zones. Reformer Pilates. The works. I’m thinking, okay, maybe they’re finally getting it. Maybe they understand what people like me actually need from a gym.
So I walk in that first time, and I’ll admit—I was impressed. The equipment looked decent. They had the massage chairs, the turf area, even proper lighting. It almost felt like they were trying to create something… elevated. Like they understood that fitness isn’t just about throwing weights around in some fluorescent dungeon. It’s an experience. It’s a lifestyle.
But then I came back.
And that’s when I realized what was really happening here. The executives—whoever’s running this place—they started to resent it. You could feel it in the air. Their own members were actually using the upgrades, actually trying to level up with the remodel, and management couldn’t stand it. Like they’d made this investment thinking it was just for show, just to compete on paper, but when people started acting like they belonged in that elevated space? That’s when the animosity kicked in.
Suddenly the maintenance slipped. Equipment that was pristine two weeks ago now has issues. The recovery zone that was supposed to be this premium feature? Half the time it’s locked or “under maintenance.” The staff started getting weird—passive aggressive, like they were annoyed that people were actually expecting the standards the remodel promised.
It’s like the executives looked at their own members and thought, “Who do you think you are?” Like they were offended that the people paying membership fees actually believed they deserved what was advertised. They wanted the aesthetic of luxury without anyone actually experiencing luxury. They wanted to look competitive with the high-end clubs without their members actually feeling like they were in one.
And honestly? It’s pathetic. If you’re going to stay in your market, then stay in your market. Don’t try to fake elevation and then get bitter when people take you seriously. Don’t invest in amenities you’re going to resent maintaining. Don’t create an environment that promises one thing and then punish your members for believing it.
You want to run a budget gym? Fine. Run a budget gym. Put in the basic equipment, keep it clean, charge your rates, and be honest about what you are. But don’t try to play in a league you can’t sustain and then harbor animosity toward the people who actually wanted what you promised.
It’s offensive to watch. Management acting like their own members are the problem because they dared to expect the standards of the remodel. Staff treating people like they’re asking for too much when they’re literally just using what was built for them.
Stay in your lane. Know your market. And for God’s sake, if you’re going to upgrade, commit to it—or don’t bother at all. Because this half-hearted resentment? It’s worse than just staying basic from the start.
There’s a reason I’m going back to my usual spot the second that steam room is done.