I keep asking myself if I still really need a gym membership. With my wedding now less than 11 months away I’m trying to spend less and save where I can. Everyday I realize more and more that I’m not sure I really need the gym membership I’m paying for because despite what most people realize, I very rarely use it these days.
Back in college when I got really into fitness and working out I spent 5-7 days in the gym lifting, taking aerobics classes, and using the cardio equipment. But these days, the only day I find myself at the gym is when I have a session with my personal trainer, which is only about once a week. For the past 15 months my main form of exercise has been running which I typically do outdoors. Though a treadmill is useful, you actually work different muscles on a treadmill and it’s less effective than running outside. I also find it a lot less enjoyable. My new road bike is another great form of exercise. Rather than being bored on a stationary bike at the gym or taking a spin class I can set it up in my house on the trainer. Not only do we have some of our own weights and workout equipment at home, but our loft building has a small gym with treadmills, ellipticals, exercise bikes, and weight equipment. Last winter because we had so much snow I found myself working out there quite a bit if I wanted to hit the gym; it was more convenient to use that gym in a big snow storm! I also take yoga now which is an incredible form of strength training. More and more I’m realizing that I really have all the means of working out without having to be in a gym if I don’t want to be. I’ve decided that when my current personal training package is up that I am not signing up for another one. I’ve been working with my trainer consistently for about 15 months and as much I love working out with her, I know what I’m doing. I keep thinking about how much money I’m essentially wasting. I’m at my lowest and healthiest weight ranging in the low 120’s, but more importantly, I’m the most fit I’ve ever been and it’s not from having a gym membership. Pumping iron didn’t get me to the point where I can run 8:45-9:30 minute miles for 6-9 miles or running half marathons; working my ass off running outside several times a week did that for me. I have toned up a lot from running, biking and practicing yoga and I have noticed a bigger difference with those forms of exercise compared to the days that were spent in a gym using weight equipment and cardio machines.
What’s the point I’m trying to make? You don’t need to be in a gym to get fit, be fit, or stay fit. You have all of the means to get fit without any machine or gym. Go for a run, do some squats, do some pushups, do some situps. Your body is an incredible useful tool so use it. Right now a gym is not where I’m finding my highest level of success in being and staying fit. Even in the snow and cold I’d rather be outside running, hiking, or walking. On a side note, I’m planning to buy Yaktrax which will help me run in the snow and ice this winter and stay off of the dreaded treadmill.
Whether you’re a gym rat, a runner, or simply trying to get fit, I think the most important thing to remember isn’t the number on the scale or trying to be the skinniest you can be; it’s about being healthy. It’s how about you feel inside and out. In the past I focused on what the scale told me and although I monitor it about once a week, I go more by how I physically feel and how my clothes fit. Everyone’s body has a comfortable and healthy weight. So whether it’s in a gym, outside, or in the privacy of your own home I urge you to find YOUR healthy body and focus more on what works for you and less on the number on the scale or what other people think you should be doing.