Is it worth joining the gym?

cathomer

Hi guys, I'm not sure whether to join the gym or not. I was going running, got up to running 5k, although only did it once, but before that we were running 25 minutes frequently, it took 39 to do the 5k. With the nights getting colder and wetter I'm starting to think it might be worth joining the gym again. I'm just not sure how much difference it would make if I started doing weights while I'm still fat. Should I wait til I've lost the bulk of the weight and then start?

amlynn16

It's never to early to start the gym. If you start now with the weights, you may not see as much of a weight loss for a couple of weeks because you're building up the muscles. Building muscles actually will help loose the weight because what the muscle does it helps burn the fat. I know some people do love running outside no matter what time of year it is. I still have a lot to loose (about 65 pounds) but it'd be well worth it since is getting colder outside.

BrianSharpe

The best time to start strength training is yesterday but I'll assume you don't have a time machine so today will do fine too.

While cardio burns more calories and promotes cardiovascular fitness strength training is exceptionally beneficial too in terms of body composition and ( especially if you plan on continuing running) injury resistance. I'm sure your gym also has the usual selection of cardio machines too so one day strength, the next a cardio workout. (Lots of people run outdoors all year 'round too - it's just a matter of dressing for the the cooler weather and thinking in terms of being highly visible)

Determinednoob

Don't know what your goals are, but this will probably cover it

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/686963-large-collection-of-info-for-beginners

ka97

Join the gym. Lift weights. It will not only help with losing weight, but stronger legs will also make you a better runner, and less injury prone.

jsheehan46

IMHO a gym is just another vehicle for excercise. What I enjoy at the gym is the freinds I've made and some of the group fitness classes. If you do join and don't feel like going, don't use it as a crutch not to get your exercise in.....just saying!

mfpcopine

If you can afford and will use a gym, sure, join it. There will be more variety of equipment than you could ever have at home.

Strength training is good for you, but the amount of calories that muscle burns has been greatly overstated. In addition, you should continue doing cardio to burn fat. Most important, though, is maintaining a calorie deficit through diet.

fitboricua

Agree with everyone else although I prefer to excercise at home.

gramacanada

Only join a gym if you know you are going to use it. So many people got for a few weeks and that's it.
You can do a good work out at home with very little equipment. Exercise bands in differing resistance levels.
A few hand weights and a yoga mat. Much cheaper than an un-used gym membership.

MAponte73

I just joined a gym and will be meeting with a trainer once a month. I think it was worth it, because of what you said the weather is holding you back as it did for me. GO FOR IT...

jagnal

It depends on you and how you would work out. For me I joined an all women's gym and is monthly. They have the Les Mills classes and I love them!! I work out in groups and it is very motivating for me.

SweetMe1

It is for me even though I only go two to three times a week. I live in a rural area and the gym is in the same town where I work two or three days a week part-time. On the days I work (usually just 3-4 hours), I also go to the gym. I do most of my cardio at home on a stationary bike or walking, but I do strength training for 45 minutes a visit at the gym plus I use some cardio machines I like (rowing machine, water resistance ergometer) I don't otherwise have access to. My gym is for people over 50 (I'm 62) and the people who work there set up an individual program for me which they tweak every few months. I've been a member for three years and I wouldn't want to give it up.

I do use it for exercise though, not socializing. I see a lot of people walk in the door, use a couple of machines, talk to a lot of people, eat a snack (!) and then leave again. Not very productive, IMO.

linz1125

If you will use it, then join. I have never lost weight faster than when I started lifting. And like a previous poster said, it will help you become a stronger runner. You don't have to be skinny to lift weights - it will still be beneficial and I feel like I have never seen my body transform so much, unlike when I was just doing cardio.

baoneill29

If you have reservations about joining a gym, you could do at home workouts. Have you looked into any available?

Hezzietiger1

weights will make a huge difference. Do it. No question.

SMarie10

I had exercise equipment at home, but always found an excuse not to use it. When I joined my gym, I committed to a three year contract, and now love to go there. It's especially nice to use when it's cold, rainy or snowing outside. I work with a trainer once a week, but feel it's been a great investment for me. It all depends on your situation - if you don't plan to use it, or have alternatives that will keep you active, save your money. It really depends on you.

nowine4me

Too bad you can't easily join a gym for 3-4 months while the weather sucks, then just walk away. They make it incredibly painful to quit. Do you have a neighborhood community center with fitness? They usually don't have the fancy machines, but all you really need is a barbell, free weights and heat.

postrockandcats

It's worth it to me as doing things outside is hard due to my work schedule and I really don't have the room or money for my own weights. If you'll use it and really want to do it, go for it!

niwrehs

Yes, do not get fancy.

hiker359

People thinking they need to lose weight before they go to the gym is like thinking that you should wait until you're dead of cancer to go to the doctor. There are people at all stages of fitness at gyms, so chances are you're not going to stand out as much as you fear. If anybody notices at all, you're most likely just another person that's trying to get more physically fit.

The only thing I'd say is that you shouldn't join the gym if you don't think you'll use it. Go, get your business done, and get out.

mhammaker

the gym is fun and in a way for me very motivating because now it's not only my wan to loose the weight, but it's all so not wanting to waste my $$$$$!! you know? lol

mauryr

Find exercise you enjoy, gym or not. If you don't enjoy stuff at the gym, you might not stick with it. (Remember, people NOT showing up is how gyms make money).

Derpina7

I have to say, the gym is what keeps me on track with exercising on a regular basis. If I could afford the exercise machines I wanted perhaps it would be different, but I always find excuses/distractions at home (even if it's just yoga or calisthenics).

sharleengc

I didn't really appreciate the gym when I belonged to one. I hated going every day even though I did and I didn't like working out with other people around.

Now, I live too far out of town to join a gym and I get tired of doing the same stuff all the time.

So...that being said, I am still workout but I miss having some of the options...so really, if you're fine with exercises that you have access too then joining a gym may not be worth it for you.

strikerjb007

If you like the idea of driving to a gym and actually being there, go for it. It's a great option. Otherwise, home workouts are all you really need. I'm proof that all you need is the right program (or routine if you find one online), dumbbells and a bench maybe. I helped my ex get into really good shape with just a few dumbbells and Chalean Xrreme.

carrietehbear

If you are truly committed to using the gym, then join. i didn't join until I moved to a new city/state and lost some of my free exercise venues. I now go 6 days a week partly because I want to get my money's worth.

Capt_Apollo

why don't you check out some of the local gyms, and sign up for some free passes. i worked out at four different gyms, a week each, for free like that. that way i could see which one was right for me.

TinGirl314

I love the gym!
It's so inspiring to go and see other people who want to be healthy too.
Not to mention there's more chances to change your workout if you hit a spell of not loosing.

Planet Fitness is only ten bucks....that helps too.

californiagirl2012

Hi guys, I'm not sure whether to join the gym or not. I was going running, got up to running 5k, although only did it once, but before that we were running 25 minutes frequently, it took 39 to do the 5k. With the nights getting colder and wetter I'm starting to think it might be worth joining the gym again. I'm just not sure how much difference it would make if I started doing weights while I'm still fat. Should I wait til I've lost the bulk of the weight and then start?

It would be good to start lifting now and continue to run. Lift say 3 days a week. The reason it's important to start now is because you want to have some pretty muscles there for when you lose the fat. Especially as a girl you don't have to worry about getting bulky, we don't have the hormones for it. You won't get like the big huge body builder girls if you stay completely natural. Also you don't have to worry about getting a hard ripped luck unless you get lean. If you lift heavy and lose enough fat you will look beautiful and tone, it's all a matter of how much fat you decide to leave on your body once you get close to your goal.

I'm super tiny and I lift really heavy and my lean body mass is only 104 lbs. I look kind of ripped because I'm lean, not because my muscles are big. If I gained some more fat I'd look softer and toned, and if I gained some more and became over weight again than I'd just look "hefty" again. LOL

Lifting weights is KEY. I recently had my DXA scan done and at 51.5 years of age I have the bone density of a super athletic 30 year old. That is a direct result of lifiting for over 30 years. Now if that is not scientific proof that lifting weights keeps you younger I don't know what is!

My full story and some sort of "muscle experiments" I wrote about, not that I know much:

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/740340-i-lost-60-lbs-at-age-51-anyone-can-any-workout

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/752246-i-m-afraid-to-try-an-new-weight-lifting-program-now

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/742284-lets-see-some-muscle-chicks-real-ones

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/746754-how-to-get-abs-with-pics

Tiffikat

I love my gym and I use it all the time for cardio, various classes, and some strength training. I will be looking more at strength training soon, but I'm waiting until someone can show me how to do some things so I don't injure myself.

However, I'm lucky and my gym is a block away so I really have no excuse not to go. If it isn't a big drive and you enjoy the atmosphere then go for it.

migdalp

I second gramacanada's reply.