Gym membership

[Bellainey]

Hello, I've been exercising regularly for about 6 months. I have been doing 30 day shred and couch to 5k, not constantly but fairly frequently. My fitness levels have improved and I want to join a gym! I have the option of two local gyms, one is cheap with no classes, £16.99 a month, and a more expensive option , (£29.99 a month) with loads of classes. I am a beginner to exercise really and am tempted by the expensive option. However I am not sure l am a class type person. What should I do?

[kirinm]

I tend to exercise better when following a plan / DVD or class. It's always good to vary your exercise so classes are a good option. I personally don't enjoy the treadmill or cross trainer.

Do the classes sound like something you'd like to do?

[Bellainey]

I do quite like the idea of getting on with my training at the gym . I am quite a shy person so classes seem a bit daunting. However, I don't have a lot of knowledge so classes would help me. I like the idea, but am a bit scared....

[nbee84]

Is there somewhere you can do pay-as-you-go classes to give them a try? Even if it's not the gym that you'll eventually want to join. Could you approach the more expensive gym and see if you can negotiate a 3 month trial membership?

Our local council run gym has membership and pay-as-you-go options. Last year I was having some upper back problems and paid to go to some pilates classes, which I enjoyed. I looked at the membership and it worked out that as long as I did more than 2 classes a week it made sense to join and pay for membership. As I was now a member all the classes were opened up to me so I started trying them out. Started with body conditioning and have pretty much tried them all now. They have loads and I'm doing 6 - 8 classes a week now (double classes some days)

I get so much more from a class. I really push myself to keep up with everyone and complete all the exercises. I find it much more motivating than working out solo in the gym - where I tend to give in when it gets tough, or do 40mins and think "that'll do"

[kirinm]

I was always really nervous in a class too and hid at the back but as I got fitter I felt more comfortable.

I miss gym classes.

[Jaimx86]

Have you got a Lifestyle Fitness by you? I pay £6 a month (because I paid 18 months upfront) and it's just as good as the £50 a month one I used to go to and has lots of classes included.

[Bellainey]

Many good ideas! The expensive option is a council gym and I think they do 'pay as you go' options. I think I will try as I agree I will get more from a class than the gym alone. No Lifestyle Fitness sadly, these are the only games in our quite small town! Thanks all.

[Jaimx86]

Op, just seen that you like the idea of getting on with your own training. Me too-it's essential me time!
I strongly recommend that you look at bodybuilding.com as they have very clear videos of how to perform 100s of exercises correctly. I've learnt so much from there about correct form, and also about cardio routines.

[Jaimx86]

Link to their exercise guides www.bodybuilding.com/exercises/?

[Bellainey]

Thanks, just had a look. It looks really good.

[Glitteryfrog]

Gym classes
I work SO much harder when I'm being bossed around.
Honestly no one cares what you're doing in a gym class. I couldn't tell you who was in my gym class yesterday or what they were doing. You'll make 'gym Friends' who you know nothing about except what they look like in Lycra :)

[Bellainey]

I think you are right Glittery, I am going to join the expensive option this week and steel myself to go to the classes.

[LexieSinclair]

Yes to what Glitteryfrog said. In my experience classes keep your interest and motivation far more than working out on your own does. You have more variety and an instructor to make you're you're doing everything right.