Photo courtesy of tyger lyllie

A couple of days ago, I joined a gym.

Why?

I wanted to challenge my current fitness routine, and improve upon that. I’m still power walking, using my hand weights, and doing my lunges and squats; but I just wanted to mix it up a bit.

What criteria did I use in order to choose a gym?

Because there are so many blog posts about how to choose a gym, I’m not going to go into too much detail here, but rather give you my rationale, that for me, meets the basic criteria for joining one.

My reasons are fairly basic:

1. Location – I wanted to be able to walk to the gym. In fact, I wanted to be able to power walk to the gym, workout, and power walk back. The gym I joined is about 1.5 miles from my house, so I’m able to do a 3 mile power walk to and from the gym. And, obviously I get an additional workout at the gym. As well, I never liked to drive to the gym. But if there’s no gym that’s close to you, then obviously the benefit you’ll derive from joining one will still be advantageous for you. However, the bottom line for me is that this one is close enough to walk to, so I can save on gas and, as I mentioned, extend my exercise routine.

2. I wanted to be able to be a month to month member. This gym offers a month to month membership, which is very reasonably priced. Because of the fact that I don’t know what I’ll be doing in a year from now, or even 6 months for that matter, I’ll be able to go to the gym and evaluate it and my other options. Don’t be reactive to gym dues, be proactive.

3. I don’t need too many machines for my muscle building and toning. I just want the basics and most gyms have those. I’m just a normal person with a few body areas I’d like to concentrate on, and most, if not all, offer these, as well as free weights.

4. Did I mention Hot Tub and Sauna? Although I may not use them as often as others, it’s nice to know they’re available when I want them. One cleanses the pores and the other relaxes your muscles.

5. The cost is reasonable. I’m paying a little more than a $1.00 per day to rejuvenate my fitness routine and get in better shape. You can’t do better than that—and if you can, great.

I’m looking forward to my long walks with strength training workouts in the middle.

How about you? Do you belong to a gym? Have you considered joining one?

Iowa Avenue ’s Tight Ass Tuesday is about working out, walking, and exercises, because

After all, it’s about a healthy lifestyle!

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