We know by now that exercising and leading a healthy lifestyle is crucial to our overall health. The problem becomes figuring out what to do and where to do it. Outdoors, in your basement or finally get that gym membership you've been thinking about for years.
Outdoor exercise is a great option. The problem becomes the weather. Rain, snow, wind and cold can quickly halt your daily routine. In-home workouts can also serve you well, when you actually do them. Many people invest large amounts on treadmills, elliptical trainers or the latest TV Shopping fitness gimmick only to add to the weekly dusting routine or sell it in their next garage sale. Also, equipment, and therefore variety, is limited making workouts repetitive and boring.
Joining a gym is a great option, not only for an experience athlete, but also for a beginner. Maybe even more so for a beginner. New exercisers typically need instruction to get started correctly and to avoid injury. Gyms typically have professional, trained staff to help you get started and answer your questions.
Not only can the staff help, but so can other members. You can learn from others by watching what they are doing or asking questions. Also, it is likely you will meet new people at the gym that have similar goals to yours. This can help you build a support group for your journey as well as people to share in your successes.
Joining the gym will help you plan and stick to a routine. Most gym goers choose a time each day that is convenient for them and their families. This scheduled workout time helps form a routine with workouts that are easy to stick to. Maybe you will go during your noon hour or right before or after work. Also, you will likely get to know the people on the same schedule as you.
Home gyms require a lot of discipline. Often the videos, treadmills and equipment in the basement are too convenient. Too easy to "do later" and all too often "later" never comes or gets interrupted by a visitor, phone call or the dryer buzzing. Heading to the gym can be a great escape. Time for yourself. It is a great feeling to plug in your headphones, crank your favourite tunes and focus on you for a little while.
The gym can be motivating. Partly because you are spending your hard earned pay cheque and you want to get your money's worth but also because you are surrounding yourself with people working out and being healthy. Let them be your role models and remember that you might be someone else's role model as well! See you at NAC!
Say it! Mean it! Do it!
