myerstownherald.com

By SARA HAUFF DORAN
Working out at home saves time and money, but if you find that you are distracted at home (like I am) or can’t find the motivation, then finding a gym may be the right move.
Perhaps you have tried to work out at home and you have not stuck with it. Prevention magazine reports that scientists at the University of Western Australia studied 126 women and found that those who exercised at a gym were four times more likely to stick with their routine than were those who worked out at home.
I have a treadmill at home (in our unfinished basement) and have various fitness DVDs, and still cannot find the drive to fit in exercise at home. For me, it’s too many distractions — our young children, our dog, housework, paying bills, writing deadlines — you get the idea and I’m sure you can fill in the blanks with what keeps you busy at home.
So if for whatever reason working out at home is not happening, then it’s time to find a gym near your home or work. I’m been a member on and off of a local gym for the last 20 years. For me, I chose a gym with the most varied group exercise class offerings. They have various types of classes at different times throughout the week.
Over the years, I’ve taken step aerobics, spinning, belly dancing, Tai Chi, yoga and Pilates. Not only does it keep me interested in exercising, it’s also good for my body to mix it up. Otherwise, muscles grow accustomed to workout routines and you may stop seeing results.
So in addition to finding a gym near your home or your work (it depends what time you plan on attending the gym), you should also look at its offerings. Do you like group exercise classes like me, or do you want to swim laps or strength train? Will you use the elliptical trainer or walk on the treadmill?
Another pointer is to visit the gym at the time that you will be regularly attending in order to see how busy it’ll be at that hour. Most gyms allow you to try out their facilities for free for the first time.
Another plus of a gym atmosphere is peer pressure! You may work harder if you are around other people working hard too! Even if you do not socialize, you may feel that you are in this thing together. And I have found that gym members are often dedicated to making exercise a top priority in their lives. And so, perhaps you can be one of those people too — who put exercise at the top of their to-do lists.