Gyms

lexgem

Hi everyone,

I was wondering what you all think of gyms?
I am considering joining one but I'm unsure. Which features do you use and love, which ones are nice but not used much at all?
How does going to the gym compare to working out with Jillian DVDs, on a home elliptical or running outside? Do you think it's worth the extra money?

mike737

i love the fact that my gym is pay as you go, so know added pressure with a monthly bill.

And the cardio stuff all have tv's on them and i can zone out and watch some tele while running lol

jellybaby84

For me a gym is absolutely invaluable. I love it. It's cheap entertainment, it occupies any free time I have that could result in me eating (!) and it makes exercise fun/makes me do it.

I adore group classes and go regularly to: Body Combat, Body Attack, Body Pump, Bpdy Step, Body Jam and Conditioning classes. I use the main gym floor and the swimming pool less but that is personaly preference, they are also very popular.

Comparison to home DVDs - a million percent better. You can see the instructor better, it's actual human interaction, there are other people to keep you going, you have more space and the correct equipment and the atmosphere is much better.

Comparison to home elliptical - I don't have one but it would be nice to be able to watch tv or work while running at home I guess.

Comparison to running outside - personally I don't run outside much because a) I can't motivate myself to do it in bad weather and b) I don't want to be seen by anybody I know. But I do think outside running is infinitely more interesting and rewarding than a treadmill.

Is the worth the extra money - If you have it then absolutely yes. It's not worht putting yourself into debt or struggle over as obviously you can lose weight without a gym. But if it's spare money then I can't think of many better ways to spend it.

Maryjaneshoes

I love the gym, especially group fitness classes. Getting to know other members of the gym also keeps you motivated to keep going! I love Jillian DVDS if I can't get out, but I prefer the variety of machines/weights available at my local gym.

GaiaGirl1992

I go to Planet Fitness when I'm home.

pros: I love how big it is, they have at least 2 of every weight machine and a lot of each cardio machine. I like the fact that you can challenge yourself so much more with the heavier weights.

cons: It's really intimidating to see guys who look like football players watching me struggle to lift 40 lbs, while they do 240 with their middle finger. if you have good self esteem about yourself, this isn't an issue though.....XD

myak623

I think it depends on the person. I, personally, love the gym. I put in my ear phones and escape to my own world. I don't socialize while I'm there. I've done P90X at home. While I did enjoy that, I just prefer being at the gym.

jbug100

I use the cardio machines and weights at the gym...all of which I could probably do at home. I like the gym because it gets me out and around other people. I tend to keep to myself at the gym, but even so, it still feels like a social event. My advise would be, if you want to take classes at the gym, make sure the class schedule jibes with your schedule. I dropped classes at my gym because they kept changing class times and instructors.

lil_pulp

Being a member of a gym has played an integral role in my weight loss. I'm much more motivated when I workout at the gym versus on my own (especially in the cold, dark, snowy winter). There are a lots of options: various cardio machines, various weight machines, free weights and dumbbells, different classes. There are trainers walking around sometimes and they've been happy to answer questions for me, which is helpful. Also, it's great for meeting people with common goals and interests. And paying a year in advance gives me the extra motivation because I don't like wasting money, so I can convince myself to workout when otherwise I wouldn't.

But lots of people are perfectly happy to workout at home or outside and have great success that way.

Why not join for a month and see how you like it?

tkb1985

It's really all about personal preference. I hate going to the Gym, mostly because I'm still very self conscious about my body, and don't like working out in front of other people.

On the flip side, some people swear by them, and can't get motivated without having that gym to go to. Again, personally I can't get motivated to go to the gym, and am far more likely to work out to a DVD at home, or go for a walk.

I do, however, miss having a treadmill, but if you have an elliptical, that's probably not a factor for you.

It's really all down to you. Do you have the spare cash? Do you honestly think you'll go often enough to warrant the outlay. If the answer to those is no, don't join a gym. If it's yes, then it's probably worth a try

corieueber

it's horses for courses - personally l love my gym, it's small and family friendly l love the classes for making me work harder than l do on my own but then when l can't make it to a class l use the cardio or weight room, and the pool/spa/sauna is good. Although there are some people there that are a lot fitter than me l never feel intimidated - they are always happy to ignore you if you want to work out privately or can offer assistance or support when needed. The trainers are always welcoming and there to talk to about weight/eating/exercising or just life

mthornton2

I love going to the gym because of the group classes and the people i meet. One of the instructors ask us where we have been if we miss a class. She helps keep me in check. I do not feel intimidated by other people at the gym because they are not there to judge anyone they are there to do their work out and if you need help they will help you out. I have found that some of those big guys if asked will help keep you motivated also because they started from somewhere also. If you have the money you should do it!!

rosied915

I've been going to a gym nearly every day for 8 years. In that time I've lost and gained weight depending on whether my eating was controlled or not, so joining a gym is not a miracle cure.

What going to a gym DID do for me was:
help me conquer my fears of getting hurt and exerting myself,
get me to try things I would have NEVER done on my own,
taught me how to "get to a sweat" and ENJOY it,
give me a group of "gym buddies" who look for me every day and worry if I'm not there,
introduced me to my beloved Yoga which has been a saving grace for me since the day I tried it,
give me access to some very knowledgable athletes, trainers and fitness enthusiasts who don't seem to mind me picking their brains.

SO, those are some of the things that a gym might do for you that are not in the "brochure"!

That being said, I also do Jillian Michaels DVDs just to change things up and thoroughly enjoy them too.

Teksavvy

I had a gym membership that I used a lot in the distant past, but very little in the past six years. We also have an elliptical machine that until recently was being used as a clothes rack.
I think for weight loss, exercise needs to be a daily activity. I personally can't make it to the gym that often so the elliptical has been great.
I live in Texas and it has been so hot here, I think my gym shoes would melt. It's cooling down now (today) so it's another activity I can do.

I've tried DVDs but I'm not coordinated enough (yet) so I don't break a sweat since I'm too busy trying to follow the moves. I haven't tried Jillian's DVD so I don't know if her exercise videos require this.
I do miss the fancy weight lifting machines at the gym, but I need to find a way to get to the gym at least 2 days a week to justify the expense.

nattiepeach

I've been a member of Virgin Active for about 2 months now, and I have not since exercised less than 3 times a week, but often more. I find it way more motivating than running outside, as I used to do, because the weather is never an excuse. It is also safer, especially since I usually exercise in the evenings. Also, you are not limited to one exercise, there is such a great variety! I get bored quickly so like to change up my workout quite often.

It's also nice to know exactly how many calories you've burnt when using the cardio machines. I was never sure about the exact speed/distance when running outside which made it difficult to calculate calories accurately. And having trainers around to ask questions is great, because I'm full of them!

Good luck!! xxx