by Jen Bonds

Created on: October 12, 2008   Last Updated: October 20, 2008

Join a year, get a year free! You have seen the advertisements, it sounds like a great deal. Before you get too happy, you need to think about whether this gym membership is ideal for you. Get the specifics of the membership package, review the information and think your decision through before you accept the offer. Many people are so eager to lose weight that the impulse of the thought outweighs the reality of the terms. Several things should be considered before you commit to a gym membership.

*CAN I AFFORD THIS GYM MEMBERSHIP?

Is this an amount that you can fit into your budget? Remember that with exercise you also have to change your eating habits. Will doing this change the amount of money that you budget for food? If you feel that you will have to struggle coming up with the payment, stop now! There are many free ways to exercise that you can take advantage of without the worry of financial obligation. If the payment is not a problem, then the bonus of a free year is definitely something to consider. Shop around and find out what other gyms are offering. You may only have to obligate six months to one gym where as you have to sign for a year at another. Do your research before making a final decision.

*WILL I HAVE TIME TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE MEMBERSHIP?

Time is something that we never have enough of. Are you so exhausted by the time that you get off work that the only thing you can think of is getting home? If this is the case, then maybe a gym membership is not for you. You will need to be committed to scheduling a time for your exercise. Whether you get up earlier or go after work is up to you, but you should make time as if it were an appointment that you can't miss. Three workouts or more a week are sufficient enough that you will be making use of your membership. Less than three workouts a week can be done in other ways that will not require you to sign a contract.

*WILL I FEEL COMFORTABLE WORKING OUT IN A GYM?

Many people are tone and fit that have been members for a long time. Others are not, but are working on getting to that point. Are you going to be intimidated by others that make it look easy when you are struggling to catch a breath after ten minutes? If you feel that your image of yourself is going to keep you from going to the gym, work out at home until you are comfortable enough to workout in front of others.

*DOES THE GYM PROVIDE CHILDCARE?

With membership, most often gyms will offer childcare at certain times of the day. Is this a time that you are able to fit into your schedule? If you are not able to take advantage of this service and have to pay a babysitter to be able to workout, look into other gyms or find another way to exercise while including your children. Play a game of soccer or go for a walk.

We all have different needs with exercise. If a gym membership is something that you will be able to take advantage of and are satisfied with the terms, then it a great way to get a good workout. Do your research before you make a final decision. Make sure that the benefits are in your favor, don't commit to anything on impulse!

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