How to Love the Gym

Not everyone is a gym person. Maybe you prefer to be outdoors or you don’t want to spend the extra money every month. Perhaps you had a bad experience with a filthy gym. Either way, consider rethinking your bias and giving gyms another shot.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. There are plenty of gyms that are nothing like the sweaty "meat markets" of yesterday. Many gyms even cater specifically to women or families, which often means they are cleaner, have more classes and offer perks such as massage, facials or post-workout smoothies.

2. Gyms are a great alternative when the weather is rough and you need an escape from summer’s oppressive heat or winter’s freezing rain.

3. Many gyms offer childcare while you exercise. If the childcare program is done well, you and your kids will look forward to hitting the gym.

4. On a treadmill, elliptical or spin bike, you can catch all your news shows while you workout and save yourself the time it takes to read the paper at home.

5. Gyms provide a social atmosphere. Don’t underestimate the power of camaraderie to keep you disciplined. And thanks to the prevalence of iPods, you can have that sense of camaraderie without actually having to talk to anyone.

6. Gyms offer a variety of ways to stay fit. Between aerobics, spin classes, core strength sessions and all those sparkling machines, it’s hard to get bored.

7. Personal trainers are within easy reach and can help you get the most from your membership.

Tips & Warnings

• Most gyms offer trial or short-term memberships so you can decide if the gym is a good match for you.

[livingwell4u]

on 10/17/2009 Great information- gyms can offer a lot of advantages. Whatever gets us all to exercise, I say- do it!

[klnygaard]

on 6/30/2008 good job