Looking to join a gym. What is your recommendation and why?

[BettinaS]

I am looking to join a gym to get away from my home treadmill and mall walking. I am looking for a gym that is not to expensive but does offer the support and help when needed of a personal trainer. Right now I just hate stepping any foot into any gym due to the high pressure sales jobs many of these guys give you.

Last time I wanted to join a gym was several years ago. The salesperson told me that it is about time for me to do something. He thought I was significantly overweight, I would need to lose at least 15 pounds…..at that time I actually was 15 pounds underweight and my doctor told me I need to add weight and not loose anymore.

[SunsetRunner]

Hello,

I read your analysis.  First, do you require a gym?  Next, if you require a gym what for?  Thirdly, are you performing any exercises or activity at the gym you could do at home or what are you doing at gym and why?  Are you trying to meet activity standards or exercise standards?  Are you looking for social connections that gyms may offer?  What is your current physical condition related to health or what YOU want to accomplish?  As in most things exercise related there are very long answers to the easiest questions!

[Raviv]

---

@EmersonFitbit wrote:

Planet Fitness has the cool initiative where it's labeling itself the judgement-free zone. For $10/month, it's affoadable, but does lack in some of the areas you might be interested in (mine doesn't have a pool, basketball court, sauna) where a place like 24 hour fitness might be useful. 

Then again, I'm so boring when it comes to activity. I run and lift weights. It's perfect for me!

---

That's why I like it too.  It's nothing exciting and has a reputation for being the place where heavy people go.  That means there's a minimum of people hanging on the equipment, waiting for some hottie to notice them.  I go in, warm up, hith the weights, then go home.

I will admit the Bagel Mondays and Pizza Tuesdays are offputting, but I just don't participate.

[EmersonFitbit]

@Raviv I'm still pretty new to PF, but I'm liking it so far. It's great for the essentials, and I can usually get a good workout in from 5-7 (am, haven't tried afternoon workouts yet). The staff is friendly and my location has these massage chairs that I promised myself I'd check out once I have another 50K step day. Hasn't happened yet, but I plan on doing it soon!

[betpchem]

What a great incentive, @EmersonFitbit! For Christmas, I gave my niece one of those massagers that you put on a chair to get a massage, and she loves it.

[Raviv]

I think the massage chairs are for if you have the upgraded black card, which is $20 per month instead of $10, so I haven't tried them yet.  That's going to be my reward for something else I have to push myself to do.

I go in the afternoon, and it's definitely more crowded.  I've never had a problem getting a treadmill at mine, even during the most crowded times, but I sometimes have to do my lifting in a slightly different sequence to get at the machines or weights.

[Beach4me]

I have tried numerous gyms over the years including PF and the YMCA. I recently joined a gym that is privately owned by a couple who are personal trainers. I attend circuit training classes 2-3xs a week and then add a free weight classes one or two days a week. It has members of all ages, sizes and fitness levels and the goal is to go at your own pace. Since it is circuit training everyone is doing something different at the same time. Everyone that works there have multiple certifications and I feel as if I have been to a personal training class each time because they are so attentive and helpful. Each class has been different and it keeps me coming back. I have also lost 15lbs and 15 inches in 4 months.

I say all this to say... look at all the options - smaller might be where you get the results you are looking for. I will never join a chain or box gym again. It is a little more expensive ($12 more bucks a month) but I have never been so motivated, grown in confidence and seen RESULTS like this. 

[SunsetRunner]

Hello,

I am interested in the gyms application and practices.  Could you provide their website?

[Beach4me]

www.myfitnessone.com is the gym's website.

[BettinaS]

BohemianFit I happen to stop by the LA Fitness that is close to my house and I have to tell you the sales people there are ruthless and unbearable to deal with.

All the other gyms had no issue showing me around and giving me their different membership pricing options but LA Fitness wanted to weigh me in, immediately discuss my training goals before they would give me the pricing info……..sorry…. I will not discuss this with a sales person that would be a discussion between me and my trainer….and no one else….

[taekwondogirl]

I'm loving all of the gym reccomendations people are listing, but have you ever given martial arts a thought.

It is an amazing workout if you find the right academy, I've been with my school since 2005 and I've had my black belt for seven years now. It gives you a whole body workout.

-Cardio

-Strength training

-Flexibility

-Self defense

-Breathing techniques

-Core strenth

I never knew how hard I could push my body until I tested for my black belt. I really hope that you consider giving taekwondo a try.

[SunsetRunner]

Join a gym that's closest to your home if you plan to go often.  

[Rich_Laue]

If your interested in a bare bones center,  look into the YMCA, lower prices, and possible scholarships for lower income members.

[BettinaS]

Rich_Laue  actually I have looked into it and the closest YMCA to me is actually more expensive in comparison to a LA Fitness, or Anytime Fitness.

[Rich_Laue]

@BettinaS i did some lookkng into YMCA's last week and discovered there is no set price. I noticed that evrn when there are 3 Y's within a 15 miles of each otyer thrleir rates c do vary.

[BettinaS]

Rich_Laue  I have 2 YMCA's within a 20 mile raduis and the one that is closest to me is still more than the LA Fitness and Anytime Fitness. Right now I will stay out of the gym and do as much as I can at home.

[Rich_Laue]

I was not saying tgat anyone had to join a Y, i was throwing out an option that peopke normally don't think off, one that in my case, with a senior discount hapoens to be lower than a lot of the other places. I also have a Meridian Health center by me, and yes it is connected to the Meridian Hospitals. 

[IzzyCorrol]

I think that In Shape OutDoors would be good for you. It is not a gym but outdoors fitness training and is coming out with an online fitness program for the lockdown which is sure to happen soon. It is not expensive for what it offers. Hope you find what you're looking for! 

[Joseph1985]

I understand you, I also don't like gyms because of persistent sellers of different products and unnecessary services

[Joseph1985]

Honestly, I have a lot of excess weight and I hate excessive attention from other people. Home training is much more convenient. I've found an interesting source on the Internet about main rules to be inshape and maintain your body fit and healthy. There are many interesting advices about training at home. Indeed, I liked a lot of cardio workouts and burpees. I've noticed a difference in my body after a week of training. So I can safely say that it is possible to train at home and get required results. But many of my friends can't train at home, they need a company and someones else supervision.