Gym membership

Author
Discussion

Wildsea

Original Poster:

1,855 posts

217 months

Tuesday 22nd September 2009
quotequote all
Hi all.

I dislocated my knee about 6 weeks ago. It has healed amazingly well and no ligament damage was done. I had my last physio appointment yesterday, and was offered a reduced rate gym membership £50 for 10 weeks, although this may not sound a large amount to most of you on here it is to me. At first I decided against it, but am starting to re-consider. I don't do much exercise at all in the winter. As well as helping my knee, I could do with losing some weight and getting fitter. So is a gym membership worth it's money?

bazking69

8,620 posts

197 months

Tuesday 22nd September 2009
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A gym membership is only worth it's money if you use it.

I use our gym on a daily basis even if it is just for a quick swim and sauna, so it works out at 70p a day/per use.

Mattt

16,663 posts

225 months

Tuesday 22nd September 2009
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Slightly odd question - it's worth it if you think it is.

Henry Hawthorne

6,418 posts

223 months

Tuesday 22nd September 2009
quotequote all
Exactly.

It depends if you're really going to use it. £50 for 10 weeks isn't bad at all. Decide what you're going to do/what you want to achieve before you start going though. When everyone (well, most) first joins a gym it's "use every piece of cardio and weights equipment possible every session". If yu need help deciding what to do I don't mind giving you some (non-professional) advice. thumbup

Wildsea

Original Poster:

1,855 posts

217 months

Tuesday 22nd September 2009
quotequote all
Thanks for the replies. Asking around the office it seems like good value, even if I only go 3/4 times a week. I didn't realise gyms were so expensive over £40 a month including a corporate discount!!! So for a total gym newbie what equipment/ exercises should I do? The main thing is to strengthern the muscles in my knee which were damaged. I would also like to lose weight, and just generally improve my all round fitness. I take it gyms have staff to point you in the right direction and give you some guidance about what you should/shouldn't do?

smn159

13,398 posts

224 months

Tuesday 22nd September 2009
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Aren't there any council run gyms near you? I'm paying £15 a month for one about 5 mins from my work. Compared to LA fitness, which was my other option, the showers are a bit basic but the equipment is superb and of course the use of the pool is included.

Oh and it's about £25 / month cheaper

Wildsea

Original Poster:

1,855 posts

217 months

Tuesday 22nd September 2009
quotequote all
smn159 said:
Aren't there any council run gyms near you? I'm paying £15 a month for one about 5 mins from my work. Compared to LA fitness, which was my other option, the showers are a bit basic but the equipment is superb and of course the use of the pool is included.

Oh and it's about £25 / month cheaper
The gym I mentioned does say it is in partnership with the council . I live in Burgess Hill, West Sussex If anyone knows any cheap gyms in the area after my 10 weeks is up, that would be fab.

swansea v6

1,281 posts

232 months

Tuesday 22nd September 2009
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Shame you are not closer to me in Hastings, i have just started up a GP referral gym/clinic which would have been ideal. I will ask around and see if there is anyone closer to you.

Scraggles

7,619 posts

231 months

Thursday 24th September 2009
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paying £35 per month, that encourages me to use it, if I had no membership, there is a high chance that would never use it, £3.70 for swimming apparently

rocksteadyeddie

7,971 posts

234 months

Thursday 24th September 2009
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Suonds like a cheap way of seeing whether you will use it or not. As previous posters have said if you don't go it gets very expensive. £50 for 10 weeks is a bit of a no-brainer frankly.

Get your physio to recommend some specific exercises for your knee, and go careful with it to avoid buggering it up again. More general advice is widely available but do try and mix up cardio (run, bike, step, x-trainer, row) with weights and core strength training.

bazking69

8,620 posts

197 months

Thursday 24th September 2009
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I used to pay £46 at a big chain gym that was full of egos and always too busy.
I now pay £21 for a little place with a decent gym, pool, sauna, jacuzzi and steam room. The best bit is I have the place to myself most evenings.

Have a scoot around for local hotels that have gyms. Half the price and very quiet because they are little known. It may not be all shiny and new, but being able to do a workout in peace, not waiting for equipment, and being able to enjoy a sauna/swim virtually on your own is well worth it.

Mrs Trackside

9,299 posts

240 months

Thursday 24th September 2009
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We have a gym right next to where I work. I paid for membership for two months and went five times in total. My reasons : I don't do mornings so couldn't get out of bed to go before work, and I was too hungry/tired/couldn't be bothered to go after work.

I don't like how I feel when I don't exercise, so I do something at home four nights a week. I've bought myself a Wii Fitness Trainer, which I can recommend (I've lost an inch from my girth in 11 sessions). I'm want to get hold of this one as well now, as it looks better http://www.amazon.co.uk/NewU-Fitness-First-Persona...

Whatever or wherever you choose to exercise, it only works if you get off your bum and actually do it!