Gym? I Don’t Need No Stinking Gym!

When working with my new Kaiser nurse practitioner she suggested setting up some goals to get started.  One of them was to get more exercise.  I have never been good at doing anything on a regular basis.  I had spoke to a couple of friends that said that they really like the brand new gym in my town.

I really resisted this idea.  The thought of a gym membership brought up two things for me, one was that I would be wasting my money because I would never go and two I usually hate the energy at a gym (the pretty people against the not so pretty people).  After about a month or so, I fought through those fears and made an appointment to take a look see.

The gym was not what I expected.  It was filled with everyday normal people. It smelled clean and had a fresh air open feeling to it. (must be the high ceilings and skylights) The staff was welcoming and friendly.  I left that appointment with a membership card and an appointment to meet with a trainer for an evaluation.

Reception Desk

I popped in a couple of times to “try” to do a workout.  I realized I really didn’t have a good idea on what I should be doing there.  Good thing I had this appointment coming up with the trainer.  I was hoping he would give me a routine to get started on. (that story will come later)

The good news is that I am still a member at that gym (1.5 years later).  Even though I fought the idea of signing up and thinking it wouldn’t help me in my success, it has become my place where I can go, focus on myself, be safe and know that I am supported there.  It was one of the biggest surprises in my journey, who would have thunk!

Here is an excerpt from a Forbes article about when picking a gym make sure it is a good fit for you.

Top Tips For Picking A Gym - Forbes.com

Whether you’re moving a regular workout indoors or creating a new exercise routine from scratch, avoid simply joining the first gym with the shiniest logo and longest row of equipment.

Instead, think about how a gym’s available amenities can complement your existing level of fitness. A marathoner or cyclist, Murphy says, should consider whether a gym is staffed with running or cycling experts. If weight loss is a primary goal, then seek out a club that caters less to the endurance athlete and more to similarly-minded gym goers likely to take advantage of fat-burning classes and an on-site dietitian or nutritionist.