| Issue #50, March 23, 2007 |
The Right Stuff
Most people find that working out at a gym can help them reach their fitness goals. Why? It’s simple. In a gym environment we are more likely to push ourselves to do that extra rep or to keep up in a class or stay on that treadmill a few more minutes. If you are by yourself, the group influence is not there. Plus, there are trainers who can help members improve their form – so costly mistakes and injuries are diminished.
What often drives a person to join a gym is the desire to improve his or her body condition. Most likely either they were told by a doctor they needed to do so – or they looked in the mirror and decided they wanted to fight the laws of gravity that take their toll on all of us. Those emotions that make us self-conscious (because we want to improve) eventually contribute to our need to reach our goal as we begin to see results.
Most of us have had some initial fear about joining a gym. Many find the process overwhelming. You start thinking about beginning a new fitness program – you start noticing advertisements for gyms and other fitness facilities. But you wonder, “Which one is best for me? If I make the commitment to a gym, will I get results? What if I don’t use it? Will I fit in?” Gym memberships often involve a commitment for a certain amount of time and money, which causes you to think, “will I get my money’s worth?,” even though most gyms only cost about two to three dollars per day for membership. Most of these questions will be answered once you establish a workable fitness routine. To ensure a good start, and to overcome some of that initial anxiety, here are a few tips on how to choose a gym that is right for you.
Do your homework. What do you like to do when you exercise? Do you like classes? Is there any equipment you are partial to? Are spa services important to you? Look for a gym that has the right stuff for you.
Check out the gym first. Make sure you visit and take a complete tour at a time when you would normally be working out, so you can see what the crowds are like. Ask about the hours. Even better – ask for a trial membership. Most gyms will let you try working out there at least once prior to joining. If they do charge you to use the gym for a day, ask if they will apply that fee to the membership if you decide to join.
Consider working with a personal trainer. Most gyms have a training staff and can help match you with a trainer. You can use the trainer to help get you started designing a fitness program for you (and then check in on you at periodic intervals) or work with you on a regular basis to help keep you focused and motivated.
Convenience is key. Is the gym near your home or on your way to or from work? If you need to travel more than ten minutes out of your way to get there, you will have a difficult time maintaining your commitment to going to that gym.
Watch your diet. Take a look at what you eat and drink and make sure that you are also addressing the nutritional component of getting in shape. A good trainer can help with this, but if you choose to do it yourself, there are also many good books that can help guide you.
Be patient. Results take some time. Choose workouts that you enjoy and do them for the sheer pleasure AND because you know you that they will help you become a healthier person. As you do this, you will begin to see results and those results will keep you going until you reach your fitness goals.
Exercising and being fit can be a pleasurable and rewarding experience. With warmer weather just around the corner, it’s a great time to start a new program. There is no time like the present!
To experience one of the East End’s best gyms, call Omni Health and Racquet at (631) 283-4770, stop by their 395 County Road 39A location in Southampton, or visit their website at www.omnihealthclub.com.
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