WITH daylight becoming increasingly scarce, colder weather, and endless rainfall around the corner, many will soon turn to indoor activities to stay fit.
For most, that means returning to a structured exercise regimen at a gym or fitness centre.
But too many who have made commitments to stay in shape this fall will fail to follow through out of trepidation of actually entering a gym.
The first and most important thing to know is that you do not need to be fit already to join a fitness club.
In fact, the majority of gym members today are not there to pump iron or train for an athletic pursuit, but simply to trim fat, reduce stress, and improve their overall heath.
Maybe you have attended a gym before, but found the culture there did not match your goals?
If so, know that all fitness clubs are different. While
some do cater to athletes, others target larger groups like casual gym-goers, females, or seniors, and most attract a highly diverse clientele.
Perhaps you are put off by the thought of high membership costs or large crowds?
Try to look for a clean, modern gym that fits into your price range and isn't too busy.
Large-scale fitness centres suit most gym users well at a reasonable price, but are often quite busy during peak hours. If you prefer more intimate surroundings for your workouts, try a private health club or spa.
These are typically less crowded but can be pricey.
Also consider local community centre gyms, which are generally affordable and may only lack specialty equipment that you likely do not require.
Regardless of the type of gym you ultimately attend, know that the staff are there to provide advice. Most fitness clubs also offer orientations, or better still, free initial visits and introductory rates.
To make the transition to indoor exercise even easier, consider scheduling a few sessions with a personal trainer who will create your own personalized fitness program and help you set and achieve realistic goals.
So what's your excuse? Move your workout inside this fall and take a giant leap toward a healthier lifestyle!
Shaun Karp is a certified personal trainer. For further information, call 604-4207800 or visit his website, karpfitness.com.
