This time of year brings A LOT of thinking about New Year’s resolutions and with that, the top of the list is usually WEIGHT LOSS. Gym owners are smart and they capitalize on this by offering some really great deals to get people to use their facilities. Low monthly fees are great, but before you give your $10 per month, consider a few things:
1.BE REALISTIC ABOUT YOUR TIME
Most people know they should exercise to some degree, but never COUNT THE COST it takes to do this. When you join a gym, you are adding time to your “workout” simply because of travel/shower/packing up. If you have kids, you’ll need to consider what to do with them as well. This might be getting up earlier or working out sitter arrangements.
2. HAVE A PLAN
FAR too many people head into the gym without a plan and do two main things: hit the elliptical/treadmill and then do some sort of circuit on weight machines. This DOES NOT equal a plan. There a ton of free resources out there to help you have a workout regimen. Focus on different muscle groups each day and REALLY WORK
if you are going to do this.
3.HAVE A BUDDY
Gyms typically see a RUSH of people for about 2 weeks after New Year’s and then it trickles off. WHY? Because they have NO ONE holding them ACCOUNTABLE . Workout groups and classes can be helpful, but gyms often charge extra for these.
4. DON’T FORGET NUTRITION
Nutrition is literally 70% of the equation in getting fit. Without a plan for nutrition, you could hit the gym for an hour a day and make little progress. Setting a daily calorie goal and planning out your meals will make a HUGE difference in your results.
CONCLUSION:
If you are seriously considering the gym as a fitness option for the new year, you will need to
MAKE TIME for it, and probably more than you would need for an at-home workout. I understand that some people like the nature of being with others, but DON’T MAKE EXCUSES then when it comes to time. You will need to prioritize your day in order to fit everything in.
If you need help getting started on a workout regimen or need help with nutrition, consider joining one our 30 Day Fitness Challenges that are based in Facebook, comment below and we’ll get back with you quickly to get rolling.