Join a Gym?
Is It a Good Idea to Join a Gym to Lose Weight?
When anyone asks me for information on how to drop a few pounds quickly or if a fitness center membership could help them achieve their goals, I simply tell them that not everyone is alike, we’ll all work differently with different methods. No doubt that there are advantages of becoming a gym member, just like you will find a few disadvantages too.
Why Not Join a Gym to Lose Weight?
Too Many People: Fitness centers are businesses so the more people they get to sign up, the more their earnings will be. I’m not saying all gyms are crowded but generally speaking they will be during peak hours and if you are working regular full-time, you’ll be most likely to go during these hours. If you are not the type that likes crowds, they may not be for you.
Difficulty of Sticking to a Usually Long Contract: Many gym members are capable of staying till the end, while others start off really eager than they quit. In case you are one of those early quitters, you’ll be obliged to pay for the rest of the time in your contract that you will not use, which simply means a waste of quite a bit of money that you can spend elsewhere.
Continuous Gym Fees: Keep in mind that gym fees are generally ongoing and are collected from your bank account through a direct debit set up. What if you face financial troubles down the track- lose your job and if you don’t have much money left in your account? Well it will probably get quite messy and you will end up paying for a service you don’t use as well as overdraft charges.
And the Advantages of Joining a Gym:
Group Fitness Lessons and Different Weights and Machines: Not everyone needs fancy gym equipments to be able to exercise. Nevertheless, working out at home with the same equipment, to the same aerobics DVD will make you lose interest quickly. You’ll have plenty of options when you are working out at a fitness center. You may choose to do free weights, use workout machines or even join one of the many group lessons that are usually included in your gym membership.
Determination: Everyone at the gym are there for a common reason, and that is simply to exercise. All these people in the same place going after the same thing can easily inspire you to jump in and get into the routine quickly. So if joining a gym is going to make you exercise regularly, then all I can say is: why not?!
No Possible Disruptions of Your Place: You’ll naturally have a few things to do or family members that need your help at home that will get priority over working out. When you decide to join a gym and get into the routine, all the household duties like dusting, cleaning, cooking meals, ironing, washing up will just have to wait a little.
So What to Do?
Although gyms are great, it is certainly not compulsory to join one to lose weight. However in case you are one of the many that survive and actually enjoy this kind of environment, try and get a free trial offer that many gyms offer these days. So you’ll have the chance to get a taste of what it’s all about for you and take it from there. And if you decide that you like it, try and negotiate with the gym people for a discount or a monthly membership that gives you the flexibility to leave any time.
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