Ok, we all know that to lose weight one of the key components includes a weight loss exercise plan. To be successful at losing weight will require that you actually get off your rear and get plenty of exercise. One of the most effective ways to do this is by joining a gym.
Better than doing it on your own, there are tremendous benefits to having a gym membership. You will save tons of money by using their equipment rather than buying your own. You can sign up for exercise classes so you’ll stay motivated, have some fun and meet new people. Most gyms provide trainers to help you design the weight loss exercise plan that will best fit your needs. And, they will teach you how to do them without injury. There are many benefits to gym membership.
However, there are a few negatives as well.
Not all gyms are equal. Nor do they all target the same goals. Some are down and dirty hard core muscle palaces where men and women go to bulk up – and nothing else. If you were to ask about a yoga class, you’d be laughed out of the building. Others are nothing more than glorified pick-up joints where finding a hot looking date is the goal, not weight loss and muscle tone. And everything in between.
Most of us tend to go to the gym nearest our homes and sign up. we never “shop around” or check out any other options. This can be a big mistake. A gym membership can be very expensive and it’s important that we pick the one that will best meet our goals.
First consideration…is this gym close enough to your home or office? If you have to drive a long way, it won’t be long before the commute gets really old and you’ll stop going. Not to mention the additional cost in gas.
Have you given any thought to what time of day you will be working out? Sometimes our schedules are such that we are limited on what times of day we can go to the gym. Double (and triple) check to be sure they will be open during the hours you need them. Some gyms have limited daily hours and it would be a shame to pay for a membership you can’t use.
Will you be using a trainer? You’ll want to be sure that they are experienced and know what they’re doing. You want someone that will teach you the best possible habits and will show you how to get the most out of your session – without injury. Plus, just look at them. Do they look like they know what they are doing? A fat trainer is like a smoking doctor that is advising you to quit smoking.
Just because the trainer looks good, doesn’t mean he or she can safely teach you how to get there. Qualification standards for trainers don’t exist so be sure the gym requires they complete some sort of training.
Equipment. What types and how much of each type is available. People tend to do things at the same times of day and one or two treadmills won’t hack it. Check the gym at the time of day when you will actually be doing your workouts. Waiting around for a piece of equipment to get free can be very frustrating. Just as bad – or worse – is having a line of people glaring at YOU because they are waiting for the equipment you’re using.
Is the equipment is good repair? You are dealing with a lot of weight in some cases and excessively worn or malfunctioning equipment could be very dangerous.
Is the facility clean and well kept? A dirty gym is a breeding ground for a whole host of illnesses that can spread from member to member. Good gyms have cleaning crews to make sure the locker rooms are sparkling and they also provide antibacterial products to wipe down the equipment after a workout session. There’s just no reason to have weights lying around to trip over.
Joining without having an extensive tour is a mistake. Even better, most gyms offer a free or low cost trial. Be sure to take it. This way you can leisurely check out everything – during the hours you like to work out – without a salesman breathing down your neck.
Be sure to shop around. The prices vary greatly. Taking the time to check all the gyms in your area could produce one that is far better than the all the rest – and cheaper too!
There are not only differences in the amount each gym charges, there is a difference in the way they charge you. Your credit card could automatically be charged every month, it could automatically come out of your checking account, or you could be invoiced and have to send in a check. Over time, your gym membership will involve a great deal of money and time. It is worth your while to put forth a little extra effort to find the right one for you.
