By Karen Tucker
Did summer sabotage your fitness goals? If so, you’re not alone. Research shows that over half of those who begin an exercise program will quit within six months. The key to establishing or sticking with an exercise program is to make it a habit – part of your daily or weekly routine. Unfortunately, life has a way of getting in the way. Vacations, house guests, a summer cold, kids’ activities, working late… life happens and often sends our exercise goals out the window.
When September rolls around, back-to-school can also mean back-to-fitness. People are far less likely to fall off the exercise bandwagon if they go to a place where they know people and people know them. Dafne Greene, owner of Fitness Connexion in Bloomington emphasizes the importance of finding a facility that fits your needs. She offers the following list of things to consider:
What types of workouts do you want?
If you love to swim, look for a place that has a pool. If you have your own work-out routine, you’ll want a place that has a variety of machines and free weights. Are you a beginner and not sure what you want? Look for a place that offers a wide variety of classes. You won’t be a beginner for long, so as your fitness level improves, you’ll want classes and equipment that can continue to offer you new challenges.
Staff
Be sure that the instructors and trainers are qualified to be teaching the classes and check out their credentials. Experts can make sure that you know how to use the equipment, check that your form is correct during a class so you avoid injury and help you get the maximum results from your efforts.
Location
Here in Bloomington-Normal, we are lucky that nothing is very far away, but consider a place that is the most convenient to where you live or work. You’ll be less likely to skip if it doesn’t take you long to get there. Also, check out the hours of operation. If you want to work out at 5:00 a.m. and the gym doesn’t open until 6:00 a.m. – you aren’t likely to use it.
Demographics
This is perhaps the most important consideration. Choose a place where you feel comfortable with the people there. If you are a fitness novice, you may feel intimidated at a gym where everyone is buff and muscular. On the other hand, you want to be inspired by people who are in shape and are working to stay in good health. Most places offer a free trial period. Take advantage of this during the times that you plan to be there. The early morning crowd may be completely different from the noon or after work crowd.
Cost
The price of gym memberships can vary by quite a bit, so it’s important to ask questions to be sure you aren’t paying for things that you won’t use. What does the membership fee include? What things cost extra? Do you need to sign a long-term contract, or can you sign-up on a month-to-month basis? If you sign a longer -term contract, be sure you know what the termination policy is.
Other Services
Some women go to the gym, work out, and zip on home. But if you plan to head off to work, you’ll want a facility with hair dryers, lockers, changing rooms, etc. Decide if you’ll need child care and check out the quality and cost of the service. Some facilities offer child care for free!
Joining a gym or fitness center is one of the best ways to help you lose (or maintain) your weight and get (or keep) in shape. The investment you make in your health will pay you back many times over, for the rest of your life.
Dafne Greene is the owner of Fitness Connexion, the place where women gather to get healthier, stronger, and create lifelong friendships. A variety of classes, personal training, and boot camps are offered at 3302 Gerig Dr. in Bloomington (across from Avanti’s). Contact them at 663-6100 or online at FitnessConnexion.net, for information about membership, class schedules, FREE sixteen-day trial, and FREE child care.