by Brian Williams

Created on: April 02, 2009

Working out and being fit doesn't require a gym at all, depending on what your definition of "working out" is. If you're one of the millions who flock to commercial health clubs every January to indulge in the age old tradition of losing weight for resolution's sake, then no, a public gym isn't necessarily for you. There are excellent alternatives. Taking advantage of such alternatives, however, requires more of a commitment than just forking over your hard earned cash for monthly dues.

It wholly depends on the type of person you are and what you're looking to accomplish. If you're a highly motivated person, then a gym membership is optional; on the other hand, making sure you're getting your money's worth every month and not letting your dues go to waste can be a good motivating factor for many people to workout. Saying the only path to fitness and leading a healthy lifestyle is a contract with a major health club though is to be ignorant of human history and how the body works.

Commercial gyms are full of people doing the same ol' thing and expecting spectacular results (what was the definition if insanity again?) The exercise routines that dominate the health club scene are taken from the bodybuilding playbook, and work for a small percentage of the population, especially those interested in amateur bodybuilding. The problem with the bodybuilding model for the general populace is that it fails to address everyone's needs, and often leads to discouragement. As a personal trainer myself, I've heard countless women say they "don't want to get big". Most guys want that ripped beach body, to look and feel strong, but not look like the cro-magnon specimens in the jean cut-offs over in the corner yelling at each other at the preacher curl bench. Older folks are simply looking to stay fit and maintain independence. So how does bodybuilding and the health club affect the larger percentage of fitness seekers? By giving them decent results but also leading them on the fitness rollercoaster, where they'll quit after awhile out of boredom only to join back months later and start all over again.

It doesn't have to be this way.

The reasons for wanting to be fit vary, from general health to sports proficency, but lets be frank: most want to feel good and look good naked. Or close to naked. Taking a look at human ancestry, man was intended for more than just jogging on a treadmill and doing a set or two of cable crossovers; we're meant to move, and moving leads to fitness. A couple thousand years ago, Greek Spartans and Roman gladiators didn't have a Bally's to join, they used the enviroment, and they are among some of history's most skilled and feared warriors. Think you need a posh health club to be in shape in today's modern world? Ask any member of the Special Forces, they'll definitely disagree with you. The fact is there's a whole world outside your door just begging to be explored, and doing an online search can give a multitude of workout plans using nothing more than your own body. Or look into converting a basement or garage into a money saving home gym for the convienence.

That's not to say a commercial health club or gym doesn't have something of value to offer. In fact, many find the social aspect of gym going motivational, that the group aspect helps them. Curves for Women members can attest to that. On the other hand, those who are considering a healthier lifestyle change or those who are tired of the gym scene and think there's no alternative, working out at home or in the Great Outdoors provides challenging workouts just as good as the local health club/spa (in many cases, better). If you're one of those types, give it a try. Bet you'll be surprised.

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