Can you tell me your experience of joining a gym?

[Okkie]

Contemplating joining a gym-virgin if it's relevant so has swimming pool spa sauna etc

I do really want to join but I would hate to sign up for the year and not go

What is your experience of joining a gym? Did you join and fall out of the habit and regret it?

I used to be very athletic in my youth and twenties then had babies in my 30's and lost all motivation. When I was 51, fat and unfit I suddenly had the urge to get fit again. I joined a gym and have never looked back, I love it and look forward to going. I don't go mad, I don't ever force myself to go if I don't feel like it, so it's a pleasant experience for me. I've lost 3st and I have muscles again. 4 years on and I'm so happy I made that leap.

My tips for the gym:

Do classes. Try to do at least 3 classes a week, and put them into your diary. Make it a routine.

Go to the gym before you do anything else. I have a demanding job with long hours, but mostly WFH. I sometimes think “Oh I’ll just do this task, write this report/ read this article” etc etc then I’ll go to the gym. That never works. I don’t go. And honestly, the time I take to go to the gym really doesn’t get in the way of my working productivity.

Have a routine - write it down. Then you don’t have to think. You just do it.

Just think in 5 minute slots, or 10 reps, or whatever. The joy of interval training, for example, is that you only need to do 1 minute, or 30 seconds or whatever, then rest/catch your breath/die, then do it again. For just a short interval.

the other thing that keeps me going to the gym is a fantastic PT. If you can afford it, it’s a really worthwhile investment. A good PT will teach you so much,and motivate you.

And really, just keep remembering how much better you feel after an hour of intensive exercise. It’s so so good for you, mentally and physically .

Thank you so much for all your replies.

I joined and I did sign up for the year. I'm correctly working from home on a fixed term contract until the end of the year so it's never been a better time

I will definitely be able to go regularly and my plan is to go every day in my lunch break, one class Saturday and maybe swimming sauna etc Sunday. I have booked four classes for this coming week. You can book on the app and they are automatically entered into your diary which is v helpful.

I have booked 3 PT sessions to get me started

I joined a gym January 2019
best thing I ever did I practically live there now!
I did change gyms after lockdown cos my old gym did not reopen
but I go every evening after work, and weekend mornings I love it and made so many friends and we all enjoy the classes etc
like you op I had never set foot in a gym, was Petrified when I joined and again when I had to change
but I am now the fittest I have ever been and am late 30s and my social circle is much better because of it, and I feel SO good after a workout it is insane

Goodness me @PinkBuffalo that's is so lovely to hear. If I could have half your story in a couple years time I will be so happy!

I'm unsure why I am doubting myself as to keeping a good routine when in the past I have consistently been able to do something if I can set my mind to it. I think it's probably the cost as I have few subscriptions and certainly none this expensive! But I also don't spend money on myself like this. But maybe I should. This is an investment in me

Well I hope it works out for you I really do
I am autistic and my gym is genuinely the only place I can “be myself” everyone is so accepting and it Is where I am happiest for sure (so similar to you the routine is very important to me)
I am very lucky as my gym is in no way expensive I only pay around £30 a month, but I appreciate I am very lucky there
I really hope you enjoy it! I would say it can be a bit daunting at first, but give yourself 6 months of going at it and I think you will never look back 🙂

Worth checking if it's an expensive gym, do they have a 'free friend' day? Mine has Free Friend Fridays so often a friend joins me for a swim after work on a Friday. Changes it up a bit and I feel like I'm getting better value (she 'pays me back' with the odd favour occasionally).

@PinkBuffalo what a lovely message thank you! I'm so happy it has worked out as well as you and am very hopeful I will enjoy it as much

Yes I did have a guest pass for the gym once before @ImInStealthMode and I really enjoyed it. But there is no way of trying out for any shorter unless you buy the rolling monthly which is £135 for first month and if you join subsequently you lose the two months free offer and overall pay an extra £400. So I've bitten the bullet and paid for the year which works out £65 a month so not too bad I don't think.

Actually think I've read your message wrong @ImInStealthMode But yes they do guest passes although I don't have any yet.

The best thing is to make a plan first. If you're just thinking that it might benice to go to the gym, you might not go. You need to add it into your routine. For example: I'll go to the gym every monday and thursday at such and such hour. Or I'll do the gym on monday and one pf their zumba classes on friday. Something like that. Adding a class (if they have one) could help becayse you get to know people and feel ovliged to turn up.

Yes I have just done that @fossilsmorefossils I've booked some classes and added them to my calendar so I have no reason not to go!