Resolution 365

It’s that time of year again — time to get off the couch and hit the gym! While gym memberships soar in January, most people lose their enthusiasm by late February and end up wasting both time and money. Choosing a convenient gym with exciting options makes it a lot more difficult to make excuses – and keeps you motivated well into bathing suit season.

So what exactly should you look for in a gym?

Location, location, location – choose gym that is within a ten-minute drive from your home or work — no one wants to drive far to work out!

Buddy system – consider joining with a friend — or if your friend is already a member, see if they have buddy passes so you can try the gym out first.

Cost – don’t break the bank; but keep in mind that gyms might be “cheap” for a reason. Are the amenities reasonable for what you’re paying?

Hours – A night owl might look for a 24-hour gym or one that is open late, while workaholics might look for a gym that opens extra early. Keep in mind that most gyms close earlier on the weekend. Make sure the hours match your lifestyle!

Extras – Smoothie bars, chiropractic services, nutritional counseling, saunas, personal training, basketball courts, and tanning beds are just some extras that you might be interested in. Take this into consideration when comparing gyms.

Equipment – Equipment is very important — not only the quality of the equipment, but the quantity. Is there a good balance of both free weights and resistance machines? Are there enough treadmills and other cardio equipment, or is there a waiting list to use these machines? Is the equipment crowded together, or is there ample room? Also look for non-traditional equipment such as stability balls, BOSU trainers, and step benches, depending on your interests.

Classes – If you’re interested in taking classes, check the schedule to see if they fit your time and abilities.

And how can you be motivated to keep going?

Change up your playlists – having good music to look forward to can really motivate you to not only go to the gym, but really exert yourself!

Invest in good sneakers – It may sound trivial, but you won’t want your cool new kicks to be sitting in the closet – you’ll want to get moving!

Write your fitness plan each night – Even if you don’t keep an official log, it helps to plan out your workouts for the following day especially if you’re intent on working certain body parts.

Plan your meals nightly, too – planning meals each night makes it easier to pack everything you need for work, and makes it a lot harder to justify that donut or bag of chips.

Make it a habit – Above everything else, you have to make going to the gym a habit – and this can take a little time. Talk with other people who are passionate about working out; read fitness books and magazines; plan active, outdoor activities — before you know it, it will become second nature. And you’ll be embracing a healthy, active lifestyle 365 days of the year!