h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Is it worthwhile joining a gym? I've heard that the posh one near me that has all the facilities costs over £50 a month plus a joining fee of £300. For that kind of money I'm sure I could kit out my garage with everything except the pool.

What are the benefits of a gym versus working out at home?

Well, you'll lose 50 pounds per month without lifting a finger. Beyond that it depends on whether you can force yourself to do the routines every time without the extra push from a gym assistant. If you can, they're a helpful source of additional hints & tips, if you ask, but not lot else. If you can't force yourself to do the routine anyway, you probably won't go to the gym after a few months, so there will be no point in signing up.

Have you got a decent leisure centre near you? They usually have all the facilities you'd want from a gym at a fraction of the price. The big attraction of a gym is that lots of them offer things like tailored personal work-out plans, but not everybody wants or needs that.

They might also have equipment you can use that might be a bit pricey to buy for the garage - but again, not everyone needs that stuff to keep up a decent level of fitness.

One thing they have going for them, especially if you use working out as a chance to clear your head and get a bit of space, is that it's a dedicated place you can go to and do it, without worrying about interruptions.

But to be honest, the one you mention sounds hella pricey. I wouldn't even consider paying that.

The main reason to join a pricey gym is for the guilt vs money factor.

If you buy equipment, it will be used a lot in the first month and then end up going dusty in the spare room unless you are very motivated. There is always resale on eBay.

When it costs an average of 65 quid a month to join a gym, you will go to get your money's worth. Say 2 quid a day which makes going 3 days a week cost nearly a fiver a pop - you'd better be using that pool and all the classes plus the personal trainer to get a fivers worth every visit!!

That might be the theory, but does it work that way? I'm convinced many gyms work on the Colman's Mustard principle:

"We didn't get rich by the mustard they ate
But by the amount that they left on their plate."

People join the gym - often as a new year's resolution - pay by direct debit, and don't cancel the direct debit when it's not used, because "next month, I'll go to the gym. I swear I will."

If the joining fee is £300, you'll never make that back on E-bay. I guess what I'm getting at is that if you aren't determined enough, both options are a waste of money.

Being a well known tight sod - I made the only gym membership I had count! 10 years ago, it was twice the price of the one swl mentioned (It was in Surrey - ergo inflated prices!) so I made darned sure I was there every day, even if it was just for a sauna and a waft in the pool. Towards the end of the year there were a lot more saunas and drinks in the juice bar than zumba or spinning classes right enough...

One of the factors is I injured myself at my first go at getting back into shape. I overdid the sit-ups and threw my back out. My knees aren't up to high impact stuff any more either. So I'm thinking that gym membership might bring some expert supervision & advice.

btw, the one near me has a name that rhymes with dannatynes.

Expert advice like "You're not as young as you used to be"?

hmmmph !

I was just messing. But instruction on using the equipment safely is definitely one thing you should get at the gym.

Have you considered beer as a lifestyle choice?

B

I rather think beer may be an aggravating factor here And pies. And pizza.

The armchair laser target practice is probably a less than efficient exercise workout as well.

If you're going to go to the gym, get (and take in) advice, gym membership could be worthwhile.

You'll get an induction to the gym where they'll show you how to use all the equipment safely. After that if you ever need a bit of assistance the staff will show you. But if you want too much they'll essentially try and sell you a personal training session.

I have to say that the couple of people who I've known that used a personal trainer have got great results from it as they work you hard. But they are somewhere in the region of £30 per session. They definitely give results and there's a personal factor which keeps people going back and motivated. But it is a big cost ...

Ultimately the big issue with gyms tends to be one of motivation. If you have a definite goal (i.e. lose 2 stone, be able to bench press 100kg, get fit to run a marathon) you'll likely be fine. But if it's just going for the sake of it then it's probably not going to last however much you enjoy it the first few weeks.

"btw, the one near me has a name that rhymes with dannatynes."

Check Twitter - he often tweets deals and offers that might get you a foot in the door to test without paying huge prices until you've worked it out.

Why not buy a bicycle instead and go cycling. I got a bargain from a charity shop and have been riding through the local country park two or three times a week. More enjoyable than pushing weights, or do it as well.

I joined Fitness opposite-of-last at Christmas and have no regrets about doing so! I don't recall a joining fee, and it's about £35 a month. I go for the classes, and try to get there at least 3 times a week, which compared with a pay-as-you-go Zumba or salsa class at £4-5 each is good value.

I'm currently very pleased that they are just round the corner as I intend to use their showers while my new one is being installed.

I love going to the gym so much I'm a member of two!
One is near my office, and 50% subsidised by the company I work for. I try to get there 2-3 lunchtimes a week for a really good go at either the cross trainer (minimum is 300 calories in around 30 minutes) or running (30 minutes pounding the treadmill is great, but gets very sweaty in summer)

They also have a sauna and offer many many classes which are very good (sometimes I go in the evening and do a spinning or step class - I'm a bit scared of Zumba)

The other one is where I live and I tend to go at the weekend. They also have a sauna but my fee doesn't cover that. I took advantage of an offer they had and made join too (the main reason for me joining) and we didn't have to pay the sign on fee.

I absolutely love using the gym - although I only know there's a certain amount of cameraderie that you just don't get when training alone. Also, if you're like me, and you're flagging a bit ... when someone goes on the piece of kit next to me it tends to spur me on a bit.

I also like that they offer a drink thing - for around EUR 5 per month you can drink as much water / juice stuff as you like. (the one where I live even has a fabby and marvy coffee machine, drink as much as you like)

I've been a member of the first one for 5 years and still go 2-3 times a week - my feeling is that if you're not over ambitious at the beginning, and set achievable goals (the staff should help you track them - it's in their interest) then it is much more profitable for them

Also: one of my gyms tends to txt us when they think we've left it too long between visits!

But I have to say, swl, that gym sounds horribly expensive. Unless you go swimming a lot as well. Then it sounds pretty good (we usually swim once a week - that costs us EUR 10 per family visit)

You are more likely to get laid if you join a gym The only thing going for it as far as I can see.