Joining a gym in 2014? Read this first...

So, it's almost at the start of yet another new year, you've over indulged in far too many treats over Christmas and have started to think about the best way to shift the weight, tone up and keep it off this time, yer?

Well it's interesting to know that 88% of all New Year's resolutions fail, and most people have given up by 10h January! If you look at my previous post, about setting goals. you'll probably know it's because they were too ambitious, unrealistic or didn't include any way to have fun! If your New Year's resolution is going to make you miserable, do you think you can maintain it? Even if you can, being miserable is no way to live life!

One of the common conversations I get into at this time of year is how people would love to come to my classes but are going to join a gym first so they can get fit! Any form of exercise will be a starting point, and you'll need to build on your intensity each week, as you get fitter. This is true of my classes as well as many gym classes, however you usually get different instructors at each class at a gym, so very often they don't know if you're working to your capabilities; either pushing you too hard or not enough. I always ensure each of my class attendees work to their own level.

Becoming a member of a gym is perfect if you KNOW that it works for you. You are happy with the costs, even if you don't attend each month and just want a place to go, burn of some steam and head off, at a time that works for you. 

However before signing up to that contract, ask yourself the following; Will YOU be getting value for money?. Many of my ladies and gents come back to me after not attending their gym having been tied into a contract, not enjoying the classes or just not feeling they are getting value for money (poor classes, equipment etc). These are some of the most common gym gripes from across the globe:

1) Not attending - For whatever reason, people sign up to a gym membership with all good intentions. Gyms love this time of year, they usually sign you up to a 12 month contract, they oversubscribe their books, knowing that by mid January most people would rather be sitting at home watching TV, not attending class. How many of you have promised yourselves to get back to the gym "next month", fresh start and all that, and when that doesn't happen it soon becomes "next month" again...

2) Unsure of what to do - So many of my class attendees and clients, have given up on the gym because they just don't know what to do. No one has offered to write them a plan, no one shows them the plan, or if someone has, what happens if you need a new one, or don't like a certain exercise. Feeling confident enough  to ask, and keep asking for updated plans is a must if you are unsure of what exercises you should be doing in the gym.

3) Classes not right - Many people join a gym for it's amazing class timetable, and I definitely see the appeal. It's great if the class you enjoy and know gets you results is running, but ask for a free trial. Some people prefer certain instructors, different teaching styles cater for different intensity workouts. Does your favourite class always use the same instructor? How often is class cancelled? Is the class too busy/too quiet? Is it hard enough? Too easy? Offer progression? Does the instructor take the time to get to know you? What's the studio like? What are the other class participants like? Are you likely to keep your gym membership going for just this class?

4) Wanted to take up swimming - Swimming is great, and if you can find a gym membership to include swimming then it's definitely worth looking into. You still need to make sure you will attend, and not fall into the same trap as regular gym memberships. If you don't go swimming or make use of the gym or classes, look into a pay as you go way to start swimming, better still take lessons! If you've booked in to have a swimming lesson you are less likely to just stay on the sofa!

5) Tied into a contract - Go back to goal setting. Is it achievable and realistic to make time each month to get to the gym, enough to get your monies worth? For most people, life does get in the way BUT it is an excuse, you can always find time to exercise but that at times might mean a quick 10 minute run around the block, not a one hour gym workout! You might feel confident now that 2014 will be different, you will go to the gym 3 times a week, you may even start off well, but if in the back of your mind you know that it is not realistic to sign up for a 12 month contract, don't!

6) Wasted money - This ties in to all of the above really. If a gym membership costs you £30 per month and you signed up to a 12 month contract with no way out, that totals £360! This is why some people prefer to come to my classes and pay for personal training, even though some of my options may workout more expensive at least you participate in your chosen exercise and get great results. If you're going to pay for exercise, make sure you do it! Is it really cheaper if you're not using it?

7) Lack of support - From gym staff and other members. All gyms are different but I take pride in knowing I hold all the relevant qualifications and insurances to offer the very basic service of classes to my customers. I also like to build a community, I see my members talking to each other and becoming friends, supporting each other through bad and good times. I like to get to know my clients too, offer help where possible, nutritional advice, tailor the classes to the needs of those attending so they do achieve the results they are looking for! I'm always taking new qualifications and looking for ways to further my knowledge and progress my classes. I like to make sure you don't get stuck in a boring routine!

I run a variety of fitness options, from pay as you go Aerobics and Bokwa, to more advanced courses such as Boxercise and Kettlercise and also Personal Training. I love each and every class that I run, and take pride in seeing people attend classes each week.

For more details on any of my classes please click on the relevant tab at the top of this page.

Wishing you all the best for 2014, may it be a healthy and HAPPY one!