Reprinted Articles

Gyms offer a number of benefits, both practical and psychological. But there are a few caveats to consider before taking the plunge.

Few could afford to buy the variety of equipment that gyms typically offer. Multi-station weight machines are just the beginning. Most gyms have treadmills, stationary rowing equipment, stretching bars, and more.

Many have tennis and racquetball courts, occasionally even squash and Jai Lai courts. Jai Lai is that fast-paced Spanish-origin game played in a racquetball-like court with a curved racket, only much faster. In addition, some gyms offer swimming pools, saunas and even rock-climbing practice walls.

Unless you’re a multi-millionaire you couldn’t begin to duplicate the space or the gear available at a professional gym.

You’ll also find plenty of expertise at a gym, both from trainers and other members. Frequently, gyms have professional trainers on staff who can answer just about any question you might have. They can provide weight training guidance, dietary advice, or other health tips.

Gym members are sometimes more knowledgeable than the professionals. People dedicated to optimal fitness often take the time and effort to study the field. You’ll find fitness fanatics, aerobics instructors and medical doctors among the clientele.

Apart from the equipment and assistance, gyms offer an opportunity to socialize during activities that can be pretty boring. Few people think a treadmill is the height of excitement and watching TV while walking can deaden your mind as you tone your body.

You’ll make social contacts, get encouragement and have the chance to psych up into a regular routine in a way that is hard to duplicate at home.

However, there are some drawbacks to gyms, too.

Gym membership can be expensive. Most offer different payment plans - per visit, per month, per year or lifetime. Per visit is usually pricey, though it might be a good option if you’re just visiting a city. Per month is often the best value, but prices can still be between $30 and $300 per month. Many will offer a trial membership, either free or at a reduced rate for the first month.

Of course, no price is a good deal if you don’t go. And going to the gym can begin to seem like just one more duty among more pressing obligations. Many people in contemporary society lead extremely busy lives and finding time to go to the gym may well end up near the bottom of a long list.

In addition, gyms can be messy. Most gym members are very conscientious about their own hygiene habits and wipe down their own equipment, but if you use a piece of equipment after someone who hasn’t, it can be extremely unpleasant. If the gym’s staff is alert to this type of behavior, it can become a very rare occurrence. Look for a gym with staff that’s on the ball and that cares about its clientele.

It can also be unhealthy to go to a gym. When you mingle with a lot of people in a hot and humid atmosphere, colds and other types of airborne disease can spread quickly, such as the flu or other viruses. It’s particularly easy to catch something in showers, since you usually have to touch controls, and someone else who has been ill may also touch them.

Only the individual can weigh the pros and cons and reach a final decision about which are most important. Unless you are lucky enough to find the right one the first time out, try a few on a trial basis before committing to anything long term.

Last 5 posts by Kim Archer

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Tags: Exercise and Fitness