Is this a gimmick?

[L Sass]

So I'm at GNC today buying some Iso-Whey powder. Strike up a conversation w/ owner about how the only way for me to drop pounds was reduce calories and reduce cardio. (Remember in my mind I'm still hearing doc say the words "borderline obese" from last summer - can't quite shake that.)

We start talking about how many calories I'm getting, my w/o routines, etc. He tells me I'm TINY and that he bets my body fat % is no more than 18%. I'm thinking at least 30 - that's a huge difference. He tells me he's got that laser body fat gizmo and he would love to do the assessment on me - but he forgot it at his other store. I should either call back early in the week to see when he's going to be back at this store, or come out to his other store over the weekend. He asked if I had a 4-pack in my abs - I lifted my shirt and he said "oh yah - you're definitely down there" (not in a come on way at all.) He also measured my wrist and felt my arm.

He's training for a competition - so (I think) knows what he's talking about. Remember I worked out with a PT/RD and it was a fiasco! Do you think he's just trying to get me back in to sell me more product? Or do you think that gizmo is really accurate and he wants to prove to me that my own speculation is way off base. Thanks for any input.

Lorrie

I NEED a Cathe Roadtrip - BAD!!!!

 

[cakebaker]

I highly doubt that your BF% is 30%, judging by what you say you weigh and how tall you are. My dear, I think you look like what you used to weigh! You could let him use his gizmo just for kicks (and to prove yourself wrong about your body image!), but I would be wary because his job is to sell you half the stock in his store.

 

[L Sass]

Thanks cakebaker - that's kind of my thought too. I mean first and foremost these guys are sales people right - but I have to wonder how accurate those things are. Guess I could research it huh?

Lorrie

I'll be walking the Komen 3-day (60 miles) the week after Cathe's RT. Here's my webpage.
https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=202302&supid=166016627

 

[cakebaker]

Lorrie -

I meant to say "I think YOU think you look like what you used to weigh!" Distorted body image is what I was referring to - sorry my words got all tangled up in my typing!!!!!

 

[Gayle]

Hi Lorrie,

As a note, I've found the folks at GNC to be some of the most aggressive salespeople around...to the point that I don't even go in there anymore. I knew a woman who got a part-time job there several years ago and ended up quitting after just a few months because she kept getting crap for not pushing enough product, or the "right" products.

I'd say get the assessment for kicks if you're curious, but be very wary of the hard sell that follows.

 

[L Sass]

Thanks Gayle - I already get my Iso Whey protein there and in the 20 minute discussion I had with him I made it quite clear that over the years I've really come to know my body after trying a plethora of products - he really didn't even start to suggest anything - which is why I wondered if he was being legit about that gadget and testing fat%. (Nice run-on sentence huh?) I may just swing out to that other store this w/e and see what it says - I AM curious because his visual assessment and mine are so drasticallly different. Interesting to hear about your friend's story though - that's quite sad.

Lorrie

I'll be walking the Komen 3-day (60 miles) the week after Cathe's RT. Here's my webpage.
https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=202302&supid=166016627

 

[SunshineKathie]

>Hi Lorrie,
>
>As a note, I've found the folks at GNC to be some of the most
>aggressive salespeople around...to the point that I don't even
>go in there anymore.

Oh yeah. I have had the same experiences here with the GNC's around my area.