Okay, so as described in previous threads, I want to get into better shape. I’ve almost got the clothes for it, but I still have a big question to answer: where to work out. My apartment complex has a small exercise room very close by; this is great, because the more convenient it is, the less excuse I have to skip, which helps with motivation. And, of course, it’s free. Unfortunately, it’s only open when the rental office is open, which is, of course, quite limited in terms of time.
There are many gyms within easy driving distance, but they all cost varying degrees of money money and varying amounts of time and hassle to get there, which gets into the point above about skipping. But they’re a lot more likely to be open at times when I can and want to work out. OTOH, there’s obviously a lot more people there, which means more chances to get condescended to.
So how should I decide? Once I do, deciding what exercise to do (and thus what shoes to buy) will fall into place. Unfortunately, I have nobody else to help motivate me, so I’d be on my own, so that’s currently not a factor.
I knew I should’ve mentioned this possibility in the OP.
I could, I’d prefer not to. This area is a bit urban (making the air and scenery not so ideal), and I’d like to do something I’d be able to comfortably do during the winter as well. Plus, I don’t think it’s a kind of thing I’d stick to.
Can you get a key to your apartment gym for after hours access?
Most gyms are not hostile or condescending. If you have a few near you, then you can probably find one you feel comfortable at, assuming going to the gym is your thing at all. Check out he various ones and see if they have any trial offers or anything.
PastTense is spot on about long walks. My wife and I have taken long walks up to doing half marathons by walking. We both fine it fun and enjoy walking on different paths and in different neighborhoods.
I’m also a cyclist. I find it fun and it doesn’t hurt my bum knee and hip. Both walking and cycling are great for weight loss when combined with a healthy diet.
But there are times when I do use the gym. This happens when the outside weather is too bad such as the cold of winter, days of rain, or maybe even today when the heat and humidity is dangerously high. What I usually do is walk circles around the indoor track or ride on a stationary bike.
It sounds like a nearby gym is a better bet than the complex exercise room, although that’s a free bonus if you happen to be (a) available and (b) in the mood to exercise when it’s open!
Would it help to start an exercise thread here and get people to post about the exercise they are doing? I recently got a Fitbit and have taken up walking, it would be good to have a place to post about my goals and achievements on that! Always nice to support each other, even if we are taking different paths towards fitness.
Have you thought about step aerobics? As far as equipment, all you need is the step. The steps aren’t big and, at least back when I bought mine, they’re not expensive. You can add or subtract risers to get the workout level you want. And there are tons of step workout videos on YouTube so you don’t have to go to the gym to get an exercise class.
The only downside, really, is that it’s not much of an upper body workout. But it’s great for your lower body and good cardio too.
Ok, for the gyms. Go to the gyms in your area. Ask for a tour. They will give you a 15 minute tour of the facilities and show you everything. Look around. See how the people are. Are they talking to each other? Do they remain in their own personal space? How is the attendant? Is he/she friendly to you?
Different gyms will have different things. A best fitness or balley’s will have some intimidating huge guy (though usually nice) come and give you a tour. A family oriented gym will have a girl, who is fit, but not over muscular. But the family gyms have lots of children - is that OK? Think about what you want.
I went to tour this one gym and all of the exercise equipment was in a dark dingy basement, that I would be afraid to be in alone (as a woman). Probably not a concern for you, but I like bright well-lit gyms.
Ask the tour guide what happens when you need help. Are there always plenty of people around. Also use your eyes - are there people on the floor?
Lastly, many gyms will allow you to come in for a day as a trial.
Buying exercise equipment for the home is pretty much no good in a tiny apartment - it will always be there, taking up space.
The small exercise room in your building also warrants a few visits. I bet it’s probably busy in all the times you want to use it.
Winter is hard for exercise no matter what, whether it be in the gym or outdoors - but in the northeastern winters, it’s almost impossible to exercise outdoors without killing yourself on snow and ice.
Forgot to say this. Step is not just for women. At the gym where I learned to do it, there were men in the class. And if you’re doing it at home then you won’t have to worry about anyone thinking anything about it.