Joining a Gym?

[Captain Cool]

Hi everyone,

 

I am thinking of joining a gym (yes, i know its cliche...). I figure if I actually spend money, I'll be more serious about it (as opposed to sporadically hitting the free treadmill in my home).

 

I plan on using the treadmill, exercise bike, bench press, and leg press (at least initially). My goal is to lose 10-15 pounds by late March and I would ideally like to go to the gym 3-4 days a week.

 

Having never joined a gym before, I have a few questions:

 

1) What is better: brand name gym (Bally's, NYSC) or neighborhood gym?

 

2) How much could I expect the monthly fee to be?

 

3) Any "catches" or hidden things I should look out for?

 

4) Should I sign up for any of the classes?

 

5) What's the best time to go (off-peak hours?)

 

6) Any specific "gym etiquette" issues I should be aware of?

 

Thanks for any advice.

[Joel Barish]

I do a workout video 4-5 times a week for thirty minutes. It keeps me where I want to be. I don't think spending money will necessarily make you exercise...its more of a lifestyle choice.

 

You have to really WANT to make these changes. I exercised more in 2008 than any year yet, and I plan to do even more this year. Best of luck to you mate.

[Captain Cool]

Well, I like to think that I'm committed. I have been jogging/walking 4 miles per day (on the aforementioned treadmill) from mid-September to mid-November and lost about 20 pounds (along with changing my diet). However, I've hit a plateau and haven't seen any progress since then.

 

So i figure I'd mix it up with some different exercises and see what happens. I don't want to commit to a gym for more than few months (as I will probably moving to another geographic area by this summer).

[shes2smart]

I used to be a member at Bally's and liked it....right up until they filed bankruptcy and closed their doors in my city without warning and very little info for members afterwards.

 

Then I had to go gym shopping. This all happened about a month ago, so it's still fresh in my mind.

 

My suggestion to you (and you may not be able to do this in detail since you haven't been going to a gym) is to figure out what you need, when you need it and what you DON'T need.

 

For instance - I don't like group exercise classes. I've done enough of them to know that. I don't want some pert & perky instructor standing in front of the room yelling at me to do "Just 2 more!!!" Only classes I like are yoga classes, and even then a specific style of yoga and I already know a couple instructors in the area who teach that.

 

One of the gyms I visited was very nice -- but the person who showed us around (I don't care what his job title was, he was a sales person) made a big deal about group classes. I stopped him and said I was not interested in group classes, didn't like 'em, wouldn't use 'em, please move on with the tour. Then he spent another 5 minutes telling me about group classes. And wasted more of my time telling me about their on-site chiropractor (I already have a chiro I've been going to for 4 years, I like him. I'm not going to switch.) and their nutritional counseling (um....I spent most of 2006 working with a really great Registered Dietitian...if I need help with that, I'll go back to her, thanks).

 

I dunno if they're used to people lying to them or what, but the dude went through his sales presentation and left me the impression that he didn't hear a single word I said.

 

We did not join that gym.

 

When I sat down and figured out what I really wanted/needed in a gym it was pretty simple:

 

I want ellipticals, weight machines and some floor space where I can do yoga poses/stretches. That's it.

 

We found a locally owned chain of 4 gyms that fit the bill. When we went to have a look around they did not try to sell us. They were like, "Oh, great...have a look around, if you have any questions, ask" and left us alone. They were also reasonably priced. Funny what taking out all those "extras" will do to the membership fees.

 

Anyway, I'd suggest visiting several gyms and seeing about trial or short term memberships at first to see if you like it and will use it. A lot of places will give you a week free try out and some will offer monthly memberships with no contract or short term (3mos, 6mos) memberships for a slightly higher monthly fee than a long-term membership. If you don't know if you'll use something (like group classes) try them out during your trial or short term membership and see if you like them.

 

The way a lot of these places make their money is from people who think they're ready to make permanent changes and sign up for a year or multi-year membership and then quit going after a couple months, but still have to pay off their contract.

 

One final thing, do not let yourself be pressured into signing up for anything. One thing I hated about gym shopping was the sales tactics some of the places used. I don't respond well to pressure, and unlike most people, if I start getting pressured I just up and leave. Be prepared to do that if you encounter a pushy sales person.

[Joel Barish]

So its mainly the weight you want to lose? If so I'm not really sure what more you can do...

 

I know my weight loss got to a certain point where it seems like only starving myself can make it fall any further. If I can maintain 165 I'm pretty happy though.

 

I just wish I could do something with my abs...I can never seem to get any traction down there.

[COtuner]

Good luck - you'll figure it all out once you're going regularly. It might become your favorite part of the week

[Jonboy582]

Well some things I cant answer because I don't come from the US but I can answer a couple.

 

2. Anything between £20 - £75 a month here in England depending on whether your going on or off peak.

 

3. YES I was all ready to sign up with like the best gym chain in England. £55 a week, and looked at the small print, I have to go for a minimum of a year. So would be tied down for £660.

 

4. Classes are always good for motivation, but if you can motivate yourself and know what your doing then don't bother unless you also want to meet people.

 

5. The best time is what suits you best, obviously off peak is less busy and cheaper. But that's why its off peak. If you can't make the off peak times go to the normal hours.

 

6. I am not sure but I'm sure there is lol.

[alli]

Personally I think they best gym is the one that takes you 5-10 minutes to get there from your home or work. If going to the gym is way out of my way I know I probably won't go. You should research which gyms are closest to where you live, call them & ask what their monthly fees are & how long the contract is for, and if you can come in & try it out for free the first time. That way you can try out all the gyms near you & determine which is best for you.

 

As for gym etiquette, make sure you sanitize the equipment after you use it. Usually they have spray bottles or antibacterial wipes. Some people bring a towel to the gym, I don't really. At my gym there are lockers available to put your stuff while you work out. No one else ever locks theirs up but I always do so I bring a lock. Also, depending on the weather they like you to bring a fresh pair of shoes to keep the gym clean.

[ghost69]

Hi everyone,

 

I am thinking of joining a gym (yes, i know its cliche...). I figure if I actually spend money, I'll be more serious about it (as opposed to sporadically hitting the free treadmill in my home).

 

I plan on using the treadmill, exercise bike, bench press, and leg press (at least initially). My goal is to lose 10-15 pounds by late March and I would ideally like to go to the gym 3-4 days a week.

 

Having never joined a gym before, I have a few questions:

 

1) What is better: brand name gym (Bally's, NYSC) or neighborhood gym?

 

pick one that suits you. i like gyms that have a lot of free weights with some machines.

 

 

2) How much could I expect the monthly fee to be?

 

most are around $25 where i am

 

 

3) Any "catches" or hidden things I should look out for?

 

not that i'm aware of. just make sure if you travel a lot, they have other gyms that you can use that is included in the price.

 

 

4) Should I sign up for any of the classes?

 

only if you think they will be fun and you will attend. some gyms charge a bit more a month to do the classes.

 

 

5) What's the best time to go (off-peak hours?)

 

i like when it's busy sometimes. then i can get a spot for heavy lifting. usually though, i like it when the equipment is available.

 

 

6) Any specific "gym etiquette" issues I should be aware of?

 

always ask if someone is finished on a machine, bench, a weight etc. i usually get a confirmation from someone near them. 'anybody on this?'

 

make sure not to lift in the walkways. i absolutely hate that. makes people have to walk all around you. really annoying.