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If you aren't up to joining a gym, or simply don't like the "gym scene," consider a few pieces of carefully chosen home gym equipment. If space and budget keep you from setting up a home gym, invest in a good MP3 player, load it up, and hit the sidewalk. Walking is excellent exercise. If you want to boost the workout, add ankle and wrist weights.
Whether you workout at a gym, at home, or outside, remember to stay hydrated.
20-30 minutes of serious exercise daily is enough to tone, condition, improve heart and lung function, and give you an overall sense of well-being.
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You already know that regular exercise should be a part of your routine. For many, this means working out at a local health club or gym. There are hundreds of them in metropolitan areas, but even the smallest towns are getting with the program and setting up places to get fit.
Knowing that you can afford the local club's fees isn't enough. There are things to consider besides the price, convenient location, and whether they have the best bodies on their television commercials.
Cleanliness: Inspect the club during regular operating hours, preferably several hours after it opens in the morning and has experienced use.
- Is the equipment clean?
- Do they clean the equipment throughout the day to remove sweat, germs, and who-knows-what?
- Are the showers clean and well-maintained?
- Are the bathrooms clean and well-maintained?
- Are the employees clean and well-groomed (perspiration excepted, of course).
Safety: This is a serious concern for people of any age, especially those of us over 35 who may have heart conditions, diabetes, or other conditions that could cause problems with strenuous exercise.
- Is the equipment well-maintained and working properly?
- Is there a nurse or someone certified in CPR on duty at all times?
- Are the instructors certified by appropriate organizations or agencies?
- Do they have a regular, practiced routine in the event someone has an injury or heart attack?
- Do they have a health questionnaire to complete BEFORE they accept you as a member? Is it thorough? Does it request medical certification from your physician for conditions like heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, or asthma?
Keep these questions in mind when selecting your health club or gym. If the place fails on any of these tests, ask them about changing things or look for another place to work out. Most health clubs are clean, safe, well-managed, and well-equipped. Don't settle for less than you should. Treat yourself better!
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