Join a gym?

I completely agree with you! I've been a runner rather than using the gym for the last 18 months (although have been running for a few more years) and love it. I think you get a better work out outdoors anyway... well done on saving a load of money!

this has been discussed previously, I prefer to go out on my bike, nothing like the outdoors, etc

I let my gym membership lapse a couple of years ago when I started running. Love it, unless the sun is burning down! However, running doesn't do anything for upper body strength/toning so I'm now considering doing British Military Fitness classes. These are 'outdoor gyms classes' run by ex-militray fitness trainers and are usually held in local parks. Anything but going back into a gym full of machines...

I joined a gym once, but I only used the sauna and the sunbed! I found all the exercise really tiring (!). I play Just Dance on the Wii with my 7 year old son and if that's not deemed as enough exercise, then I don't want to know!!!

if you are committed to go to the gym you could be as committed to use your home to do the same workouts, two bags of flour can make good weights, a set of stairs is the same as the gyms stepper. Also using the outside world for running, biking, skating etc. All for free.

I'm lucky as we have a free gym at work, but saying that i don't go much!

People managed to get fit before expensive gym's were established. HOW they improvised do the same and save the fees.

I used to be a member when gym was next to work, used it every lunchtime and loved it. Tried it when I retired, could not be bothered to travel to it and never felt comfortable. Now I walk as much as I can, joined a walking club, encourage my friends. Company, exercise, fresh air, good countryside using equipment I already owned so simply a modest joining fee that I can GA so helps me towards my target of getting Age Allowance

I think that there are two issues here: cost and personal choice.

While it is a given than exercising by your own means is cheaper than joining a gym there are people that take such pleasure in going to the gym that the cost is worth it to them.

Plus there are many people that the only way they can find the will to exercise is by being told what to do and being watched while they do it (classes, personal trainers, etc)

So this is a question of: do you enjoy going to the gym? will you use it regularly and therefore justify its cost? will it help you be more fit and healthy?

I run outside, commit to work by bike, like going to the gym, exercise at home occassionally. I like all forms, but I find the gym gives me a certain me time I don't get when I exercise any other time, as when I go for a run or exercise at home it is something I try to fit in my schedule, while if I go to the gym it is more time that I will specifically be dedicating to me, maybe going for the sauna after the exercise or for a swim, taking my time having a shower, etc.

The best way to exercise though is to use variety so that you work all your muscles and changing routines so that your muscles don't get used to the same training (and therefore end up 'finding it easy')

or use a local authority one because they are a lot cheaper and about as good! but yeah i would do it your way rather than waste all that cash. however if your training for something very specific a gym might be better.

It rather depends if you can trust yourself to stick to the training regime on your own or not and on how important it is for you that you do. Always love the cheaper ideas though.

I agree with you, but sometimes it's hard to find the motivation to exercise when you doing it alone. - I would say that's were the gym comes in handy as a first point.

Second, joining the gym will allow you to use equipment that could help you concentrate on improving certain parts of your body- running will not do this.

Overall, if one just wants to keep an active healthy life style, then I do think that joining the gym for the fee charged is a waste.

I have a gym set up in my garage so can use it any time I want and after the initial expense, you don't spend any more!

Long term, for the best health results you need to change the way you exercise regularly (the body gets used to it otherwise). You also need to balance resistance training and cardio training and both are important. Your body has to last you the rest of your life, so if you feel you will get a better workout then I think a gym is a good investment. That said, you can happily alternate (doing it yourself for a year or so, then joining a gym and getting new ideas) as and when money allows. Sounds like right now you are motivated and enjoying the cheaper option. As long as you are exercising safely then you are doing yourself a world of good.

What about if you would like to add a steam/sauna to your regime? All the ideas are here are very good but I also like to have a steam or sauna - any ideas?