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Original poster

To rejoin Gym or not?

11 replies

cls77 · 30/10/2013 14:10

Hi all, I joined my local VA gym when I moved into the area in April 2012, by September 2012 my husband and I had seperated and I was able to be released from my contract with them (they were very understanding) My dd who is 11 and I often say how much we miss going to the gym as they had two pools (lovely heated one outside) and it is literally two minutes from our home. Well, I emailled an enquiry to them yesterday to see if there were any offers on etc, and theyve invited me to look round this afternoon with a view to rejoining. It costs a lot of money a month, but I would balance this by not living in Costalot in the eve/before work instead! Am I crazy to go back there when ive left before, when I need a kick up the arse to do anything, BUT I desperately need to do something as I am very overweight, and worry about my health and the impact of that on my daughter?
I have a few friends whose opinion on this I am not even going to ask, as they dont believe that I would stick to it, and I am very much a "ok I wont bother then" person, rather than a "I'll show you" type!
I dont want to make the mistake of paying a lot of money and not using it, but DD is getting old enough now to be able to leave for a short while in a few months time, if she didnt want to come with me. I used to be so healthy and sporty, and its all gone downhill, including my mood Sad please help me decide what to do..................Halloween Envy

OP posts:
HotelTangoFoxtrotUniform · 30/10/2013 15:29

Do you have private healthcare with PruHealth? They do cheap VA membership - I ended up binning healthcare through work and taking it out privately, which along with the gym membership was less than it cost through my work scheme. It's worth looking into.

If money is really an issue why not try other, cheaper forms of getting fit first and seeing if you stick to them. Try couch to 5k, or 30 day shred which involve minimal initial outlay. If you stick to them and get enjoyment out of them then you'll probably stick to and get enjoyment from the gym. Think of it as almost a trial run.

Original poster
cls77 · 30/10/2013 15:46

I did look into the Pruhealth option but due to current conditions felt it would prob be money down the drain for me. I've got little motivation to do any couch to 5k type of thing, as it's swimming I really enjoy along with the gym itself. I did tell myself to give the wii fit a couple of months and see if commitment showed results but found it too boring!!

OP posts:
HotelTangoFoxtrotUniform · 30/10/2013 15:54

Wii fit is boring!

If it's swimming you love then go for it! Ask if they'll do you a three month or so membership though to start with so you can work out if it fits in with your life.

I would love a gym with a pool.

Lazysuzanne · 30/10/2013 18:11

If you enjoyed the using the gym facilitates and were able to find the motivation to go regularly then I'd say it's worth looking into...I'd kill to have a gym with two pools only two minutes walk away.

I've a vague idea there might be some new legislation governing gym membership contracts...ie that they have to release you if you have sufficient reason?

Original poster
cls77 · 30/10/2013 19:08

Well I've joined!!!! Lots of offers on (including a £40 Beauty voucher! They have a Spa!!!) and option to freeze for ten pounds a month, daughter loving it too, new me here we come!!
Thanks for the advice peeps!!

OP posts:
HotelTangoFoxtrotUniform · 30/10/2013 20:14

Good for you!

UsedToBeNDP · 30/10/2013 20:24

Well done! I too am a member of an eye watering gym but it has the 2 pools and lots of stuff included that cheaper gyms don't ime. The gym I use are very keen on motivation and keeping up attendance / participation and so that's very helpful, plus obviously the expensive monthly outlay keeps me motivated to attend regularly!

Obviously, if membership if not affordable then it's a terrible idea, but if it can be budgeted for and used (!!) a membership to a great facility is a fabulous thing for fitness and general health improvement. Also nice socially, if you like that sort of thing (I'm a headphones and mind my own business type).

UsedToBeNDP · 30/10/2013 20:26

is not affordable

Sorry, typing on phone

Original poster
cls77 · 30/10/2013 21:53

I totally agree, if it isn't affordable then I wouldn't have joined, not this time anyhow! But I need to do this for general health and mental well being and although I'm not a sociable type I just hope to get out of the house more. I work 50hrs a week and just want to veg when I get home, but I sit down all day! I used to be on my feet 12hrs a day on the wards so feel very lazy now. Who knows, may even meet some new friends (eventually lol)!!

OP posts:
hazelnutlatte · 03/11/2013 18:01

I'm a recently joined VA member and not regretting it so far (been a member for 3 months.) The classes seem quite friendly if you we're looking to meet new people - no one seems to talk in the gym itself. I used to go to a cheaper gym but like the VA one much better - it's easier to motivate myself to go if I know I can relax in the sauna afterwards.
Hope you and your dd enjoy your membership!

Original poster
cls77 · 03/11/2013 21:44

Thanks hazelnut :) we have our induction this coming tuesday, and I've treated myself to a couple of items of gym kit to help me feel a bit more normal!!

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