Joining a gym is much better than trying to do it alone, there are quite a few benefits... By using their equipment, you save on not having to buy any. Signing up for exercise classes is a good way to stay motivated Plus in classes you'll learn new exercises, get pushed a little and possibly make some new friends. Trainers are provided by most gyms and they can help you design a weight loss exercise plan that is injury free and right for your needs. Overall, there are many perks to gym membership.
But, there are drawbacks too.
Gyms are not all the same. Like any business, some are better than others. They aren't all after the same goals either...There are gyms that specialize in bulking up and developing Mr. and Ms. Olympia bodies. They are designed for hard core muscle developing and nothing else. Asking about a yoga class would get you tossed out of the building. At the other end of the spectrum, there are gyms designed to be nothing more than a place to see and be seen. Your goal is to hook up with a hot date, muscle tone and losing weight are nothing more than an accidental by-product. There are tons of variations between - you need to find the one that best suits you and your goals.
A membership can be very expensive so it's important to check out all the gyms in your area to get the best one to meet your needs.
The first thing to keep in mind, is the gym close enough? If it's not near your home or office, the daily commute will get old in a hurry. The cost of gas and the time on the road can really add up. Before you know it, you'll be finding reasons to skip your workout.
Next, what time of day do you like (or need) to exercise. Are they open? They probably are, but maybe not. Some gyms have pretty funky schedules. Be sure to check.
One benefit to being a member of a gym is the availability of trainers. If you'll be using one of them, be sure they know what they're doing and have experience. To begin with, just look at them, an overweight trainer is like a smoking doctor telling you to stop smoking! You want someone that can keep you motivated and injury free while designing a program that will meet your needs.
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.
What and how much equipment is available. Most people tend to do their workouts at similar times and one or two treadmills just won't be enough. It can be very frustrating to be trying to complete a circuit of training and have to wait in line at each piece of equipment. Or, conversely to have someone waiting and glaring at YOU.
Do they take care of the equipment? Is it in good repair? Most of the equipment involves lifting weight, sometimes a lot of weight. If the equipment malfunctions or is excessively worn it could be dangerous.
Is the facility kept clean? In good repair? Tons of illnesses can spread between the members of a dirty gym. Clean locker rooms happen as a result of having a good cleaning crew. A lot of the better facilities will offer antibacterial products to wipe down a piece of equipment after use. Tripping over weights lying around on the floor is never acceptable.
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.
Finally, prices are not equal, they vary widely. Check all the gyms in your area, you may be surprised at the price differential. You could easily find a gym that is better than the others but at a drastically reduced cost.
Some charge a yearly fee. Some automatically charge a credit card every month while others invoice you every month. A gym membership can add up to a substantial amount of money as time passes and you owe it to yourself to take the extra time to make sure you've made the choice that is right for you.
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