After reading the article posted in Joe’s blog yesterday I would like to offer my opinions on it (in red below), you can find the article at http://www.vancouversun.com/health/diet-fitness/Choosing+lazy+because+convenience+king/2429528/story.html.
It’s January and the health clubs have come a-courting.
Their sign-up sales, special offers and discounted rates have arrived just in time to prod your resolution to get fit in 2010.
But as one person’s dream workout venue can be another’s waste of money, experts have some tips on how to find just the right facility to add inspiration to your perspiration.
And topping their lists is location, location, location.
“Most important is, is it convenient to home or work? Far and away that’s the No. 1 reason people use or don’t use a gym,” said Shawn Talbott, spokesperson for the American College of Sports Medicine.
January is the time of year when most people are evaluating their lives and attempting to make changes for the enhancement of their lives and a gym can be a great place to do just that. Like Joe said you need to find a gym, training studio, dojo, or sports team that is going keep you accountable to yourself and those around you. The manager at your gym, your trainer, your sensei, or your teammates should know when you have missed a workout and should be there to help ensure that you make it up and keep working towards your goals. Sure convenience may be king when it comes to getting activity done but I feel it is more important to have someone or a group to report to rather than a place… flashing lights and pizzazz might get you in the door but service and relationships are what is going to keep you coming back! Especially is that service sole responsibility is to get you the results that you want.
Location, location, location… my answer to that is simple: You don’t need a gym to become fit! You can stayfitanywhere, there weren’t too many gyms 100 years ago and there wasn’t an obesity epidemic. There are tons of gyms now and inactivity levels and obesity are at an all time high in all age groups. Get in contact with me to learn how you can stayfitanywhere using your own body and whatever tools you have at your disposal… dumbbells, bands, heavy books, a chair, a soccer ball, etc I can find a way for you to move. Let’s get back to that whole location idea, you can train anywhere as long as you have a little bit of space and an understanding of how to move your body efficiently and effectively. Places I have trained clients and myself: gyms, offices, boardrooms, kitchens, living rooms, fields, courts, amenity rooms, stairwells, boat docks, beaches, hotel rooms, and I am sure that I am forgetting places, but the point is you can stay fit anywhere.
“If it’s not hyper convenient, don’t think you’re going to go out of your way,” he said flatly.
Talbott says be sure to visit a prospect during the same time you expect to use it.
“If you check out a gym on Saturday afternoon it could be fine, but on Monday morning you might not be able to get on a treadmill,” he explained.
“Also,” he said, “Are the classes offered at hours convenient for you?”
StayFitAnywhere’s online training centre is as convenient as it comes, you can get a personalized workout sent to you for exactly when you want it and it will be designed keeping in mind the location you would like to do your workout and the tools that you have… oh yeah and it will be catered exactly towards your goals and fitness level.
And don’t underestimate the importance of ambiance: Just how comfortable will you be sweating in the space?
“A club filled with gorgeous 20-year olds might not be the best place for an overweight or older woman,” Talbott explained. “If you’re concerned about your body, you don’t want to join one of those meat market gyms. You might want to go to a more family-oriented facility.”
Carol Espel, spokeswoman for the Equinox chain of luxury health clubs, agrees: “Gyms can be intimidating in the wrong setting. Find a place that you see yourself going to easily after work and on weekends.”
You absolutely need to be comfortable within the location you are training yourself, and for the most part the most comfortable place a person can be is their home. An online personal trainer from StayFitAnywhere can create workouts for you wherever you feel most comfortable, including your home.
She advised people to take time to do research.
“What’s most important for you in a gym? Do you need a personal trainer to keep you in line? Do you like group classes? Commit to a place that can give you the tools you need.”
In their guide, How to Choose a Health Club, the American Council on Exercise (ACE) recommends using a day pass or trial membership to check on the following:
“How clean is the facility? Is the music too loud? Is most of the equipment in working order? Too many ‘out of order’ signs may indicate poor maintenance. Are new members provided with a club orientation and instruction on how to use equipment?”
ACE suggests talking to current members, checking the Better Business Bureau for complaints, and choosing a club that belongs to the International Health, Racquet, and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) and must abide by their standards.
As always, read the fine print before signing on the dotted line. Does that deep discount come with a two-year commitment? Is there also an initiation fee? Find out exactly what the membership includes. Do you have to pay extra for towels, childcare?
If you do decide to join a gym do take time to do research… follow all of the above guidelines and be sure to ask as many questions as possible about the contract you are about to sign.
Talbott says the right gym can make all the difference. “You can stay fit outside the gym but it’s harder. The gym is a good crutch. It’s part of your routine, a place where you can go to every day.”
I think it is difficult for someone to get fit whether they have a gym or not, the key to getting fit is consistency. If you can build a routine and stick to it you will be more than likely to achieve your goals.
As Woody Allen once said, “Eighty percent of success is showing up.”
I think Mr. Allen’s quote is pretty accurate, just make sure you show up to your workout wherever it is… once you get there all you have to do is start and you always feel better after a workout.
Josh Neumann, BHK, PTS, TSCC-1
jneumann@stayfitanywhere.com
Monday and Thursday #FitTips at www.twitter.com/stayfitanywhere
I recently had a friend send me a youtube clip. I honestly wasn’t suprised after viewing it. The funny thing is, people know better, but yet, a place like this exists for a reason. However, I’m pretty sure most individuals who go to his joint probably aren’t regulars and probably don’t order the “Quad” burger. Take a look at the youtube video 
I was reading the Vancouver Sun online and came across this article in the Health section. Of course this is the new year and many of us once again try to get on the fitness bandwagon. And of course, 80% of the people who have all the intentions of keeping up with a fitness routine, probably won’t make it past March. The article is ok in my opinion. It gives tips on how to choose a health club and the number one reason why people don’t go to the gym, the location. Here is the article from the