Three reasons to say, “No thanks” ..................................................
Some people collect gym memberships like Elizabeth Taylor collects hus-
bands — with about as much success. They figure that if they keep joining,
one of these days they may actually go, but inevitably the affair is short-lived.
Don’t bother buying a membership if you have no serious intention of using
it. If you fit the following categories, you’re better off finding an alternative
way to work out.
You want to exercise alone
If you can’t bear the thought of working out in public just yet, start off at
home and consider a gym again in a few months when you feel more confident.
Or, if you’re someone who prefers solitude and uses your workout time to
think, don’t waste your money on a health-club membership.
Your schedule won’t allow time
If you don’t have the time to drive to a club or if you can’t find one to accom-
modate your work hours, don’t force the issue. Exercising at home makes
more sense. (Know, however, that 24-hour gyms are becoming more popular.
Even Kingston, New York, Liz’s hometown, has had one for years — and the
place doesn’t even have a Starbucks.)
You hate exercising indoors
If indoor workouts make you feel like a hamster in a Habitrail, head outside
and walk, run, skate, or cycle. Keep in mind that you have to be pretty cre-
ative to get a great strength-training workout outdoors, but if you use your
body weight (push-ups, pull-ups), benches, outdoor circuit-training or fitness
courses, and so on, you can put together a pretty decent strength workout.
Knowing How to Judge a Gym ...................................................................
Don’t join a club simply because your accountant goes there or because the
club is promoting a special discount. Shopping around before you part with
any money is important. Here are ten factors to consider (some may matter
to you; others won’t) when judging a gym.
Location ..............................................................................................
This is probably the most important consideration. If your gym is on the
other side of town, you won’t go — even if it’s the Taj Majal of health clubs.
Ideally, join a club within a ten-minute walk or drive from your home or office.
Chapter 18: Health-Club Primer: Getting the Most Out of Your Gym .....................
