Joining and Fully Utilizing a Gym

Joining and Fully Utilizing a Gym

I resisted joining a gym for a long time.  I had some interest in joining, but the costs always outweighed the benefits.  It was too expensive, too time consuming, and too boring, I thought.  Plus there were other ways of getting exercise without a gym, I reasoned, such as walking or running in the park.  Subconsciously there may have been an element of social anxiety at work – a gym can be an intimidating place for the uninitiated.

However, eventually I was persuaded to do it.  I decided I could afford it, I could make time for it, and the kind of exercise you get in the gym just cannot be duplicated elsewhere.  Also, if you’re older than 30 exercise becomes doubly important, because after that point physical degeneration starts to set in.  Finally, for me the clincher was that my wife insisted I do it.

In my talk I will go over the health benefits of joining a gym, how to select and join a gym, and how to identify and reach your fitness goals.

First, I will discuss the health benefits of joining a gym.

There are several health benefits to joining a gym.  One of the most common reasons is to help lose weight.  Another reason is for cardiovascular fitness – to strengthen your heart.  Other reasons include to build strength, relieve stress, improve flexibility, and strengthen your immune system.  For me a primary reason was to work on my posture.  I tend to slouch when I sit, which caused me to have bad posture. 

A gym can provide these health benefits in straightforward and in not so straightforward ways.  There are treadmills, bicycles, and ski machines for cardio training, weights and machines to work on building strength, and yoga classes where you can focus on flexibility. 

A gym offers some less obvious ways to build up your immune system.  For example, by repeatedly using a swimming pool, a steam sauna, and dry sauna, the repeated exposure to heat and cold gradually can make you more resistant to temperature and environment changes.  This in turn makes you more resistant to sickness and disease.

Next I will discuss what to consider when selecting a gym

Before you join a gym you should find out which one has locations that are convenient to you.  Consider a gym that is close both to your home and close to where you work. 

You should also consider what the gym has to offer.  That is, you should look at the equipment, the atmosphere, the trainers, and the classes available.  Is there a pool, a steam sauna, a dry sauna, and a hot tub?  Is there a basketball court, tennis court, and a racquetball court?  Are there classes that interest you?  Is the place clean?

Another issue to research is the cost of the gym.  We pay forty eight dollars per month for our family membership – which is a ballpark figure of what to expect.  Determine what that fee covers – does it cover the gym only, or also towels, kids club, classes, and racquetball courts as well. 

Remember that the fee is often negotiable.  Look for promotions and discounts – these might provide an added incentive for joining.  Adding on a family member is also negotiable – ask for a better deal if more than one family member joins.

The final step to joining a gym is to sign the membership contract.  Review the contract carefully and be aware that notice may be needed to cancel your membership.

My final topic is how to use a gym to help you reach your fitness goals.

Now you have joined a gym and you are ready to reach your fitness goals.  Before you can reach your fitness goals, you need to know what those goals are, so first identify your goals. 

One way to get more out of a gym membership is to consult a personal trainer.  A personal trainer can advise you on how best to reach your goals.  He or she can teach you new exercises and stretches, explain which machines to use and how to use them, and point out how much weight to lift, and how many repetitions to perform.

A personal trainer can be especially useful if you are a member of a gym, but do not fully take advantage of its benefits.  For months I would go to the gym and sit on the bicycles and read a book while pedaling fairly slowly.  I was not really fully utilizing the gym.  Part of the problem was ignorance – I didn’t know my way around the gym, and didn’t know how to use the equipment.  A personal trainer can help you with this.  But be aware that a trainer is expensive, so you may want to sign up for only a few sessions.

It is also important to make time for exercise.  Find a time that fits into your schedule, such as during lunch hour, in the evening, or on the weekends.  If you have kids, it is possible to take them to the kids club while you use the gym. 

Don’t forget to sign up for any classes that interest you.  There are a variety of classes to choose from, such as yoga, arobics, and cycling.  Get a schedule from the gym, and give one a try.

Do not get discouraged if your exercise program is interrupted at some time.  If it is interrupted, just resume it as soon as possible.

In conclusion, consider seriously joining a gym. 

The health benefits are compelling.  Whether it’s cardio or weight loss, flexibility or  posture, immune system or strength, the benefits are real and of significant practical value.

The mechanics of joining are simple.  Just go to an area gym and sign up.

After you join, make sure you take full advantage of it.  Identify your goals and plan to reach them.  Try a personal trainer.  Make time to exercise.  Get involved in a group class.

So sign up, get in shape, and enjoy the benefits of being healthy.