by Lisa Armano

Created on: October 11, 2008   Last Updated: October 20, 2008

With the colder weather months upon us, many who regularly enjoy outdoor fitness routines are opting for indoor gyms. As a personal trainer, I've seen many people buy new memberships only to fade out after a few months. The need to join a gym is a consideration of pros and cons that should be weighed out. I hope that some of my observations in the gym will help you make your decision a bit easier.

WILL YOU LIKE IT?

I actually convinced my cyclist boy friend to join my gym. Big mistake! He cancelled within a matter of months. He couldn't stand being inside looking at four walls when he would rather be outside riding even in cold weather. Then there was one woman client who realized that she felt uncomfortable being looked at by anyone and refused to do any exercises that required being on a mat or in the "man's" free weight area!

Where you find yourself the most comfortable and motivated is where you are going to feel best about working out. Ask a friend to take you to their gym as a guest or request a free trial pass from your local gym. Get in and see for yourself if it's an environment that works for you.

CAN YOU AFFORD IT?

This is one of the biggest reasons that I see people leave. Unexpected financial difficulties come up and the first thing most people drop is their gym membership. Monthly costs can range anywhere from $25 to over $100 per month, and most clubs have 1-year contracts with a one-time membership fee of approximately $150.

Fitness clubs often offer specials at the last few days of every month to boost month-end sales. Ask if exercise classes and racquetball courts are free with the membership. Make sure the amenities you want are included and are not hidden fees. Avoid going in to find out. Sometimes sales people can snag you into an immediate sale. Call ahead for information.

CAN YOU MAKE THE TIME?

The standard recommended work-out time requirement is 30 minutes of cardio five times a week, and three 30-minute weight training session per week. What do you need and what do you realistically expect from yourself? Take a few minutes to write a time-line detailing your weekly commitments to see where you would fit the gym in. Is it before work which would require showering? Consider round trip travel time and how long you will need while you are there.

DO YOU KNOW HOW TO USE THE EQUIPMENT?

Walking into a gym can be a little intimidating. Some gym equipment may display proper use instruction on the machine, but many do not. You must be accurately positioned to properly work the targeted muscle and to avoid muscle strain or injury. Can you do this confidently? Work out with a knowledgeable friend to help you get comfortable with the equipment.

WILL YOU STICK TO IT?

For some people, the simple fact of making a monetary contribution to this effort will light the fire they need to be motivated to get up and go. Fitness clubs count on you not to attend, and over-sell their space capacity based on this fact. Don't be a statistic! Be honest to yourself. Do what seems right for you based on your fitness goals and enjoyed activities. This way whatever you do will be what will work to keep you happy and healthy for your future.

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