I know what you’re thinking… Pah-Leezz not another lifestyle fitness blogger talking about what I need to do. I mean, c’mon aren’t there like 40 million of them on social media? I tell ya, they popped out of the woodwork once they realized they could capitalize on something so many people were seeking. Right? Like everyone’s an expert, follow my fitness plan, sign up for my special diet plan, get a bigger booty doing “my” routine. Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure there are quite a few talented trainers out there, but eh, is that for you? Credentials, please. Use case studies please. Tenure in this field please. Are you going to vet them? Probably not, it’s like online candy, they look good, so maybe I’ll try their program. But, are they for real? Is that flat stomach earned or purchased? That booty? Hours of training or paid in full? There is an art of deception. History speaks for itself. If you’re looking to hire/follow an online individual where are their case studies? Do they have a legit business or just a bunch of selfies? What are they promoting? A true program, if so where are the client photos?
This isn’t difficult and I’m certainly not deterring anyone from following their own path, but be mindful of what is being presented, especially online from someone you never met in person. Vet the information behind the offer. Think show me. Show me people like me who you coached. Give me data. Is this a lifestyle?
Ultimately, you want to find something that works for you. So let’s get the mindset straight first. Our bodies need oxygen, fuel and movement. Oh and sleep. But, we’re talking waking hours. We don’t control one of the three requirements while awake, which is our breath. We just breathe, without it, well, we notice. When we’re stressed, we hold it. Other than that, we just really don’t pay much attention to breathing.
Now fuel. Well here we have many choices, I’ll chat more about this in another blog, but for now let’s all agree we eat, daily, if not multiple times a day. (I should be so lucky). Anyway, We eat.
Our bodies also requires movement, but nobody told us that officially, nor the importance of it, as a child or student, you just were made to do it. It was the dreaded, oh my gosh, I have to take gym. (Or was that just me?). Some looked at recess as just the “freedom from the school desk”, then as we got older there were required gym classes and for the athletic teens, no sport was off limits for them. (Side eye) This is actually where it all began believe it or not. In our childhood. Were you active? Did you ride your bike? Play outdoors growing up? Seems irrelevant 30 years later, but it’s not, it is the key to your movement habit.
If you were active as a child, most likely you’re still pretty active. Most likely you take walks, or do some sort of fitness. Not for sure, but most likely. If we were taught in science class how our bodies work as a required curriculum more than our heart, bones and lungs, we would’ve been better equipped adults. We would naturally park farther away and walk to our destination. We would always take the stairs and definitely take a brisk walk daily. (I believe). We would naturally have some sort of fitness membership because we’ve become accustomed to the endorphins. Yep, that great feeling you get working out that remains with you for quite a bit of time afterwards. That positivity. That feeling of accomplishment, I just ran…, I just lifted…. I just walked…. I just cycled… I just danced…., you get the picture. Lifestyle inspired.
Where do you want to begin?
- Boutiques? Sure.
Pure Barre, Cyclebar, Hot Yoga Barre, Hot Yoga, Orange Theory, Rowhouse, CrossFit, Solidcore, Club Pilates, Stretchlab, 9 Rounds, Rumble, Yogasix, Kickboxing, Burn Bootcamp and so on…
So why are there specialty boutiques that offer what most box gyms offer? Because boutiques are designed for the folks who want something special, something different than big box and focused. These places are usually intimate, not much room outside of the fitness area to gather, hang out. They’re focused on the brand and the fitness type. The beauty here, is most everyone offers drop in classes and class passes. The most variety in memberships remains with boutiques. #truth. I’ve tried and/or belonged to most for a period of time.
2, Big Box Gyms? Okay.
Well, I don’t need to list these because you all know about them in your hometown. There are some major brand names throughout the country and world, yet others are smaller, less expensive, but offer the same experience. The main difference between junior box the big box gym types are if they have a pool, sauna, basketball court, group fitness class and offers members the opportunity to use multiple locations with one membership. Cost. Big difference in membership dues and definitely requires a contract.
The smaller version may or may not offer group fitness classes, may or may not allow you to use their other locations, however, the monthly membership fee is significantly less than their big sister gyms.
How do you know which way you want to go? Well, the truth is most people don’t and the only way to know if to try them. Now you cannot go into this with a strict budget mindset, because in the long run you will be saving money on your health. Trust me here.
January is the most wonderful time of the year to get your gym tours, because most people are making their New Year’s resolutions. So if you’re timid about the experience, this is a great time to check everything out because you will be one among the MANY. Wink..
Here are some tips:
- If you’re checking out yoga classes, you will need to bring your own mat.
- If you’re checking out a barre class, you’ll need sticky socks.
- If you’re checking out cycle classes, they have cycle shoes you can borrow for the ride Or box gyms will have bikes with straps to accommodate your tennis shoes or clip ins (for cycle shoes) on both side of the pedals.
- If you’re checking out kickboxing, they have gloves you can use
In general, you’ll need a water bottle and a towel for everything. Wear workout clothes, this might seem common sense, but trust me I’ve seen everything over the years.
What to anticipate:
Well, I want to start by saying you should be greeted with a friendly welcome no matter where you go. Let the desk person know why you’re there and tell them it’s your first time. Do not be shy about this.
Yoga classes, remember it’s just you and your mat. Even if your mat is just about touching the person next to you, all that matters is you and your mat. Learning all the yoga poses could be your greatest challenge and if you stick with it, your greatest reward!
Cycle class. Get there early and ask for assistance setting up your bike. All spinners know the importance of proper bike set up, so every single person in the room has done what you’re doing for the first time. Then just cycle with the class, sit if they’re up in the saddle if you have to, doesn’t matter, so long as your moving the wheel, all is good. Just you and your bike in this class. You will get stronger.
Barre class. Well this one is the coolest to me. You channel your inner ballerina in this class. This class is a follow the instructors queue type of class , therefore, you will be just fine. You will learn to love the “shake”. If you don’t like hands on adjustments to your form, let the instructor know. They’re big on the correct form. Again, not a competition, it’s all about your form and getting stronger. Plié.
Dance class. My favorite. Most newbies start in the back of the room, (not saying you should) but during my eight years, no one started in the front row unless the knew me first. Haha. I’ve seen such growth with newbies in the back row and then like a flower they bloomed. I saw the transition from not knowing what to do, to following people or just having fun. From wearing their t-shirts to getting workout tops and slowly migrating to the row in front and overtime landed in the front row. I actually spin my class around so everyone is in the front row at some point of a song. Wink. Shoes, water and a towel are key for this class because you’re going to sweat a lot. I’ve taken many sweaty selfies with my peeps. Kinda love it. Ha!
Row class- Follow the instructors queue for form. Pace yourself.
Kickboxing, 9 rounds circuit, HIIT, classes all involve your own body’s energy. Just remember you’re new, you will get strong. Pay attention to if you’re enjoying it.
People in the gym and those who attend boutique fitness classes are actually very happy to assist you. If you ask someone next to you what to do, promise they will happily assist. Most people do not offer unsolicited help as a general rule of gym etiquette, but when asked, they will help you.
So this is going to be very contradicting, but I’ve always viewed going into a gym like a child walking into a candy store. (Yes I still love all candy). To me it was like, oh what do I want this time! Excited with energy. Which piece of equipment do I want to use today? Which class do I want to take today? What am I going to choose to do today? I’m sometimes random and sometimes intentional, neither is correct or incorrect, but remember my intention is not to be a bodybuilder, which is created with total intention and a strict scheduled plan. I’m there to move, challenge myself and get toned. That’s where we start, on the happy candy land trail!
Yes, this post is about how to join a gym, but ultimately it’s about a fitness lifestyle we want to MOVE. If joining a gym is not for your (after your research) just start walking outside your front door. Start by taking the stairs, start by walking inside your house, outside your house, down the street. Just move more. You can join bowling, basketball, volleyball, tennis teams, or go swimming, laps or aqua fitness classes. If you ultimately prefer the comfort of your own home, then purchase a piece of equipment, but promise me you’ll use it, not just dust it!
Nugget-Check out the website for each of these companies. They’re always offering free classes, passes or “refer a friend” specials for members. Some even have free passes to download. Don’t be shy, call ask or pop in. It’s all about you!
Now I want to see your selfies. Tag me! Let’s MOVE together, we’re striving for a lifestyle, so I’m here with you.
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