Taking the decision to embark on an exercise and fitness program is probably the best choice you will ever make. No matter what age you are or how seemingly unfit you have become, it is the best investment in ‘you’, that you can make. For some people though, having taken this leap of faith, the idea of implementing it can seem quite daunting. First you will need to decide whether to join a gym or exercise on home equipment. My advice would always be, join a gym – the advantages of a gym mean that you should get the best advice in a supportive and motivating environment. So the next question is the choice of gym. Studies have shown that the traveling time to and from the gym and therefore its proximity can be very influential on motivation as time goes on. Draw a mental radius in your mind beyond which you would not want to travel, more than 2 or 3 times a week. Having made a short list, it’s now time to pay a visit to find out which is best suited to what it is you want to achieve. When visiting a gym for the first time try to make sure you go at peak time which tends to be between 5-8pm, on a week day. This will give you an idea of the pressure on resources and how much time is spent waiting around rather than productive use of your time. It is usual for gyms to give potential members a tour of the facilities showing what is on offer. Have a mind to what you are looking for and consider some of the following.
- Will you be using free-weights or weight machines?
- The range of cardio-vascular equipment
- Would you like to participate in group, aerobic classes.
- If you like to swim, does the gym have a pool?
- Do you like to be pampered – do they offer therapy sessions?
- Do they having tanning machines?
- Are you likely to want to eat afterwards –do they offer healthy options?
