What's a good gym to join?

[XemaSab]

And what should I avoid? :shrug:

[backscatter712]

1. Does your town have a rec center?

Mine does - has a swimming pool, weight machines & exercise bikes, a gym, etc. Should be perfectly good for a basic workout, and is a hell of a lot cheaper than Bally's or any other commercially owned gym.

[flvegan]

2. What are you looking for in a gym?

What are your fitness goals?

[XemaSab]

4. I'm kinda fat

but I'm also resigned to the fact that I will never be skinny. I think being buff is a more realistic goal.

That being said, I'd like to improve core strength, upper body strength, and flexibility. I have bad tendons and I'm injury-prone, and I think having a regular low-impact workout will help reduce injuries. I've also got asthma, and I'm hoping that regular exercise with some cardio will help me reduce exercise-induced asthma episodes.

Is this realistic? :shrug:

Thanks. :hi:

[flvegan]

7. Okay, based on that

I'd join a gym with a lot of machine weight equipment (like a 24 Hour Fitness, and there's one in your area). Now, there are two types of machines. One that uses belts/chains and selectable plates and one that uses regular weight plates, but operates as a machine. Machines are low impact, and the risk of injury is much lower. A gym like this should also have a significant amount of cardio equipment that are also low impact, like stationary bikes and elliptical machines.

You'll want to inspect your diet as well, if you're looking to drop some weight.

[XemaSab]

9. Thank you!

:hi:

[lost-in-nj]

3. One that will

PUMP YOU UP!!!!






lost


most gyms have a "trial" period....


go look at them all and see what you are comfy with

the Y's have a good gym....

I would avoid the ones that sell the "extras"
vitamins etc..




lost

[JanMichael]

5. I concur with the rec center advice.

Some city's have great gyms for practically nothing to use.

[DS1]

6. one that's close

some hotels allow you to use theirs for a small fee. and you get a pool. and you never see anyone again so you're free to embarrass yourself

[huskerlaw]

8. I go to LA Fitness

I think they vary greatly by location, but the one I go to is small and not a total meat-market. Most of the members there are normal looking individuals who are more interested in feeling better and losing a bit of weight than they are about turning themselves into body builders and/or getting laid.

But DO go for one that's nearby. The further away it is from your house or job, the easier it is to make excuses for not going. Also, try to check it out during peak times. Are there treadmills available at 6:30, or is the place absolutely jam-packed? That kind of thing.