Going to a Gym

[Seamus123]

.....

 

[DrHappy]

I think that many are around $40/month. Many of the large chains have contracts which require a subscription of at least six months (probably longer). I'm sure that you can do an internet search to find potential pitfalls for any particular large chain club before joining. Beware of some of the big chains. The pricing isn't straight forward and they make it hard to know what you are paying. They'll also likely want a long "interview" process before discussing plans.

I walked into a "24 hr Fitness" and politely asked the guy if they had a price sheet that I could take home to look at. He looked at me like I was crazy and handed me a clipboard with an application. He said that I'd have to fill out the form and a "consultant" would interview me. I told him that was on my lunch break and couldn't stay for that. He wouldn't give me even a hint, so I walked out and never returned.

I did the interview process for a "Bally's" once a long time ago. He finally got to the pricing and wanted a minimum contract of one year for around $40/month. The pricing was complicated, because there was a huge membership fee (and other mysterious fees), but there was a "special" if I signed up RIGHT NOW, which subtracted and changed various fees. The final monthly cost would have required a NASA supercomputer to figure out, but I estimated in my head that it was around $40/month.

I just noticed that the ballyssucks.org website is down.

 

[SweetErika]

You could call the gyms in your area. Steer clear of any that won't tell you how much it costs up front.

Also, if you still live near the University, you could see if alumni or community members can use the gym there for a fee. Or, do you have any community centers or the like with gyms for members of the community?

As for your family, where would their negativity be coming from? Jealousy that you're improving yourself and they're out of shape? Self-hatred? General anger at the world?

If you can figure that out, plus some of the things they might say, you can come up with some possible responses. Bullies want to see you feel bad and cower in response, so responding differently than they expect can often shut them down for a time. If they laugh at you and say you'll never go to the gym more than a few times, for example, you could laugh and make a joke. Or, calmly say, "If that's what you want to believe, fine," and walk out the door to the gym. Or, say, "You know, it's a shame you feel so bad about yourself that you feel the need to make fun of me, rather than support me in bettering myself," in a very matter-of-fact, assertive tone.

 

[CutieMouse]

I'd like to go to a gym, get in shape, lose some weight etc.

However.

I can't find a website for the gym in question I was thinking about so I don't know how much they cost - anyone got any rough ideas?

I'm also terribly shy and have no idea how I'd be able to raise the issue of me going to a gym and trying to improve my body without my family - all very cynical - bursting into choruses of laughter and scorn and negative comments if i said I'd like to go.

Any ideas on that front?

An excellent (and free) way to start getting in shape is walking; I have no clue about gym memberships, because I've never joined a gym.

As for family being negative/etc... why on earth do you need to inform them of the details regarding your interest in improving your health?

 

[Mazuri]

A few other ways than CutieMouse's excellent suggestion of walking (only because I find walking tedious LOL) is to take up a hobby that requires walking or any other increase in physical activity: join Habitat for Humanity (building houses is tough work), volunteer to coach a kid's sports team, go hiking...if you need hiking with a purpose, try your hand at geocaching/letterboxing, ask your city if they need volunteers to conduct walking tours of historic districts, take up disc golf (much cheaper than regular golf!), etc Also, take the stairs instead of the elevator/escalator, park further from the store, try karate/kickboxing/other martial art, take dance lessons

There are lots of ways you can increase your activity level without spending money or even making it look like you're "hitting the gym." I'm sorry your family isn't more supportive. Hopefully they will be once the pounds start melting off

 

[Bandit58]

I got a gym membership transferred to me so I only paid $55 joining fee, but I pay $36.50 (Australian) a fortnight. I can go anytime I want and they have various classes you can go to without paying anything more.

However I went with the personal trainer option, so I do pay quite a bit more for that ($600 for 10 hour long sessions). I'd never been to a gym or exercised before so I needed to learn the best way to use the equipment without injuring myself in the process! I recommend this option especially if you're just starting out, I've gotten a lot of very helpful advice as well.

As for the cynical family? Ignore them. YOU will be the one who is fitter and healthier and looking good, not them. Good luck

 

[simplegirl]

There are also low-cost gyms, such as family centers and YMCAs.

As for your family...you're not doing this for them, you're doing it for YOU. If they want to blather on, fine. **You're** leading a healthy lifestyle. Besides, what business is it of theirs?

I would also steer clear of any gym that can't give you a price up front. That's just plain WRONG. I know that would never wash here because of disclosure laws.

Also if money is a factor, there's walking (as has been mentioned), cycling, jogging, etc... There are also adults that get together to play volleyball, basketball, squash, soccer, etc... simply to stay in shape. So sometimes, it's just a matter of finding a group to join in.

 

[Ravin the Poet]

Don't rely on the internet. I have noticed that a lot on Lit, that a lot of people who want to go and do something, won't do it first without seeing a website. Odd when they say they want to get in shape, or get off the ccomputer.

As said, try schools and such. The gym I went to for awhile was like $29CDN a month which wasn't bad, and you walked in and did your thing. They gave you a personal trainer for the first three times you showed up to make sure you knew what you were doing, and then you went on your on. Was a really thing. We don't really have many major chains of gyms in Canada. We have curves but that is it (I'm not curvy so I wouldn't know what they are). We mostly have your private owned gyms, and what I know of, in my city we have three. So you may want to look in the phone book for those, because they are more likely to give you better service.

 

[Seamus123]

Thanks for all the excellent advice. I'm going to go to the local gym and pick up a pamphlet and investigate but going on what you've all said I think it'll be out of my price range. So I guess if that's the case I'll see if there's any community or YMCA facilities.

And as for my family? I don't know, it's weird. I'm very shy around them with regards to my hobbies and interests because they've never really encouraged them at all. I guess this is just another example of me being afraid to do something because of their reaction. Which is wrong, I know, but I can't help myself.

 

[WriterDom]

I think I paid a little more than 300 for the year in Jan. If you pay in advance you usually get a better deal.

My old one I really liked because it was open 24/7. I was working nights and could go at 3am.

 

[Straight-8]

Thanks for all the excellent advice. I'm going to go to the local gym and pick up a pamphlet and investigate but going on what you've all said I think it'll be out of my price range. So I guess if that's the case I'll see if there's any community or YMCA facilities.

And as for my family? I don't know, it's weird. I'm very shy around them with regards to my hobbies and interests because they've never really encouraged them at all. I guess this is just another example of me being afraid to do something because of their reaction. Which is wrong, I know, but I can't help myself.

Try community centre type gyms. The private ones can be good but want to tie you up with long term contracts. If you are new to this then start small. Get one month or a punch pass. You can also excercise at home (though the motivation can be harder to keep up) as you don't really need all those machines.

It is great you want to get in shape. I am over 50 and staying in shape has been the single most important thing I've done for myself in my life; both my sex life and every other aspect of it. The gym is a good step but only one fairly small part of the picture. Push yourself to adopt a more active lifestyle. In England that can be difficult with its 'pub based' social life. But investigate football, tennis, biking...whatever interests you. And, of course, there's the diet.

It's too bad about your family. I know the English practice of 'taking the Mick out of a person' and it can really be a strong force to make you conform to their 'norms'. You have to take your courage in hand and be willing to be 'eccentric' - within a year or so you'll just be known as that strange fellow who wastes his time in the gym!

Good luck Boyo!

 

[TBKahuna123]

When you're looking at gyms, think about what you want beofr eyou go in there. Around here you can pay a ton for a wfully functional health club, or a little for a lesser facility wiht no locker rooms, pool, etc. You do get what you pay for, but sometime you also pay for things you never use. I found myself doing that for years.

 

[Daes_Althor]

I know in Scotland, gym fees vary hugely dependin on quality, size etc. The local sports centre costs £30 a month ($60), this includes all CV and resistance machines, spotters, various classes (hips, bums and tums, power lifting, stamina builders etc), swimming pool, health sauna and a programme. But you can also pay by session, at £3 a time, so 12 sessions a month comes to £30. If your a student, try talking to your council, they usually give discounts of half price if your unemployed, student, OAP and so on.

But the YMCA is pretty good, but when i went there it was all just resistance machines and sunbeds, so i skipped that place. Best thing to do is see what you really want, but remember to make it effective, look at your diet as well, cut out takeaways, stock up on fresh meat an veg, an try to eat fish if you can. Red meat contains loads of protein for muscles, so if you want to build, either grill it or George Foreman it WITHOUT sauces, just veg an a little potatoes.

But what do i know, according to my BMI counter, im severely obese!

 

[Daes_Althor]

PS. Try to get a mate to go with you, havin a mate helps you keep goin, keeps you motivated, and you could even compete when both of you get fit to keep you going and have a laugh at the same time

 

[Snowman5933]

I joined the YMCA through work, they dropped the sign-up fee, and I pay about $18 per pay period or $36 per month for my entire family. I wanted to lose weight also and I can tell you that exercise alone is not enough. You've got to control your diet ( I gave up drinks - cola, powerade, cool-aid....etc.). I eat 2 eggs, 1 biscuit, and water for breakfast; 1 meat, 1 vegetable, and water for lunch; and pretty much a normal supper. I walk about 6-7 miles per day and I've lost 20 pounds since march (245 to 225). I thought all the walking would surge my appetite, but after a month it had the reverse effect. I don't know if this helps, but I thought I would share.

Snowman

 

[curl4ever]

Thanks for all the excellent advice. I'm going to go to the local gym and pick up a pamphlet and investigate but going on what you've all said I think it'll be out of my price range. So I guess if that's the case I'll see if there's any community or YMCA facilities.

And as for my family? I don't know, it's weird. I'm very shy around them with regards to my hobbies and interests because they've never really encouraged them at all. I guess this is just another example of me being afraid to do something because of their reaction. Which is wrong, I know, but I can't help myself.

Congratulations on taking that step! Ask about classes, since a regular class can be a good source of companionship and a good excuse to get you to the gym whether you happen to be "in the mood" that day or not.

I think that physical and emotional fitness often connect. As you increase your physical activity level, you may find that your happiness and calmness will increase to the point where you won't feel the need to tell your family and you won't care what they think even if they do find out.

-curl

 

[ender1818]

I'd like to go to a gym, get in shape, lose some weight etc.

However.

I can't find a website for the gym in question I was thinking about so I don't know how much they cost - anyone got any rough ideas?

I'm also terribly shy and have no idea how I'd be able to raise the issue of me going to a gym and trying to improve my body without my family - all very cynical - bursting into choruses of laughter and scorn and negative comments if i said I'd like to go.

Any ideas on that front?

I think someone mentioned it already, but the best way to start is to watch what you eat and to buy a good pair of running/walking shoes & start walking and eventually running. If you want to build some muscle start doing situps and pushups in your room--that way w/the door closed--no one knows!

besides the only way to show off any muscle that you get is to loose the weight to show it off!!
I'm down 25 pounds in the last 6-9 months (was down 35 but I wasn't too good this summer)

besides but this is a much less expensive way to find out if you are going to stick with the workout program!

Good luck and have fun w/it!

 

[curl4ever]

Bump - clinical research

Hi!
I thought I could make a little contribution from this week's news:

By Susan Brink, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
September 17, 2007
REGULAR exercise could help lift the cloud of major depression as effectively as an antidepressant, new research shows.

"A lot of people know from their own experience that when they exercise, they feel better," says James A. Blumenthal, a professor of psychology at Duke University and lead author of the study. But such anecdotes and gut feelings don't amount to clinical proof. So Blumenthal conducted a placebo-controlled clinical trial, the first time the gold standard of research has been used to compare exercise with antidepressants for treatment of major depression.

He sorted 202 patients into four groups. After 16 weeks, 47% of the people who took the antidepressant Zoloft improved. But some 45% of those who exercised in supervised groups improved, and 40% of those who exercised on their own improved, a statistically insignificant difference from the drug group result. About 30% of those in the placebo group improved, a finding consistent with the placebo effect.

Exercise, Blumenthal speculates, may increase endorphin or serotonin levels, so-called feel-good brain chemicals. The study was published in the September issue of the journal Psychosomatic Medicine.

http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-he-capsule17sep17,1,7827754.story?coll=la-headlines-health

This was the focus of my latest literotica story, so it was nice to see that the hard clinical evidence has improved!

Best wishes to all,
curl

 

[fire_breeze]

Thanks for all the excellent advice. I'm going to go to the local gym and pick up a pamphlet and investigate but going on what you've all said I think it'll be out of my price range. So I guess if that's the case I'll see if there's any community or YMCA facilities.

And as for my family? I don't know, it's weird. I'm very shy around them with regards to my hobbies and interests because they've never really encouraged them at all. I guess this is just another example of me being afraid to do something because of their reaction. Which is wrong, I know, but I can't help myself.

I don't know if you attend university, but most have campus gyms that either dirt cheap or even free, with students doing a BSc specialising in physical training helping out. You might want to check it out, go before/after class and that way, you can do your own thing without the fear of possible familial reactions. Just a thought...