How do these people sleep at night...

So, one of my goals is to get off my ass, get to the gym regularly, and get in shape.  Preferably a shape a little less round and squishy than my current one.

There's a new Gold's Gym opening very close to my home in the same shopping center as my local library, bookstore, and coffee shop. i.e., It's already a regular destination for me.

I stepped in, knowing these guys always go for the hard sell and the first words out of my mouth were, "I only have a moment, do you have any info pamphlets."

The conversation that ensued was the fitness equivalent of this timely cartoon.

I felt a little bad for the guy, who was clearly new, when he asked for my phone number.  He and all his worker buddies seemed quite shocked when I told him he didn't need my phone number. :-)  And even a bit more taken aback when after he told me his manager required it, I told him that was between him and his manager.  I was very nice and charming about it.  Really...  I just believe it's my choice, not theirs, whether I give them personal info.

What're people's experience.  Is this par for the course in the industry?  Or should a place attempting a pushy sales pitch be avoided?

-D