Joining a Gym
We finally joined a gym! It was a big decision for our family, but I think we made the right one.
Healthy Lifestyle
I am currently at the weight I was before I was pregnant with my first son. Heck, I’m almost at the weight I say I am on my Driver’s License. My Healthy Eating and Exercise Plan is working!
If you’re a regular reader of this blog, you know I’ve had some challenges, but I’ve been working hard since May to lose weight and get healthy. I’ve been counting my calories, and eating 5 times a day. I’ve been trying to be more active, and have been walking, doing exercise/yoga DVDs, and have even went jogging a few times. I am not (and have never been) a runner, so this was a pretty big step for me.
The best part about the whole thing, is that I’m feeling better about myself. My clothes fit again, and I’ve even had to buy some smaller sizes. My blood pressure is back to normal, even at doctor visits, which is HUGE (I’m a bit of a worrier, in case you didn’t realize it.) Most days I have more energy, and the “starving all the time” feeling has gone away too (unless I get off my schedule, and I am really starving.) I’ve got some great momentum going, and I don’t want to lose it.
With the seasons about to change, I knew I had to figure something else out for my workouts. In Wisconsin, you can count on the weather to be pretty darn cold in the Fall and Winter, so the jogging idea goes right out the window. I really don’t mind doing workout tapes, but I am getting a little sick of the same old jokes from Jillian and Bob. With my oldest son off to kindergarten, I was also trying to find an activity for the twins. Preschool times two is just out of our price range right now, so after doing some research, we decided to join a gym.
How to decide on a Gym
How did we make our decision? How can you figure out if a gym is right for you? Well, here are some tips to help you figure it out.
Tip #1 Define your needs
As I mentioned, not only was I looking for a place I could workout, but I needed a place that had childcare. We needed to stay within our budget, plus have a location that would work for both me and my husband. I also wanted a place that offered Group Exercise Classes with no additional cost, while my husband wanted a good weight room. He also wanted to make sure they had extended hours so he could workout before or after work.
Tip #2 Do your research
Before signing up at any gym, I did a lot of research. I looked online, read websites, read reviews, and emailed a couple of places for prices. Once I found a place within our price range, I went and took a tour of both the gym and the childcare facility. I also asked about contracts (this gym didn’t have one, but they require a 30 day written notice to end your membership,) looked at the group exercise schedule, hours, and found out if we could use other locations (yes!)
Tip #3 See how the gym fits into your life
Look at your calendar, talk to your spouse, and/or look at your kids’ school schedule. Do you have time to go to the gym enough to make it worth your membership fee? For me and my husband, we also had to discuss when we each would go. He usually spends time with the kids in the morning, and knows I need a break when he gets home. Since I will be able to go to the gym during the day with the kids, I needed to be able to sacrifice some of my kid free morning or after work times, so he’ll be able to use it too.
Tip #4 See if you can try it out
A lot of gyms offer a free week trial or at least a couple free classes. The gym we decided on didn’t, but they also don’t have a big contract commitment, so we just went for it and joined (after lots and lots of discussion.)
Tip #5 Ask all your questions before signing up and paying
What type of membership will you be getting? Family, couple, single? Is childcare included or separate? What are the rules of the childcare? Do you feel safe about where you child is and who is watching them? What methods of payment are acceptable? What other benefits are there to your membership?
We went with a family membership, and signed the twins up for a month of unlimited childcare. I met and talked with the staff of the childcare, found out about how secure they are (very!) and what they do about diaper changes and snack time. I also found out that most of the Group Exercise Classes are free, but there are a few with a premium charge. There are also classes for the kids that we can get a discount on, since we are members. And…
We already tried it out TODAY!
After sending my big boy off to his first day of kindergarten, I packed the twins up, labeled their snacks and water bottles, packed their diapers, and headed to the gym. We talked about how much fun they were going to have playing, and once we got there, they didn’t even look back to say goodbye.
They’ve only had one babysitter besides my parents, so this was pretty huge for me to leave them. But, I did it! I went on the Elliptical for 20 minutes, then took a group exercise class for 45 minutes. I then raced down to get the twins.
Unfortunately, they did have an incident. My bigger guy bit my little guy when he wouldn’t share a car. They made him apologize, then just got rid of the car. After that, they were fine. I’m just so thankful they didn’t bite another child.
My bigger guy kept saying he had fun, and I had to carry my little guy out crying because he didn’t want to leave. I promised we’d be back, and we will be. Maybe even tomorrow!
Before I leave you, I have to share one school picture (the rest of the scoop will be on Friday.)
This was him getting on the bus on his 1st day of kindergarten!
I am feelin this post so much! I’ve had such an internal struggle lately trying to get myself to sign up for a gym. I’ve just never liked gyms so much so I feel like I’m not putting in as much effort as I should. Definitely a great ready for anyone trying to get back at the gym!
xx Lauren
Thank you!
My dear you have so much energy! I don’t know how you do it all! I joined a gym awhile ago and ended up cancelling just because I never used it. Shame on me. But Jason & I are actively each night working out together with simple exercise to get us a bit more in shape for the wedding. We’ve even made it a family affair and made the kids start exercising right along with us. BTW, what an adorable pic of your kiddo off the bus!
Awe. Thank you. It’s so cool that your whole family is working out together.
I have been a member of numerous gyms over the years and I finally realized, I am just not a gym person. I joined a dojo instead. I get a full body workout there and now I have valuable life skills, too.
Awesome!
Thanks for these tips and precautions. Will remember them when I look around for a new gym!
This is awesome! I wish I had a gym with childcare near me. For now it’s living room workouts during nap time, but at least I live in Texas so going running in the winter won’t be unbearable. A side note too, I hate gyms with contracts!! I think it’s ridiculous! LOL
I agree! 🙂
I like your tip about researching the gym. Many people just pick a gym because it is close to their home or work. We belong to the local YMCA because that is where my child does a lot of her activities but if you want to workout at another YMCA then you have to pay an additional fee at the other gym! Not cool!! <3 Christine, The Choosy Mommy, http://www.choosykids.blogspot.com
Oh! That’s not cool at all.
I definitely agree with everything on this list! It took me a good two years to find the gym I was the most comfortable at. I finally found a place that I love and where I see my progress grow. Greta post! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for reading!
Great tips!! There are so many factors when considering joining a gym… I think also talking to people helps to see what the gym is all about. Sometimes word of mouth is the best way to find a good spot!
Exactly. Thank you!
I want to join a gym but I’d prefer to have a personal trainer. I need someone to be waiting for me and basically whip me into shape. And I totally cannot afford it so I’m hoping I can do some winter running this year since my friend thinks I’ll be running the Grandma’s Half Marathon in June. *insert scared laughing*
Ha! I’m not that in shape to do any type of marathon yet. Can’t wait to hear about yours!
I realized I needed to join a gym for the same reason as you – I had started running and I was not going to be one of those runners out in the snow and freezing temps! So I needed a treadmill. The only downside of my gym (Lucille Roberts, which I think is only out here on the east coast) is that they offer classes which I would love to participate in, but they are mostly offered in the evenings, 5:30 or later, and my work schedule is weird in that I get off at 3. So my favorite workout time is in the 3-5 range, and then I have play rehearsal in the evening. But I’m thankful for being able to run indoors!
Wow. Busy schedule. But, yay for running indoors. Snow is no fun.
Awesome post. Good for you for focusing on YOU – I know how hard that can be as a busy mom!
Thank you!
Good for you! I have a gym in my condo and I find it hard enough to make it there! lol Motivation can be tough to keep but I wish you luck!
Thank you!
A gym membership is a great investment for your health. Keep up the good work!
Thank you!
These are great tips on joining a gym. It is so easy to get sucked in without know what you’re actually getting into 🙂
Exactly. Thank you!
Hi Shann,
Searching for a gym that suits your needs is important. My gym membership is on hold during the summer because I’m out and about. I live near the beach and beach-walking is my favorite thing to do.
Now that September is here, I’ll be going back soon because the weather will get nippy. I love swimming but cannot take the chlorine. So my gym has salt water (yippie) and that was why I chose it.
-Donna
Nice. That sounds like a pretty cool gym 🙂
So glad you are feeling better! I LOVE working out – do it 1 – 2x a day and always feel so much better! I love that it goes hand in hand with eating healthy too! I love the tips you shared~
Thank you!
Great tips! My husband and I were just touring gyms yesterday.
Awesome! Thank you!
Your tips are “spot on”. Finding a gym is a BIG decision, because it has to offer all of the things you need and also be convenient so you don’t feel you have to drive and drive and drive to get there! I live in the desert southwest, so we experience the weather issues in the summer the way you do in the winter. I’m out before 5 a.m. to walk or I’m not out at all! And yes, I feel better! Keep up the good work!
Thank you!
I need to do these… I am planning to loose my belly fat but not motivated yet.
Good for you Shann! It’s so important to make yourself a priority and these are really great tips! Congrats on your pre-preggo weight! That’s amazing!
Thank you! 🙂
Hi Shann!
I love that you’re taking care of yourself and getting your “fit” on. I use to go the gym years ago. Then I got married, got comfortable, fell into depression, gained weight, and meno is here so let’s just say, I’m not quite as fit as I once was. However, I am embracing the “me” I am now. As long as I am healthy, I feel great!
Kudos to you girl. Keep up the good work!
Thank you so much Brenda!
That’s awesome! I’m not a huge gym lover, but that’s nice that they offer group classes too. It’s also great that you boys liked the child care. It’s fun for them so you don’t feel bad about leaving. Congrats on being so healthy!
Exactly. Thank you!
Winters in Wisconsin sure do look a little brutal so joining a gym is a great idea, plus you will get to meet others and keep that motivation going. Good luck and congrats on reaching a great goal already
Thank you Sue!
I am so jealous of you!! You always seem to complete/exceed your goals. I remember your July write-a-post everyday goal. There’s no way I have that much commitment. Great job on losing weight! I always say that if it were easy, everyone would do it. You busted your butt and it paid off! You may want to pack your boys more food next time you go to the gym so no one is inclined to bite! lol ;-p
Awe. Thanks Heather. You’re too sweet. I actually went through my goals from August (which I’m posting tomorrow) and I don’t know if I did so great with everything else. Oh well. And that’s too funny you mentioned food…because it was my big guy who bit and he’s ALWAYS wanting to eat 🙂
Congratulations for doing so well on your weight loss plan, and I love your tips for the gym. I did belong to an all women’s gym years ago, and I really enjoyed it.
That’s awesome! If I were getting a single membership, that’s what I’d look for.
This sounds exactly like what my daughter just did when she was scoping out a gym for herself here. She took a 2-week trial to be sure and then joined.
Nice. I’m sure your daughter knows exactly what she wants in a gym..she’s in such fantastic shape!
Congratulations on meeting your weight goal Shann! I’ve hit a plateau and can’t move. I only have 20 pounds to go and it’s been tough.
I love your suggestions for joining a gym but since the hubs isn’t comfortable with me going to a gym (yes, even a woman’s only gym) he’s got me pretty much set up here at home.
I love getting on my treadmill or lifting weights. I’ve recently asked him to put a TV and dvd player in the exercise room so I can try Zumba :).
Thanks for the tips hun! Passing this on. 🙂
Cori
I’ve been wanting to try Zumba too. I’m going to try a Barre class tomorrow. Thanks for stopping by 🙂
Doing your research is so important. We have at least 3 in this town and have been checking them all out since we are considering joining one, too.
Awesome!
I joined my gym because they had a pool I could train for triathlon’s in!
Nice 🙂
The comment about almost being the weight on your driver’s license made me smile because I think I am still about 10-15 pounds away haha!!
Congrats on your gym membership! I’d love to hear what classes you end up taking and what you think about them 🙂
Thank you! I will let you know 🙂
I am so happy for you and your family that you found a facility that suits your needs. Not a gym person myself so i cannot say that I understand the specific search but your sound so happy about it so well done!
Thank you!
Congrats on hitting your goals! That’s huge! I think to be the weight on my drivers license I would have to cut off a leg… maybe an arm? My hubby and I just joined a gym but so far I haven’t made it over there to work-out. I need to find the perfect time!
HA! You’re too funny.
Great tips! Glad you stepped it up a notch and got a gym membership 🙂 I am not ready to commit yet for a gym membership since I am currently saving up my future trips. However, I do want a gym membership in the future when I am settled back at home so I will keep your tips in mind!
Great! Thank you!
Those are all great things to consider.. I have joined gyms that I later ended up regretting.. Congrats on the weight loss.. Great job!
— DT | Here I Scribble
Thank you!
Most gyms have a free trial, so you can test out if they fit you. These are awesome tips, I should really start looking for a good gym in the neighborhood.
Such an amazing post! Thanks for all tips 🙂 Xo
Thank you!
I have a gym membership that I have not used for years. Walking three or four times a week with my dad and mom works for me. Congrats on signing up.
Thank you!
Girl, you have this down! I may have to take a few pointers from you. I know to build more muscle I need to eat more (protein) during the day…but I have a hard time with that. I need to work on eating 5-6 meals a day. I would love for you to share some meal planning tips. That would be great bc that is the area I suck.
I will work on one 🙂 Thank you!
How exciting for you. I know that when I regulary work out I too feel so much better (physically, mentally, emotionally etc) Great tips!
Yes! Thank you!
Great tips. Losing weight and keeping it off can be a big challenge.
So proud of you – thanks for the great info on how to make it work for me! 🙂 #HomeMattersParty
Thank you so much! 🙂
Great tips! I totally need to work out more as well. I am co-hosting with you this month the #HomeMattersParty, please visit me too.
So cute that they didn’t want to leave, that will make going back easier for you. Thanks for inspiring me to get back into the workout and healthy eating routine. #HomeMattersParty
This is awesome! It sounds like you’re doing all the right things to get and stay healthier. Thanks for sharing and for the gym tips! Great to be co-hosting the #HomeMattersParty with you!
Thanks! You too!
You are great !!! I just couldn’t keep up with my routine. I go to the gym for a week and take two weeks rest as something or the other come in the way so I couldn’t make it. I am also thinking I should change to the gym which has classes rather than just working out with machines. It’s great to be co-hosting with you at #HomeMattersParty.
Awesome, go you! I know, it’s so hard to get good exercise when the weather gets cold here too! It’s been fun co-hosting with you at the #HomeMattersParty
Thank you! You too!
Good for you Shann! I used to have a gym membership and went with my first daughter, but then we stopped using it and let it go. It’s fun to have that routine and a bit of a change for you and the kids! Stick with it!
It’s great co-hosting the #HomeMattersParty with you.
Thank you!
We only have one choice for a gym in our town but I could drive a 1/2 hour to the next town. There just aren’t many choices. I love that have the option of a daycare. That is perfect. Our gym also charges extra for the group classes which I hate. I am glad you found one that you like and I hope you get tons of use out of it.
Yes, we’re lucky we have such a nice, affordable one here.
I don’t regret joining our local gym/rec center. It’s the only game in town but they do a great job. My kids participate in a lot of sports up there so it’s great to be able to work out while my daughter has swim team practice or my son is in karate.
It’s been a another great #HomeMattersParty weekend co-hosting with you!
That’s awesome! It’s been great co-hosting with you too. 🙂