Posts: 91
3/23/13 8:12 A

Thank you all for your advice. I decided to not join the gym for financial reasons, but I hate that I can't because I am having a hard time getting motivated to work out and finding a workout that I enjoy doing.

Posts: 139
3/19/13 9:46 P

Well, I vote YES, join. I did and the classes are great! I get off a 12 hour shift, go to a class and there is an instructor there to tell you what to do - super easy for me to follow, a no brainer! I have lost several pounds and gained smaller waistline and more energy for going to classes. I take body pump and body vive (pilates/dance/yoga-type class). The days I don't go to class I don't accomplish much - a few machines, then go to the sauna or whirlpool.

Pounds lost: 11.0

0 6.25 12.5 18.75

25

Posts: 65
3/17/13 8:12 A

Before you join the YMCA check it out. I didn't and I was disappointed, I could only go after work but when I got there I had to sign up for the equipment and you were only allowed 20 minutes at a time for treadmills, bikes etc. There were so many people there you could barely find a parking spot. Just saying ask some questions like when is there least busiest times, how long can you stay on equipment. Good luck on your journey.

Posts: 9,735
3/13/13 4:27 P

I think your cons outweigh your pros to join a gym. You've done it before with dvd's & free school gym so maybe you could combine the two again and get it done. Do they only have classes at the school gym? No equipment? If the classes aren't challenging and the instructors are often late, I'd do what another poster suggested and bring it up to the people in charge. Good luck!

I am not a gym person for various reasons & do 90% of my fitness thru dvd's which works for me. (my schedule, no time or gas used to walk to my home gym, etc. lol)

I think the YMCA idea is a good one too!

Pounds lost: 2.0

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SparkPoints: (13,585)
Fitness Minutes: (4,450)
Posts: 1,088
3/10/13 10:52 P

Well, based on the info you have given, I don't think the expense of the gym membership would be the best route to go. Unless you are truly serious about this, I wouldn't risk wasting my money. I'm just not a gym person. Try to give walking and the dvd's another try.

I hope you find something that works for you.

Pounds lost: 34.6

0 12.5 25 37.5

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SparkPoints: (5,413)
Fitness Minutes: (2,023)
Posts: 823
3/10/13 8:07 P

Do you have a YMCA near you? If you do, you can apply for a discounted membership due to being in college and they will work with you on a monthly membership that is affordable. I workout on my elliptical at home, exercise from workout dvds and hand weights, stretchy bands, and ab belt. Could you workout with some new exercise dvds at home?

current weight: 198.6

224 205.5 187 168.5

150

Posts: 372
3/10/13 7:25 P

I would say no to a gym membership unless you have a workout buddy joining you to keep you accountable. I have joined three different gyms at various times in my life, longest I stuck with it was 3 months and that was working out with a friend on our lunch break 3x a week. The others the gym made a killing by getting me to commit to 12-24 months to get a discounted price and they bank on people like me that pay faithfully but don't make the time to follow through. Find what works best for you, there are quite a variety of workouts on this site with no equip needed.

Pounds lost: 23.0

0 14 28 42

56

Posts: 11,022
3/10/13 6:39 P

hmm... bottom line, what's the cost of La Fitness? I'm always looking for ways to make that dollar stretch and from what you've listed, your school still has the best choices for saving $$$. That's just *me* and then... consider that your 10 minute WALK is a gr8 way to limber up for your workout without SPENDING $$$ on the gas, oil, flat tire, or whatever other car expenses you'll also have to consider.

So your instructors aren't considerate of their students. Could you bring that to the attention of whatever faculty would be concerned with that... maybe an anonymous letter. LOL!!

Well *B*E*S*T* *O*F* *L*U*C*K* with your plan, whatever it will be!!

Annie

Edited by: CHALKDRAWJUMPER at: 3/10/2013 (19:35)

Posts: 91
3/10/13 6:21 P

Pros:
1. I have hit a wall as far as motivation goes
2. La fitness has recently moved to the area and has good classes and a good facility
3. I could eat out less and be able to afford it
4. I recently gained 15 lbs and I need to do something

Cons:
1. Its a big financial commitment and I receive a lump sum of financial aid and this may interfere with funds for emergencies
2. I once lost 35 lbs using my school's free gym and workout dvds (so, maybe I dont need it?)
3. Gym is a 20 min drive away; school gym is a 10 min walk away


Problems with free school gym
1. Fitness classes arent very challenging
2. The instructors are often late (10-15 mins)
3. There is not much variety in the classes and times (cost $45/semester)

What do you think?