• About
  • Mortgage Basics
  • $40K Challenge
  • Aunt Doris
  • Grandfather Says
  • Privacy
  • Archives

Len Penzo dot Com

The offbeat personal finance blog for responsible people.

How to Get the Most from Your Gym Membership and Avoid Burning Out

By Mr. Credit Card

The missus and I joined a sports club many years ago and we have absolutely no regrets about it. So I want to share my thoughts on how we get the most from our gym membership every year.

While it’s true you can get fit for little or no money, the reason we decided to join the gym and hire personal trainers was because my wife tore up her knee while we were skiing in Colorado.

One of the first “perks” of joining our gym was that we got a free evaluation and four free training sessions.

The first workout was brutal to say the least; but it made me want to get more “personal training.” So I made appointments with my trainer once a week. My wife decided to do the same and we coordinated our schedules.

Before long, we were attending the gym two additional days per week on our own.

The Benefits of Having a Personal Trainer

I used to lift weights when I was much younger, and I used to play soccer, so I appreciate being fit and strong.

One of the great things about having my trainer work out with me is that he has introduced me to the latest training techniques. They also push you harder. Previously, my solo workouts usually consisted of only simple stretching and a light jog. Not any more.

When I had my first session with the personal trainer, he had me do something called “dynamic warm ups.” And although it was supposed to be just a warm up, it sure felt like a workout to me! He also had me do other techniques and exercises I never knew about and, as a result, I got fit very quickly.

Meanwhile, my wife was also improving her fitness very quickly. Her trainer focused her on leg presses to improve her quad strength, and her overall tone was improving as well.

Pardon the Interruptions

Inevitably, we would run into periods where we could not work out. For example, during summer, we stopped working out for a month or so because we were away. During Christmas, we also took a week-long break.

There were other interruptions. During the year, my wife developed mild headaches every day, which kept her from working out for a few months. So we had part of our membership refunded. Yes, the better gyms will give you a refund due to lack of use for medical reasons.

Don’t Forget the Yoga and Pilates!

I’ve now started taking yoga classes. I just wanted to check it out, but it turns out that I really like it. The best part is it’s less strenuous than working out with my trainer! And I get to work on flexibility, which is my weakness.

I also started Pilates lessons and I love that as well. Pilates forces me to work on my abs, which I never work on my own because it’s really boring.

So right now, my workout routine consists of three yoga classes and one Pilates lesson a week.

The missus and I still have a few more personal training sessions to go and once we complete them, we’ll probably stop. But we’ll both continue to work out in the gym.

How to Get the Most from Your Gym Membership

Here are the main reasons why joining the gym worked out for us:

1. We had a real reason to go. The reason my wife and I joined the gym was not to fulfill a resolution. We recognized there was a real need to do so; her knee was hurting when she walked up the stairs and she really needed to strengthen her legs. And since she was going, I figured I’d join in and workout myself.

2. Having a personal trainer pushed us on. Yes, it was very costly. But we deflected some of the impacts by buying a 24-session training pack that helped get us to the gym regularly the first few months — and that kept our momentum going. If not for the personal training, I’m not sure we’d still be regular members. In fact, while working out on my own, I always pushed myself harder because I wanted to be ready for the next session with my trainer!

3. Attending classes kept our enthusiasm up. Attending yoga classes was a great motivation for me. Now, I really look forward to them and, if anything, this will be my sole reason for signing up again.

4. It helped to have a gym partner. You’re more likely to quit working out if you’re doing it alone. So get a buddy. Work out with your spouse.

5. We didn’t set goals. It may seem counter-intuitive, but many folks fail to follow up and go to the gym because they set goals. For most people, setting targets like wanting to have a six-pack by summer is a recipe that will have them calling it quits within a few months. If you want your gym experience to be successful, don’t bother setting unrealistic goals for yourself. Instead, make it all about lifestyle change.

Photo Credit: lululemon athletica

December 30, 2020

Comments

  1. 1

    Miss T @ Prairie Eco-Thrifter says

    I think staying healthy and in shape is really important and if that requires a gym membership than so be it. I have a membership which I use at lunch time at work. In addition to that my hubby and I work out at home in the morning. We try to diversify what we do so that we prevent injuries and improve our fitness in all sorts of ways.
    I like how you pointed out yoga and pilates. These two are very important for balance and core strength. I have been doing it for years and am grateful I have. A strong core and good balance are key for when you get older.

  2. 2

    Mr Credit Card says

    Miss T

    Kudos to you and your hubby for having the discipline to work out in the morning. Speaking about balance, when the warrior 1 pose last 30 seconds, the balance and legs start to go!

    Mr CC

  3. 3

    Jerry says

    I actually work out at home now. It leads to less money out of my pocket but I’m still getting a decent work out in. I use Tony Horton’s P90X and it’s amazing and totally leads to results. When my insurance gave me a break on my premium for going to a gym, I went. But, with my new job I don’t have that option. I’m just fine with that.

The Question of the Week:

How big is your home?

View Results

Loading ... Loading ...

Disclaimer

This site is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and the content herein should not be mistaken for professional financial advice. In fact, making investment decisions based on information published here, or any other website for that matter, is more than unwise; it is folly. This website accepts advertising in the form of monetary and other compensation; as such, topics of discussion are occasionally influenced by these advertisers. Sometimes, an article may also include affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, this blog earns a commission if you click through and make a purchase (for example, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases). Remember, you and you alone are responsible for the decisions you make in life, so please contact an independent financial professional for advice regarding your unique personal situation.

Sign up for the weekly Len Penzo dot Com newsletter
Len Penzo dot Com Delivered Weekly
Join more than 40,000 readers and fans who enjoy personal finance and macroeconomics with an offbeat twist!
Invalid email address
Thanks for subscribing!
Black Coffee: The Good Ol’ Days
Grandfather Says: The Continuing Chronicles of Elaine, Part 24
An Overview of the Most Common Student Loan Options
6 Ways to Fix Your Finances: Smart Tips for Resuscitating Your Bank Account
My 13-Year-Old Daughter Shares Her Financial Fears
Black Coffee: It Ain’t What It Used to Be
How Thinking Outside the Box Can Save You a Fortune
The Pros and Cons of Higher Interest Rates
Five Frugal Ideas for Fall Season Family Fun
I’m Not Rich, But I’m Financially Free; Here’s How I Got There

All-Time Most Popular:

  1. 1. 19 Things Your Millionaire Neighbor Won’t Tell You
  2. 2. Dear Friend: Here Are 41 Reasons Why I’m NOT Lending the Money
  3. 3. Why Your Expensive Luxury Car Doesn’t Impress Smart People
  4. 4. If You Can’t Live on $40,000 Annually It’s Your Own Fault
  5. 5. 21 Reasons Why Corner Lots Are for Suckers
  6. 6. 4 Smart Reasons Why College Isn’t for Everyone
  7. 7. 18 Fast Facts About Social Security Numbers
  8. 8. My Ketchup Taste Test: Upset! Guess Which Brand Topped Heinz
  9. 9. Why I Prefer a Spreadsheet to Track Expenses and Manage My Finances
  10. 10. Here’s a Simple Trick for Getting Credit Card Interest Charges Waived

Popular Now:

  1. 1. My Personal Journey to Financial Freedom
  2. 2. Why I Run My Household Like a Business (and Why You Should Too)
  3. 3. 5 Ways You Can Save Money on Groceries This Week
  4. 4. My 15th Annual Cost Survey of 10 Popular Brown Bag Sandwiches
  5. 5. 5 Frugal Tips for Family Fun During the Fall Season
  6. 6. Expensive 401k Mistakes People Make Every Day
  7. 7. 10 Ways to Get Fit for Little of No Money
  8. 8. The Ethics of Found Money: Should You Keep It?
  9. 9. Historical Gold & Silver Benchmarks for Wages and Commodities
  10. 10. 4 Good Reasons Why Some Quarters Are Painted Red

Copyright © 2023 Len Penzo dot Com · All Rights Reserved · Designed by Nuts and Bolts Media

© Len Penzo dot Com 2008–2023