We’re in the midst of gym peak season, and as those of us unready for the prying eyes that will greet us during our first barely-clothed steps onto the beach this coming summer realise, we’re nowhere near ready. Those love handles and muffin tops need to go. The beer bellies and bingo wings need tweaking and toning. So where else can we turn to address such issues other than the gym?
Unbearable aches and pains following your first workout can scare you off for good, or even worse, leave you injured
It would seem like the logical choice, but is it the only choice? And what can you reasonably expect to gain from your gym membership? Your gym membership is your ticket to a brighter and healthier you, but only when utilised effectively.
Whether as a guest, member or even staff, I’ve been in and around a few gyms in my time. Hopefully, I can give you some valuable insights before you part with your hard-earned cash in pursuit of great expectations, and once you do, help steer you towards actualising those personal fitness goals.
Health and fitness clubs are going to be on the look-out for new clients and members at this time of year, so you will most likely have heard or seen some form of marketing tempting and teasing you into signing your name on the dotted line. This brings me to my first words of warning: be careful what you sign.
Beware of extended contracts you can’t get out of, or arrangements whereby you are likely to have to pay additional fees you weren’t made aware of initially. Make sure you know exactly what your money is entitling you to, and what your signature is commiting you to. In these testing economic times, businesses of all types are seeking out outstanding fees they are contractually and therefore legally entitled to, so be vigilant.
Once you’re happy with your membership agreement, it’s time to get sweating, or is it? Avoid exerting yourself on your first day. Unbearable aches and pains following your first workout can scare you off for good, or even worse, leave you injured.
Start slow. If you’re unaccustomed to exercise, a 20- to 30-minute cardio session with a little core and stretching work is more than enough to kick things off. Build on this foundation with small incremental steps throughout your next three to four visits, and pursue a regular programme only then.
This brings us to our next point: what exactly is ‘regular’?
It is clear that unless you receive some sort of guidance, you might not know your dumbbells from your crosstrainers, so how are you to find out?
Professional guidance is always advisable, but avoid falling into the most common danger of all. As a new gym member, you must be realistic about how much help and support you can actually expect to receive. Most gyms will promise all the support you need, but how much does this mean?
In a good gym, you will be entitled to an introductory session with a fitness instructor. During this session, you will be shown how to use the equipment safely and effectively, and set up with a basic programme you can continue on your own.
Following this introductory session, most of the time you will be on your own. Some instructors will be proactive with offering ongoing support and assistance, but if they aren’t, you can always ask.
If you take this route, remember that assistance and support from an instructor is not personal training. This ultimately means that you must be motivated enough to learn your programme and exercise autonomously.
You must assume responsibility for your own results, otherwise you may find yourself disappointed.
I have noticed from observing the countless members who pass through gyms each and every year, that those who spend more time seeking additional assistance than digging in and putting hard work into the basic programmes they are given, are those who typically give up soonest.
Personal training is an entirely different service altogether. Personal training comes at additional cost, and for good reason.
Fitness instructors are there for everyone; personal trainers are there for their individual clients only. A personal trainer can screen every aspect of your lifestyle, get to know you, plan individualised workouts, work around any problems or issues you might have, and perhaps most importantly of all, figure out the best way to motivate you.
If you feel you might need such support, then consider personal training from the outset, but be well aware of the costs. Paying that little extra might be the difference between achieving your goals and falling by the wayside of fitness-adherence statistics.
If you think you can go it alone, gym memberships are your best and most cost-effective bet. If you feel you need a helping hand, consider personal training. If you fancy something a little fresh and funky, consider the alternative routes.
Group fitness has evolved way beyond the scope of jumping up and down to music in an aerobics studio. Classes come in virtually any shape or form, from Latin American dance to combat classes or advanced athletic conditioning workouts.
Attention won’t be entirely personalised, but your instructor will guide you through each step, and you can benefit from the combined motivation of the entire group.
Ask about these services at your local gym, find out how much they cost and weigh your options carefully against the likelihood of achieving your goals.
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