One Hundred Dollars a Month

I don’t have a gym membership, but I know many of you do. I think they are great in theory if I didn’t have to be around all those sweaty people in such close proximity. This non-people person freaks out! I know so many use them and love them and see great results because of them. And I know many of you probably don’t get your monies worth each month. And you know how I feel about wasted money! Gag. I’ve got a few ideas on how to get the most out of your gym membership, since you’re coughing up the money anyway. Here are a few great ways to utilize the gym:

Pick the Right Gym: Figure out your fitness goals and then make sure your gym is in line with them. If you only want to use the gym for the treadmill and free weights, you don’t need a gym with all the bells and whistles. Classes and a pool are a must for some, but you pay for them. Tour a few gyms {most offer a free day pass to check out their facility} and determine which one lines up with your goals best. You’ll use the gym more if it’s suited to your needs.

Fuel Your Body: If you don’t eat right before you hit the gym, you’ll probably be more apt to wander aimlessly. Your workouts will be less effective because your energy will be zapped! A mix of simple carbs and a little bit of protein that will give you energy without weighing you down. It will make that drive to the gym worth your time!

Take a Class: Even if you think group fitness is for the birds, there are hundreds of new and fun classes available at most gyms. It’s not just step and boring aerobics anymore! Aerobarre, Bollywood Dancing, Bikram Yoga, Hip Hop Hustle and more. There’s pretty much a class for everyone. The great thing about classes is that you not only get free instruction from a certified teacher, but you a forced to workout for the full hour or look like a big quitter. Might be great for someone who needs a tad more motivation!

Get Into a Routine: The longer you stay away from the gym, the easier it is to get out of the habit of going. Try not to go more than 2 days between visits. Set a time each day or make a schedule each week and stick to it. Some find a before work workout is best while others like to hit the gym at night. Find out when you have the most motivation and energy throughout the day and roll with that. If you stay consistent with your gym attendance, you will obviously see better results, but you will also be getting what you paid for.

But Not Too Much of a Routine: If you do the exact same thing at the gym every single day, you will probably get bored. If you get bored, you will probably stop going. If you do the exact same thing at the gym every single day, you will probably stop seeing results. If you stop seeing results, you will probably stop going. See how this could be a vicious cycle? So switch things up. Do weights one day, take a class the next and then maybe swim laps. Routines are great, but make sure you’re still seeing progress and still wanting to show up. If not, switch things up.

Use the Freebies: Many gyms have family swim times where you can bring your kids to the pool without paying another dime! Some offer free childcare while you are working out. Others offer free nutrition clinics or classes. Most gyms offer a free session with a personal trainer. And still others will allows you to give a free week or day pass to family and friends so they can try out your gym as well. Ask about all of these at the front desk and they might just clue you in on a few more freebies your gym offers as well.

Are you a gym rat? How do you get the most out of your membership?

~Mavis

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