FitSugar

How to Pick the Gym That's Right For You

Heather Dale — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 14:29:50 PST

If your New Year's resolution is to get fit, chances are you might be shopping around for a gym or fitness center, which is not as easy as it sounds. Here's criteria you should try to check off before signing up for any gym membership.

Location, location, location: Don't kid yourself into believing that you'll drive halfway across town to go work out. If a gym is closer to where you live (or work), you'll be more inclined to visit. Also, check to see if there's cost-effective parking, nearby public transportation, or if you can't walk to it. Also make sure it's in a safe neighborhood in case you want to pop in later in the evening.
Ask for second opinions: Get on Yelp, and ask your friends, family members, co-workers, husband's cousin's girlfriend - anyone! - what the best gym is in your neighborhood. Tell them what you're ideally looking for and see if your research, plus your mini-interviews, point to one locale.

Here are some more tips.

Does Your Gym's Location Affect Your Motivation?

Leta Shy — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 03:07:40 PDT

When I used to work from home, I'd take a long lunch break to walk to my gym for a daily workout. But since it wasn't exactly close - about a mile away - my gym trips turned into hours-long excursions. So, of course, my exercise regimen was the first thing to go when I got too busy with work.

Now that I've joined a gym that's a few blocks from my office, however, I find it easier to motivate myself to go to the gym. I know that I can get in and out fast, and still have time to make after-work activities. What about you? Does where your gym is located affect how often you go?

'Tis the Season to Save on Gym Sign-Up

FitSugar — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 11:48:57 PST

National health clubs traditionally offer their best deals in the final days of December, which means it is prime time to sign up or reevaluate your current gym. Gyms give their sweetest sign-up deals now because they want to lure the large number of individuals, like yourselves, who have resolved to get fit in the new year.

FitSugar readers' favorite gym of the year, Life Time Fitness, is waiving its enrollment fee, Gold's Gym is offering a $1 enrollment special, and 24 Hour Fitness is waiving its enrollment fee as well. No matter where you get your sweat on, make sure to Google your gym this week, or call up the membership office and scope out their deals and initiatives. Remember: they want to keep you happy, healthy, and signed-up, so don't be afraid to ask. I've scored special trainer sessions and an adjusted monthly rate just by asking gyms over the years. Of course, don't sign up with a gym simply because it has the best deal. Becoming a member of a health club is a big commitment that involves other factors beyond cost, like location and class offerings. Make sure you check out our tips on choosing a gym before enrolling anywhere. Here's to getting fit in the New Year!

What's Your Favorite Gym of 2010?

FitSugar — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 09:00:03 PST

There is only one month left of 2010 and we're starting to get a little nostalgic. We want to know about your favorite things of the year; we started by asking you what your favorite sneaker brand is, and now we're moving onto your favorite gym. Whether you were working up a sweat on the treadmill or dancing up a storm in a Zumba class, tell us which fitness center was your favorite during 2010.

Why You Should Consider Investing in Your Dream Gym

Angelica Marden — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 12:30:24 PST

Mama's got a brand-new place to store her gym bag. After three years of loyalty to an acceptable but decidedly unglamorous chain gym, I've upgraded to a fancier club. I'm a saver by nature, but I made a mental list of my old gym's shortcomings (steady towel outages, understocked and overcrowded locker rooms, and mostly stale classes) and took a tour of a club I've had my eye on for a while. After two minutes inside the spa-like foyer and a closer look at the class schedule, I decided it was time to trade up. I utilize my gym enough that it's a worthy investment for me. Thinking about making a change yourself? Here are some things to consider and reasons why you might want to take the plunge too.

A Reader Asks: Should I Discontinue My Gym Membership?

Fit Community — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 08:00:05 PDT

FitSugar reader Soniabonya shared this question in the Get Fit For 2010 community group. Can you give her some advice?

First and foremost, I love going to the gym. I go to cycle classes, strength training classes, yoga, and sometimes water aerobics. There are several 24 Hour Fitness gyms I go to since one location doesn't have everything at the right times to work for me.

So why would I need to get rid of my membership? Well, I can't afford it. It's $50 a month. I already got rid of my wine club membership (which was also $50 a month). And $50 month is a good chunk of change, especially when I see my bank account dramatically dwindling due to rent, food, etc. Also, I've been reevaluating my time, and found that as much as I love to exercise, I also need time to do my passion, which is art. I am also paying $50 a month for studio space so I can work there. And since I am gearing up for an art show in the Fall, I need lots of time to work on my paintings. So my membership will go pretty much unused for the next couple months, which has happened before when I was out of country or working on another show. Also, I've had no income from my art . . . yet.

Find out why Soniabonya wants to keep her membership when you

Invest That Tax Refund Back Into Yourself

FitSugar — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 09:00:25 PDT

It's always exciting to receive a check from Uncle Sam come tax season. Like Savvy, I try to save some of my refund and pay off debt. I also invest the money too, and I'm not just talking stocks and bonds. If you've got a little extra money this year, use it toward your health. It's a worthwhile investment that definitely keeps on giving back to you. Here are a few healthy ways you can start spending that tax refund.

Enroll in a new fitness class. Maybe there's a new fitness trend you've been dying to try, or a healthy vacation you've been meaning to take. Why not put those tax dollars to use? Make your money stretch even further by using collective-buying sites.
Get a physical exam. Going to the doctor can be pricey, even with insurance. But at the risk of sounding like a nagging mom, let me say that you shouldn't ignore your health. Go in for an annual physical, eye exam, or make a dentist appointment.

To see more ways to invest in your health,

Save Your Dollars and Join a Gym Today

FitSugar — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 05:50:06 PST

The last week of December is when most national health clubs offer their best deals - with so many of you saying that your New Year's resolution is to get back to the gym, take my advice and join a gym before 2009 ends. Health clubs are offering their sweetest deals now because they want to lure the large number of individuals, like yourselves, who have resolved to get fit in 2010.

After checking out what your favorite gyms of 2009 are doing to entice new members, the tactic seems pretty consistent across the board. Life Time Fitness (your fave), Equinox (my fave), Gold's, and 24 Hour Fitness are waiving enrollment fees if you sign up before January. Some gyms are adding on even more incentives. Life Time Fitness is offering an additional $150 credit that can be used towards in-club services like personal training sessions, and 24 Hour Fitness has an option for a month-to-month contract. A monthly membership option is great if you're afraid of committing yourself to a lengthy contract that could cost you later.

If the gym you have your eye on isn't offering a great deal for the New Year, don't be afraid to negotiate. Gyms were hit hard during the recession and are doing what it takes to make up for that now, meaning they want your membership. Go ahead and ask for a better deal, or show them what competitors are offering. The worse they can do is turn you down.

Finally, don't sign-up with a gym simply because it has the best deal. Becoming a member of a health club is a big commitment that involves other factors beyond cost like location and class offerings. Make sure you check out our tips on choosing a gym before enrolling anywhere. Here's to getting fit in the New Year!

Do You Use Your Gym Membership?

FitSugar — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 04:30:24 PST

Signing up for a gym membership is one way to help you get in shape. The hardest part, though, is motivating yourself to actually go. So tell me . . .

You Asked: Is It Insulting to Get My Husband a Membership to a Gym?

FitSugar — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 12:00:00 PDT

Dear Fit,
Being healthy and physically fit is very important to me. I eat well, exercise four times a week, and enjoy running and practicing yoga. My husband on the other hand, is more into sitting on the couch watching TV. Not only has he put on a little weight since we got married two years ago, but I'm worried about his health. Do you think it's insulting to get him a membership to my gym?
- Concerned Cara

I'm sure many FitSugar readers can relate to your problem, and I don't blame you for wanting your loved one to be as healthy and fit as you. To hear how I'd handle this situation

read more. It really depends on your husband's personality. If you're questioning whether he'll be insulted then that makes me think his weight and lack of interest in exercising has come up before. So it sounds like getting him a membership to your gym might be too pushy at first. Instead I would encourage him to do physical activities with you that seem less about exercise, and more about spending time together having fun. Suggest a bike ride in the country, go hiking on some nearby trails, play tennis, or start off easy with a walk around your neighborhood. Once he starts to move more, hopefully he'll realize how good it makes him feel. Then once he's hooked, you can suggest joining your gym. If he's too stubborn for that then I'd be honest with him. Tell him how much you love him, and that you're worried about his health. Say that you wish he'd exercise regularly so that the two of you can live a long, happy life together. Tell him you were thinking about getting him a membership to your gym so you could work out together and see how he responds. If he gets defensive, then suggest just a month-long pass, just to try it out. Maybe you can find a gym that offers tons of activities that interest him, like a pool, basketball or racquetball court, or indoor soccer. He might be more willing to exercise if he knows how important it is to you, and allowing him to choose the place will make it feel more like his idea. There's nothing wrong with a little gentle nudging and consistent encouragement, but try not to nag. Remember that you can want him to change his unhealthy habits all you want, but ultimately, it's up to him to want to make changes for himself. Source