I'd like some advice please

[cosmik debris]

I have finally given up trying to keep my home exercise equipment in operation. It is expensive and it breaks down too often.

So I am looking into joining a gym. What pitfalls should I look out for? What features are most desirable? What should I expect to pay? What would you tell a newbie about your experience with gym membership?

Thanks for all the good advice I'm sure you have to offer.

[MissMillie]

1. I can't be of much help.

I've never gone gym shopping. I have a very accessible and affordable option of having a gym here at work, and I feel very fortunate that the people there are not only knowledgeable about exercise, but how to excercise and avoid injury.

I hope others here will pipe-in with their ideas. If I ever have to go gym shopping, I'm going to want to know exactly what you're asking.

[seemunkee]

2. What equipment do you have that keeps breaking down?

Can't help on the gym thing since the one I belong to is strictly a climbing gym. All the workout equipment I use is at home.

You might try the Y if one is near you.
Right now the Discovery Channel is having a Body Challenge promotion. If you sign up you get an 8 week gym membership free. Check it out
http://health.discovery.com/BodyChallenge/index.jsp?cid=Google&psid=discovery%20body%20challenge

[cosmik debris]

3. NordicTrack SL700

Parts are outrageously expensive and the it is made with cheap parts to start with. If you ever buy NordicTrack be sure to buy the extended warranty. It will not stand up to daily use.

[MemphisTiger]

4. It really depends on a lot of factors...

1) Does the gym have everything you are interested in like a pool, raquetball, etc.
2) Is it near your home or work
3) Is is too crowded
4) Is is a fair price for what you get


5) Don't get roped into a long contract, sign a year max...

That is all I've learned about gyms


Also, if you workout after work make sure it's on the way home from work and you don't pass your house to get too it, otherwise it's too easy to just go home and not workout.

[flvegan]

5. What are your goals?

Lose weight? Tone up? Enter the Olympia? Combination of the three?

My first rule when considering a gym is to call them and try to get a price. Watch out for the contracts. Then, visit the place, but don't sign anything. Ask them for a few free passes so that you can try it out on the days/at the times you'll want to. Most places should give you a 5-10 day trial membership for nothing.

Bear in mind, right now is the BUSIEST time in the gym. If you think the place is too crowded, but you like it, the place will probably be much less populated come March.

[cosmik debris]

6. My goal is to stay alive and moderately healthy

I am retired, but I didn't realize until I retired that retirement is a fatal condition. It is conducive to sedentary lifestyle and excessive eating. I need a plan and an opportunity to keep myself from succumbing to the temptations of idleness. I have the will, I need the means. I ride my bicycle a lot in good weather, but my reflexes are not good so I try to stay away from traffic and crowds for safety reasons. I can't run because my legs have been abused too much for too long--impact activities are out of the question.

One of the posters above suggested the YMCA and I checked it out. They want $39 a month with no contract ($75 sign up fee). That seems to be the best deal I have found so far. I'm still thinking about buying my own equipment, but the upkeep is killing me so I think I will just buy my way out by joining a Gym. I'll let you know how it works out.

And Thanks to all for the support!!!!!

[Longhorn]

7. Let me just offer this encouragement:

My mother turned 74 in December and has been retired for several years. About six months ago, she joined a health club and works out with a personal trainer. Not only does she benefit from the trainer's advice and encouragement, she said that she rarely misses because she doesn't want to disappoint her trainer. She's always been active but not really an athlete. She said she feels better and gets around better, plus she's lost a few pounds.

Good luck and let us know how it's going! :hi:

[cosmik debris]

8. The peer pressure/group support

Is definitely important to me. I have the will power and the motivation, but we all have our weaknesses and "off days". I think it will help me to be a part of an organization.

Thanks for the encouragement.