Was signing up to a gym the best move you ever made?

For me it has been a very good decision. I have four kids, ages 9 and under, and a full-time job. For years, I've wanted to start exercising but just couldn't find the time. I have a bit more disposable income these days so in March I signed a 3-year contract for gym membership and added a year of unlimited personal training. Working with a trainer has been an amazing experience; keeps me motivated and I've seen great results. If I hadn't signed up for the personal training, I would probably end up being one of those people who has a gym membership but never uses it. Before I signed up, I thought I'd go and work out on the treadmill or elliptical. I'm sure this would have been good for my cardio health but I don't think I would have achieved the results I'm getting with a trainer (he's having me do a strength training program).

Also, I go to the gym on my lunch hour. Granted, I have a very flexible schedule so I'm gone from the office for a good two hours.

While this has worked well for me, I would really encourage you to evaluate your specific situation (e.g., what are your goals, how will you achieve them, will I have time to go to the gym, etc.) It is a pricey commitment and you want to make sure you'll get full benefit from it:)

i signed up with personal training. one of the best things i ever did for myself. i wish i did this when i was 20.

Look at my fitness ticker and ask me if the gym was the best thing I ever invested in......um, hell yea!

I'd say yes, especially since my membership includes a set number of personal training sessions (1 a week at first, then 1 a month for reevaluation). I recently had surgery (gallbladder removal) and am antsy to get back to the gym for lifting. I've been given the okay to cardio but I want to lift again. I'm also not one of those train at home type people. I'm still trying to get myself to do the Couch to 5k program. Luckily, some of the locations for the gym I belong to have indoor tracks where I can do that (the Vegas heat is brutal during the summer) so that's my next step because the surgery has me feeling better (didn't know that the pain I'd been feeling for so long was the first signs of gallstones or this would've happened earlier).

These are fantastic responses! I think I need to consider some PT sessions!!! ASAP!!!

Yes! Do it! A PT can show you how to use the equipment properly and show you proper form and all that. Even the employees at the gym can show you things, too. Some of the gyms I have belonged to would set up a routine for me and then give me a new routine ever 6 - 8 weeks. I joined my first gym in December of 2001. I like going to a gym, b/c there are no distractions like there are at home.

When I originally joined? No. Two years later when I finally decided to do something about my weight and use my membership? Yes!

Yes definitely. I love the gym and go 3-4 times a week for gym workout and then a swim. My profile photo shows a difference before and after starting at the gym, it has massively trimmed down my hips, thighs and stomach!

I still hate going to the gym, but once I'm there and the feeling I have when I've completed my workout is amazing!

yes, because it allowed me to start lifting heavy and if I'm paying for it, I'll use it.

Joining my gym has been a great experience for me. I was able to get a personal trainer for the first few weeks and learn good technique and proper form. He also helped with a future plan on how to lose weight and tone. They offer great classes and I can do my own cardio whenever...since it is open 24/7. I have also made a point to make some friends so accountability is there. If I don't show up for a day or two they are asking where I'm at and why I've missed.
It is also 4 blocks from where I work so there is no excuse not to get there after work and get it done!!
Good luck!

I've been going to gyms, paid or institutionally funded (high school, college, military, employer provided), for decades - it is a practice that is definitely a good move! I think one of the best moves I've made (in regard to fitness) was getting a personal trainer certification, because now I know everything about fitness!! J/k, but it did increase my knowledge and change the way that I approached my nutrition and exercise significantly.

Quitting my gym and doing my workouts with fitness blender was the best move I've made. I've made far more progress and spent far less money, so that's a win to me!

This. Add BeFit workouts, Turbo Fire and T25 along with Fitness Blender.

In the past I have tried the weights, aerobics, aqua fit at the gym...it was okay, but I didn't last long there then I tried Curves which was excellent, but I ended up not going after I lost 20lbs. So now years later I decided to do something more fun to keep me motivated...so I signed up for Kickboxing 8 weeks ago and absolutely LOVE it. Best decision I ever made was kickboxing - it is a strictly Women's kickboxing only place and the workout is fantastic...the people are very friendly and I love how we pair off with someone for part of the class and encourage each other...it is alot of fun and we have lots of laughs!! I always look forward to going back - I try to go 3 times a week.

No. I've been a gym member for YEARS. I stayed fat for a lot of that time. I needed more motivation than just a membership. Having goals to smash made the difference. I never set measurable goals for myself before. Once I did, I could focus training and that made a huge difference.

I signed up at my first gym ($15 a month) back when I was 19.

I would say that since I'm still just as frequent (though I haven't paid a gym membership in 16 years now), I'd say yes.

A.C.E. Certified Personal/Group FitnessTrainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

Best move! EVER!! A quick example. Several years ago, I lost weight until I weighed about 180 pounds. I did that entirely by managing my food and adding light cardio, mostly walking. That time, at 180 pounds, I wore a size 16 pants and usually a Large shirt.

Years passed and I gained weight. In a renewed commitment to living healthy, I started watching what I ate, I joined a gym, and added strength training (personal trainer). Combining smart eating, cardio, and strength training worked for weight loss. Most importantly, it had a non-scale victory as well. When I got to 180 with this apporach, I was wearing a size 12 jeans, occasionally a size 10; shirts were medium and some times smalls!!

Same weight - very different visual result. The scale should not be your only way to value results. Women have to work INSANELY hard to bulk up. I lift heavy weights (I can bench about 145) and clearly have not bulked up.

DO IT!!!!