Before You Join a Gym

by Michael Allen Smith

With the New Year just around the corner, a lot of people will decide it's time to get in shape. Then they will make the incorrect decision that they need to immediately join a gym to accomplish their fitness goals. The individual will go to the gym and become overwhelmed and uncomfortable. Then they'll stop going.

My advice is don't join a gym unless you have:

1. Some level of fitness. At a minimum, I believe you should be able to do 5 pushups, 10 situps and 15 bodyweight (aka Hindu) squats from home before joining a gym.
2. Proven level of commitment. Design an exercise plan that you can do from home. Bodyweight exercises, walking, hiking, biking etc. Stick with it for 3 weeks. After 3 weeks ask yourself if you still need to join a gym.
3. Goals that match the equipment of the gym. If your goals are to have bigger muscles, then join a gym. If your goals are more modest, then find activities outside the gym that will help you accomplish your goals.

Tags: goals gyms