Our tendency, especially when it comes to our physique and overall health, is to latch onto things that we view as “new” or fresh. Ideas and/or products that haven’t been around for a long time are viewed as groundbreaking as and more legitimate than things that we’ve been exposed to for years.
So when it comes to our gym memberships, we tend to devalue them and underestimate their ability to help us get or stay in shape.
Despite the fact that they’ve been around for a long time, the gym or health club system is an incredibly effective and functional resource when it comes to taking care of our bodies.
Is it possible that we’re not utilizing it enough, simply due to the fact that it’s an obvious solution?
Sure, it has been around for a long time, but there is good reason for that. Thus we shouldn’t over-complicate our fitness by avoiding some of the most obvious solutions and getting caught up in exercise fads or gimmicks.
Here are a few signs you might be doing just that.
1. You’re Constantly Switching Gyms or Health Clubs
Not only can this waste money, but it can make it difficult for you to get into a routine at your gym. You might find yourself jumping around to Cross Fit, pilates or a variety of gyms based on the latest workout fad.
Keep in mind that most gyms have all the basic components you need to workout and get into a good fitness routine.
Switching things up every few month’s likely means you’re getting distracted by other gyms or clubs that are offering a simple variation on what you already have.
2. You Assume that Working Out Regularly isn’t enough to get in Shape
A gym is simply a tool that allows you to workout on a regular basis.
What many people try to do is substitute a regular workout schedule for a type of workout that will get them in better shape, with less of a regular time commitment. Simply put, fitness doesn’t work that way.
Your gym gives you the opportunity to exercise and workout regularly, which is all you really need to stay fit.
So it’s not as much what you do when you exercise or what workout plan you implement; rather it’s an issue of being consistent and sticking with a given program.
3. You view the Traditional Weight Room and Cardio Setup as Primitive
The weight and cardio room concept have been around for awhile now, but the benefit that they have is still directly related to the level of work we put into them. It’s still the simplest and one of the most effective ways to get in shape, if handled correctly.
So if you view that method of fitness as primitive or if you assume it doesn’t work for you, you’re ignoring some of the most basic and proven methods of getting in shape.
It’s not simply the gym that’s the problem. It’s likely the way that you use it.
What to do then?
If you already have a gym membership, the answer is simple: Keep it and continue to exercise there on a regular basis.
For those who don’t have a membership, get one based on quality and proximity to your home. Being able to get there in a relatively short amount of time is crucial for your ability to stay committed. Consider a gym that’s nationally recognized like Fitness19 that has multiple locations.
Don’t underestimate the value of a gym membership simply because it’s not trendy or cutting edge.
If you can stay consistent, it’s still one of the best ways to get in shape.