In today’s world, one of the most ideal ways to unwind is by going to the gym. Here, people can release stress and energy by increasing strength, building muscle and losing weight. It can be considered a hub for people who are conscience about their health and well-being. However is having a membership to a gym really worth it? Here’s a brief summary of some of the pros and cons of having gym memberships.
Pros
One of the main reasons gyms are so popular, is their endless diversity. You can choose between the treadmill, the elliptical, or the stair climber. You can take a kickboxing, spinning or a Zumba class. You can choose between various weights and weight lifting machines. You can play a competitive basketball game or swim a couple of laps in the pool. With a gym, you could easily do a different type of workout every day of the week, meaning it’s much easier to beat exercise boredom.
In addition, professional guidance is always available. Whether you’re new to exercise or looking to kick it up a notch, belonging to a fitness center gives you access to professional guidance you simply can’t get most of the time when you work out entirely on your own. Personal trainers, certified fitness instructors, and nutrition experts can offer the information and support you need to reach your goals.
As funny as it might sound, gyms are a good place to meet people. Attending a gym can be a social experience if you choose to interact with the many people around you. Furthermore, if you are short on inspiration or motivation, the gym can be a perfect remedy. All you need to do is look around. There are always people there who can provide inspiration. You can see yourself in others, and aspire to push yourself a little harder.
Cons
Yet some people are reluctant to the whole idea, the reason being exorbitant prices. The truth is that some gym memberships can be pretty pricey and the expenses can pile up. It can be difficult to hand your hard-earned cash over to a fitness center when you know that to get a good workout all you really need is your body, motivation to get off the couch and a decent pair of sneakers. In other words the gym experience and conveniences may not be worthwhile to some people.
A lot of the times, gym memberships are purchased, yet are not fully used. Therefore money is going to waste. You may pay for a month’s worth of exercise, yet really only make it to the gym 2 days in that month! Not to mention the year-long memberships that are purchased at a discounted rate, yet people skip weeks and months at a time. Turns out instead of saving money, you end up losing money.
Moreover, excessive crowding can become an issue. Although you would expect a quiet and individual workout, at times it becomes hard to achieve amidst hordes of gym goers. Depending on the gym, exercisers sometimes have to wait to hop on treadmills. This leads to time wasted and workouts cut short.
Solutions
Generally, the times of day where the gym is packed is around 5pm -8pm on weekdays when people are getting off work. To avoid the crowds, try working out before work for about an hour, giving yourself enough time to shower, and get ready in time for work. Nights are less crowded as well. If you find yourself up at night unable to fall asleep, maybe a quick trip to the gym is a good way to unwind from the day.
To beat the costs of a gym membership, look at the resources around you. If you are a college student with a gym and/or track on campus, if you work full-time and your company has a gym on site, or if you live in a housing complex where there is a gym and pool included, take advantage of your “free” access to these facilities! After all, many times you are unknowingly paying for these facilities in your tuition or rent, so might as well use them. Most of the time, these gyms have the equipment that you need for a complete workout. Also, look into sport leagues in your area that you can join, or tournaments put on by your companies and schools. The good ol’ outdoors, for many, is the best gym you can work out in.
If you must purchase a gym membership, find a friend, roommate or a family member who already has a gym membership to team up with. A lot of the times, having a workout buddy will allow you to make the most out of your gym membership expenses as they will push you to actually go. Plus the companionship doesn’t hurt.
A gym membership isn’t for everyone. The key is to really know yourself and consider if paying hundreds of dollars a year to stay in shape, is an expense gone to waste a form of motivation to get you to go to the gym.
Image by jerryonlife on Flickr