For all the gym rats out there, I need a little advice.  I've discovered that my health plan will reimburse me $150 towards a fitness membership.  Never having done anything resembling working out, other than running, I thought it would be a good idea to try.  Then I can do x-training and other types of cardio and strength that I SHOULD have been doing all along.  I realize that half the country is doing this at the moment, but I plan to outlast most of them.

 

 

So what's good?  A decent neighborhood type, a big chain?  what are the most important equipment/classes it should have?  What's a reasonable price to pay?  How important (and necessary) is detailed training?

 

One that looks decent in town has a $50 joining and $10/month on special at the moment.  They seem to have good new equipment and a reasonable schedule of classes.

 

And a small, but important question--Do you wear your regular running shoes or use retired ones?

 

Thanks for any and all answers.

I agree with divechief.  Find someplace convenient, clean and with an atmosphere you feel comfortable in.  Try a few places out to compare if you can.  Talk to the people in the gym and ask them what they like/dislike.  Good luck!  Happy New Year!

hey Kevin - i agree with the above, but i think there's a Mike's gym near you that's really good.  I went there a couple times a few years ago with a friend but it's not close enough for me to consider joining.  Also, if there is a YMCA near you Mass. started this plan where you can go to almost every Y in the state without any extra fee -- i say almost because i have heard of a few that still charge a guest fee, but most dont.  I belong to the Merrimack Valley YMCA group which has always included Andover/No Andover, Lawrence and i think Methuen is the 3rd.   I also have a membership to Planet Fitness which is the $10/month club - no classes or pool which is the reason i joined the Y but closer to home and great to get in and do a treadmill run or quick workout when i need to be indoors.

 

Good Luck!!

And a small, but important question--Do you wear your regular running shoes or use retired ones?

 .

since it's all smooth surfaces in the health clubs, maybe see if you can find one

find one that recognizes (and supports) the benefits of running barefoot. 

If not, ask 'em why they aren't and show 'em some of the below cites:

(or maybe tell 'em you're from Kenya)

.

ps - of course as long as it's running barefoot, the benefits are the same inside as outside

(as long as don't step on glass, nails, animal scat, etc. , . . . which I haven't done in 20 years)

so I wonder why would old worn down retired shoes be okay inside and not okay outside.

.

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1.  Running Barefoot on a Treadmill (Mary Gorski)

My lower leg concerns may have finally begun to heal on their own.

But I attribute much of my success to the shoeless running.

http://news.runtowin.com/2009/10/26/running-barefoot-on-a-treadmill.html

. .  .

.

2.  Running Barefoot for Better Joints

Runners who want to protect the ankle, knee and hip joints should run barefoot. . ..
Running shoes protect the foot from injury but transmit the stress to joints in the ankle

and further up the leg. The force on these joints is even greater than walking in high heels(

http://www.marieclaire.co.uk/news/health/436937/running-barefoot-better-for-joints.html

 .

3.  Going Bare - the case for running barefoot (Pete Pfitzinger, M.S.)

we rarely let our feet out of their little protective houses.

The result is weak feet and ankles and, arguably, reduced running performance and a greater risk of injury.

Runners with weak feet and ankles have a slightly shorter stride because the feet are the last bit of propulsion

at the end of the chain from the hip, thigh and lower leg.

http://runningtimes.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=5810&PageNum=2

 .

4.  Reasons to buy a Treadmill (The Competitive Runner)

Running barefoot is one of the best ways to learn proper technique.

Running barefoot outside, however, can be difficult in the middle of winter.

So try it first on a treadmill.

This will toughen up your feet and strengthen the necessary muscles.

http://www.competitiverunner.com/whotreds.html

. 

5. Explosive Running (Dr. Michael Yessis)

Without shoes, runners are forced to land closer to the arch on the mid-foot rather t
han striking heel first, dramatically reducing impact.

Without all of the extra support that a running shoe provides,

barefoot running also strengthens the foot

by allowing it to function the way it was intended to work.

http://www.streetdirectory.com/travel_guide/154233/exercising_and_running/running_barefoot.html

. 

Even offer to sign a waiver of barefoot liability if necessary.

note: seattle Lifefitness distributor okays running barefoot on their treadmills..

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health club - other considerations

hot tub along with opportunities for cross-training probably also worthwhile

. .

good luck

Kevin, I echo what divechief said. The best gym is the one you will use. Research has shown that gyms that are convenient to either home or work are best. I would check out any gym you are interested in at the time you plan on working out. If there are long waits for equipment you might want to consider somewhere else. I actually have 2 gym memberships, plus a set up at home. One of the gyms is close to work and home so very convenient. I also like to box so I have a membership at a strictly boxing gym. I would say use the economy to your advantage and try before you sign up.

I agree with what's been said.  I've belonged to the Y for years--it's a short half mile from my work, so I can jog there in 5 minutes.  It's true what deez said--you can use your Y card at other Ys.  Some gyms use high pressure, or are high spandex, or are not very stable and fold up practically overnight, trashing your membership.  The Y is secure, and here, very involved in the community. 

 

If I'm running on the treadmill, I use regular shoes, but if it's the elliptical or weights, then retired ones.

 

grins,

A

 I also like to box so I have a membership at a strictly boxing gym.

Off-topic mental note:

Don't get Craneium mad at me.