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Is Joining a Gym Right for You?
By Michele St. Martin
For Amy Radeski, a move from a rural area where she felt safe running with her dog for company, to an urban area where she no longer felt safe running alone, prompted her to join a gym. She also enjoys running on a track. "Plus, in the past, I'd done a lot of aerobics and gotten into great shape," she says. "The running did wonders for my cardio[vascular system] and lower body, but not much for my upper body." Radeski also wanted a workout that wasn't weather-dependent. "I hate being out in the wind and rain," she says. "I just won't workout outside. So having someplace to go indoors takes away my excuses about not working out because of the weather!"
Grace Olson couldn't disagree more. She tried several gyms but didn't really click with any of them. She hated waiting for machines and fitting the gym into her busy schedule. "The other big thing for me is that I just don't like the gym culture!" Olson says. "I don't want to fit fitness into an hour five times a week. Instead, I have traded my gym membership for something I really do love – membership in a tennis club." Olson usually plays tennis four days a week. "I also run five days a week when the weather's nice," she says. "When it isn't nice, I work out with different aerobics tapes. I like this because I'm in control. I choose the tape; I choose when to exercise."
Christine Crow grew up being active, involved in dance and recreational sports. She no longer dances, and plays sports infrequently – but she is a faithful member of her gym. "I needed a workout that included cardio and weights," she says. "I enjoy going to the gym, and working out outside of my home. I tried the 'at home' method – I have free weights, Tae-Bo tapes, the whole deal, and I can't get myself to do it." Crow enjoys her cardio workout, with the motivation of a live instructor, the music, proper flooring and mirrors. She also likes being able to get in a variety of fitness activities in a relatively short period of time. "The gym we go to has a sauna and a Jacuzzi – these are special treats if I've had a really good workout and want to reward myself," she says.
