Is Joining a Gym Right for You?

By Michele St. Martin

You want to get in shape so you can feel good about how you look in shorts or a bathing suit. Or maybe your motivation is health: You don't feel happy about getting winded going up and down a flight of stairs. Things that used to come easy are now difficult. Joining a gym or health club is the answer, right? Doesn't everyone who's serious about fitness belong to one of those?

What's Your Style?

Joining a gym is not necessarily the answer for everyone, according to women's fitness expert Judy Mahle Lutter. Lutter is co-founder and president of Melpomene Institute, a research and resource center that serves women and girls who are interested in physical activity at all levels of frequency and intensity. "There are no studies which prove that going to the gym increases fitness faster than walking out your front door," she says. Lutter points out that joining a gym may not be the right option for those who enjoy being outside. "Walking, running, biking and cross-country skiing all produce fitness," she says.

Certified personal trainer Jason Daniel Henderson sees things a bit differently. While he cautions that those joining a gym or health club because of pressure from family or friends may not succeed at staying motivated, he also urges that those who decide to join a fitness facility not try to go it alone. "Get a buddy/spouse/family member to join with you, and get someone to hold you accountable – for encouragement, or to stay on your case," he says. However, Henderson concedes that there are alternatives to a gym for fitness. He echoes Lutter's suggestions for fitness activities, but adds, "Let's not forget the importance of strength training. Resistance bands (also known as therabands) are a cheap and easy way to build strength and shape your muscles." Resistance bands are available at sporting goods stores.

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