Home exercise equipment seems like a convenient idea ----you can workout in your pajamas if you want to...but it doesn't usually work that way. There are literally thousands of exepnsisve treadmills that are used as nothing more than coat racks. Making a workout an appointment in your life will make it reality. And often if you have to actually go somewhere to get the workout in you are more likely to do that. There are so many different types of facilities these days that you may have trouble deciding which is right for you. Here are a few things to think about;
#1Location. If the club is more than 10 minutes from your home or work you are NOT as likely to get there. So look for something close.
#2 Decide what you want. I have two little children so child care is important to me. I also like a facility that offers a lot of different options. Weights, pool, indoor track, a variety of classes at a wide range of times. However, that is often expensive. Studio gyms are often small and offer very individualized workouts/ one on one with a trainer each time you go. It is amazing how much you can accomplish with just a few free weights and a cardio machine like a stair master, a treadmill or an elliptical trainer.
#3 Cost Be sure you get the entire price for a year in writing. Make sure that you are not being offered a low introductory rate that then becomes more expensive by the month--like balloon payments. It's a common trick. Also find out how the membership renews. Some facilities automatically roll your membership over and won't stop billing you without a written certified letter stating that you wish to end your membership
#4 Many gyms want to sell as many memberships as they can. If they are charging 49 dollars a month and you can only afford 39 dollars a month. Ask if they will accept that if you sign up then and there.
#5 Before you sign up; ask for a trail or at least a day pass. Go workout during the time period that you will usually use the gym. Is it crowded, can you get on the machines, is there staff available, and is the equipment kept clean and in working condition during this time. Visiting a gym in the off peak hours can be very different than what goes on during the periods when most people go which is before work, during lunch, and after work.
#6 If you are having trouble getting started here is a little trick. Tell yourself you are going to time yourself as you walk out the door for five minutes. You’ll have to get back so that's an extra five minutes which means you have automatically added 10 minutes of movement, and exercise to your day. Pretty easy huh!
#6 Don't forget that once again this year WHAS has a team to train for the TRIPLE CROWN OF RUNNING. It's a great way for beginners to get started. Our first meeting is 8am January the 14th at Fleet Feet, located on Bardstown road and the corner of Eastern Parkway. If you come, wear your running shoes, or buy a pair while you are there. We will hit the road at about 8:30 for our runs each Saturday. You’ll get a schedule to work on during the week. We PICK UP your entry fee for the Triple Crown races. Louisville School of Massage gives our team exclusive massage after each race and the CRUSADE provides support before and after the races with a spot to stash your "stuff". You also get a really cool shirt----and I tend to get some of you on TV. now and then. All you have to do is raise $250 for the Crusade-----remember all of the money donated goes to the special needs kids of our area, Kentuckiana. For more information call Fleet Feet Fleet Feet Sports-Louisville

1500 Bardstown Rd.

Louisville, KY 40205

502.479.URUN fax 479-9935

www.fleetfeetlouisville.com

Orr log onto www.whascrusde.org