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Five Questions to Ask Before Joining a Gym Membership

 

Getting in shape has little to do with a sweaty workout pumping iron and running the treadmill. If you happen to have the money but little incentive to exercise, a gym membership may be what you need to get into shape. You'll need an instructor to help you use the equipment correctly for maximum results. But if you're overweight or obese and have never exercised before, you're better off skipping the gym.

But before you consider signing up, think first about improving the state of your current health by eating a healthy diet. Likely you're consuming highly processed food loaded with sodium, sugar, fats and chemical additives. There's no point in a gym membership if your diet guarantees stress and fatigue that will only keep you from setting foot inside the gym. That membership money is best used to change to a healthy diet.

After changing your diet, the next order of business is to get advice from your doctor. He can recommend the best steps to take to get on an exercise routine. If climbing a flight of stairs leaves you panting for breath, then you may need to take a simple walk to the nearest street corner and back for the first few days. Walking is a great form of exercise that anyone can do and doesn't require specialized equipment. It allows you to get in cardiovascular exercise. You can build up strength and stamina for the day when a gym membership makes sense.

A lot of people stay in shape without ever setting foot inside a gym. Many exercises can be done at home. Even the work environment can provide moments to exercise in short bursts in between work activity.

If you are considering a membership, ask yourself these few questions:

Are you prepared to devote the necessary time to exercise?
You need to know if you can fit an hour for exercise into a busy schedule. If you're doing a lot of overtime in your job or need to be available to meet the needs of your family, tending to ailing relatives or filling your civic duties, you'll only waste money on a membership. You'll likely hurry your sessions and get little benefit from squeezing an hour's workout into a fifteen minute session.

What are the reasons you want a gym membership for?
Getting into shape and losing weight are certainly good reasons. But if the gym becomes the best method to socialize, you're wasting your money. Similarly, if it's a status symbol or you just want to watch the cute redhead skipping rope, then your reason isn't good enough no matter how well the entertainment.

Are you healthy enough?
That depends on what your doctor has to say. Exercise in the gym can be intensive. If you live a sedentary lifestyle, smoke and have heart disease, cancer, diabetes or disabilities, a gym is more likely to lead to injury rather than a strong body. If you are ill and your diet consists of junk food you won't have any desire to hit the gym anyway.

What kind of gym membership will meet your needs?
Likely you'll need to hunt down one that best suits your requirements. If you're strapped in a wheelchair, a gym that has no access ramp won't help you get inside. While gyms do cater to a broad base of customers, not all of them provide the support from a fitness instructor. Some provide information on meal planning and how exercise helps you stay fit and happy. You might not be happy in a gym run by a drill sargent.

Can you afford the membership fees?
You may discover that there are a lot of hidden costs, taxes and more that add up to the stated price. If your current job is insecure and you're facing a layoff, that's not the best time to join a gym. Payment of debts, chronic pain and illness means you're better off saving your money.

A good workout doesn't require the services of a gym. You can always start by taking a trial membership. If it doesn't suit you, you can still build endurance and strength at home for a lot less.

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