[Closed] Any reason NOT to join a Gym

do I really want to join?

It seems that you do. But unless you actually plan on going regularly it's a waste of money.

Are there any real benefits to joining?

Ogling hotties while they work out in skin tight clothing springs to mind.

At what point will I turn into a musclehead?

When you've been lifting big heavy weights 2-3 times a week and taking on surplus calories for a few years.

Do you have a lot of free time?

If i went to a gym, it would have to come out of my riding time, **** that!

Most people at commercial gyms don't seem to know why they're there - just doing it because they think they should rather than want to. Exercise with no object in mind can't be too enjoyable - it can be unpleasant enough with goals to achieve 🙂

plenty of reasons not to join a gym. if youre into running or cycling id always rather run or cycle in the open air than run on a treadmill etc. no way would i pay to run or cycle indoors!!

if youre into weight training you may find it cheaper to buy your own equipment in the long run if you got the space.

i say that but ive got my own equipment yet i still go to the gym sometimes as its cheap and i can do some exercises there that i cant with my equipment.

not really helped you there have i 😀

[i]if youre into running or cycling id always rather run or cycle in the open air than run on a treadmill etc. no way would i pay to run or cycle indoors![/i]

Exactly this! Exercise should be fun, not just for it's own sake. If you're happy running going nowhere and lifting things up and putting them down again, lots of times... join up!

Any reason NOT to join a Gym

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Ogling hotties while they work out in skin tight clothing springs to mind

This. Why did anyone ever go to a gym before the invention of Lycra?

Only join if you think you will get your moneys worth and by that I mean will go regularly. So many people sign up for a year but only remain keen for six weeks. Mine got busier in December when all the fatties wanted to lose a few pounds before Christmas, was packed out in January for new year shaping up and is now pretty much back to normal levels.

Joined so I can go swimming, I've been into the gym part of it once this year.

tonyd - Member
Any reason NOT to join a Gym

There's a Lemon Jelly re-issue? 😉

If you do join a gym, do read the small print.

These gym long cancellation times and 'contracts' are utterly ridiculous.

I do use a gym, but it's cheap and only one month is needed for cancelling membership and I get zero hassle for doing so.

And the trick with treadmills is to run to the gym.

Is it one of the many established gym chains that don't force you into a 12 month contract?
If so why not just join and cancel it if you don't like it.
What's good for one may not be good for another, etc.

I've been a gym member for about 2 years now and can't imagine not frequenting one gym or another for any length of time.

I joined a Crossfit gym because I prefer working in that environment to being on my own amongst a lot of people in a normal gym. I know the max class size is never going to exceed 10 people and that egos are generally left by the door.

People talk to and encourage each other rather than pretending no one else exists.

I still run and cycle for cardio though, all in the open air.

I joined a [s]Crossfit gym[/s] [b]cult[/b] because I prefer working in that environment to being on my own amongst a lot of people in a normal gym. I know the max class size is never going to exceed 10 people and that egos are generally left by the door.

They have you now.

working away i have joined a few over the years for something 'do of an evening. still never went after the first few weeks, even then i would just gym for a few mins then go sit in the sauna/steam n'that. its toss. and full of tossers.

i do enjoy a spin class tho, but wasnt worth £50 a month.

I train in a Crossfit gym (but with a non Cross fit PT). Have to say, there a weird allure to the whole Crossfit cult, I can feel it drawing me in slowly.....

I even watched the 2014 Games documentary last night

I met my wife at the gym.

Draw whatever conclusion you like from this.

I go a couple of times a week as I find it something good to do (it doesn't involve shopping) on my lunch breaks and because work pays for the membership. If I had to go in my own free time then I'd be lucky if I went a couple of times a year....it is not something I really enjoy.

I would say only join if you could really be bothered going and giving up a couple of hours of your time each week to the not so noble pursuit of flexing in front of a mirror. Grrrrr.

Draw whatever conclusion you like from this.

The Earth is indeed flat.

to the not so noble pursuit of flexing in front of a mirror.

Decent gyms don't have mirrors...

I met my wife at the gym.

Draw whatever conclusion you like from this.

Crossfit. Meh. Its circuits. I joined a gym to do their circuit classes and was happy doing so. Then they withdrew these free classes and replaced with a branded "*IT" class. ie, circuits. So now if I still want to do circuits I have to pay extra for the privilege. FFS.

I was spoiled by a [url=www.thefitnessclubcentral.co.uk]small independent gym[/url] in Sheffield years ago who did and still do really excellent classes. Everything since has been 'meh' and becoming ever more about feeling part of a brand / cult.

Anyway, OP, try it and see. As you can tell, I like circuit classes for the incentive to get through 30-60mins of beasting myself to complement bike fitness. And likewise pilates.

If you hate the gym as much as I do that would be a good reason not to join one. For me its a total waste of money. I have access to a free gym and I have used it once in 6 months.

Decent gyms don't have mirrors...

plenty of reasons not to join a gym. if youre into running or cycling id always rather run or cycle in the open air than run on a treadmill etc. no way would i pay to run or cycle indoors!!

While I prefer running outside, the treadmill does have some advantages: the weather, it's dark when I get up, it's good for intervals/speed work... but most of all it's next to work - I commute to the gym before the rush hour starts, get my run in before work, shower, and it's done and dusted by 9am.

I do also use the weights, which I don't have at home, and I used to go to classes although at my current office I don't have time.

That said - there are a lot of people who turn up for a month or two, then disappear. We seem to be hitting the post-xmas / pre-easter peak at the moment, there're lot more people in the gym at 7:30 than there were before xmas... but it won't last. So OP I'd recommend giving it a go, it can definitely make a positive difference to your biking if you take it seriously, but make sure you've read the contract and know when to cancel (if need be).

And enjoy the hotties 8)

All gyms have mirrors.....and an old naked bloke in the changing rooms wearing only flip flops.

To be fair, I don't always remember the flip flops.....

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Urgh! Just had a flashback.

There was an old bloke at the gym who used to stand naked with one leg on a bench and blow dry his perineum whist chatting to anybody within ear shot.

I go swimming on a Saturday now. There’s a geriatric Chinese bloke who sits on the floor in the shower and gives his bollocks a good soaping. It is, however, much cheaper than the gym.

I use our work gym to do Sufferfest videos at lunchtime. We've got Wattbikes so I can record the session on my garmin too and load into training peaks. I also use it for general strength/conditioning to support the bike training. I've been using the wattbikes rather than my turbo at home as there's more too look at in the gym and it's a nicer environment than the back of my garage. Damn hot though, and no airflow at the gym either.

Once the weather improves I'll use it a whole lot less.

I only go because I'm working to a plan. If I didn't have a plan I'd probably go occasionally and do random things with little motivation.

I go now and again

it's incredibly boring, but sometimes a good option for getting some exercise in

The gym is a local independent one, and atm there is no contract.and I'm really looking at it to compliment cycling.

So I guess it's ticking all the boxes - Mrs has warned me about not going every night.

It always amazes me the amount of people who drive to the gym 😆

Trail_rat +1 😀

edit- have a

as well.

Just out of curiosity

How much are folk paying for the gym?

£16(might be £18) a month for unlimited mid-week use.

£36.50pm for the council leisure centre. Plenty of classes along with the gym, pool, etc. A bit low budget but does the job and I prefer spin to turbo sessions down the shed over the winter (yes I do a night ride every week but there is only so much mud I can handle)

£40/hour but that includes a Coach for the session and exclusive use of relevant kit for the full hour. Seems a lot but I do way more this way and think it's worth every penny.

My only issue with gyms is the proliferation of bloody Les Mill's classes.

Membership will be £29.50

I pay £18/month for all you can use gym access. Used to be £36/month until one of those "The Gym" places opened in town, my place then matched the new outfit's lower price.

I go three times per week at lunchtime, beats sitting at my desk or wandering round town aimlessly.

Lycra-clad hottie coefficient is low mind you, clientele seems mainly to be OAPs.

Just out of curiosity

How much are folk paying for the gym?

£16(might be £18) a month for unlimited mid-week use.

If it's broke, the Gym'll fix it...

DrP

get your coat

If the gym is only 30 quid a month and you plan on using it every other day or something, do it.

As for Crossfit being a cult, meh. I go because I like the exercise tempo, the people that go there and the ability to use the free weights when I go to the open gym. Compared to my old gym (where people used to walk on the running machines for an hour with an iPad open in front of them), it's a relaxing and open environment.

Besides, I thought IT people liked Crossfit, what with it's measurable, repeatable results?

I pay £28 month, for that you can attend any fitness classes, going to yoga tonight, pump iron 2-3 times a week and the price is inclusive of a personal trainer and they know their stuff. The numpties in the gym are the ones who drive there and then spend an hour walking on the treadmill.
At the moment i'm mainly training to improve my posture, which will have a positive impact on riding the bike.
Reason not to is, it's full of delusional old ****s like me in muscle vests who still think they've got it.

I'd save the money spent on the gym and use it to give yourself a goal.

Over the years I've been a member of various gyms but gave up because it was a lot of money for not going very often and ambling about with no real aims when I did go.

This year I've got a goal, a roadie alps trip to do a specific route, and with just a turbo in the garage I've done more exercise and am fitter now than I have been since school.

If you can afford the gym or need the gym as you don't have space to exercise at home then go for it but you need a reason to go beyond "exercise is good" becuase the gym is dull as shit.

I recently joined our local Virgin Active as I can't ride my bike because of an operation 4 months ago. I am getting it half price because I am with Pru healthcare so its £40 a month.

I'm finding it really beneficial for my body and my mental state, I get angry when I can't take my aggression out on my bike. I would definitely recommend it to others.

I drive to the gym as it's on the way home from work which i also drive to SHAAAME on me.

I also pay £28.95 p/m which gets me access to all gyms and baths in the Kirklees area, including classes.

I only have to use the showers when i go and take the kids swimming a couple of times a month and i've nearly made my money back without lifting a dumbell.

As for the bikes and treadmills, i use them to warm up and down only so between 5 and 10 mins per sesh tops.

Oh I feel really good out of it and it has enhanced my bike-riding a lot too.

Go for it.

My gym is the countryside on my doorstep, and it's free to access generally, or a small amount of petrol if somewhere I drive to.

An actual gym you pay membership for is expensive, you'll probably go for a bit and slack off and the membership fee is being wasted, or you go there more often than getting out in the fresh air just to justify the membership fees, it's a breeding ground for colds, and it's boring. I'd even go so far as to say I'd rather ride on the road than go to a gym! 😯 😉

As for "it's dark in the winter" / "too wet outside" etc. Meh. At least when it comes to off road. Dark - go night riding = fun. Wet - mud = fun. 😀

My only issue with gyms is the proliferation of bloody Les Mill's classes.

See my previous post. 👿

the ones who drive there

My gym is the countryside on my doorstep, and it's free to access generally, or a small amount of petrol if somewhere I drive to.

An actual gym you pay membership for is expensive, you'll probably go for a bit and slack off and the membership fee is being wasted, or you go there more often than getting out in the fresh air just to justify the membership fees, it's a breeding ground for colds, and it's boring. I'd even go so far as to say I'd rather ride on the road than go to a gym!

As for "it's dark in the winter" / "too wet outside" etc. Meh. At least when it comes to off road. Dark - go night riding = fun. Wet - mud = fun.

Then why you posting on here still? Go outside and gambol, while all us idiots pay a reasonable monthly fee to get the option to swim, do classes and pump dem gunz....as well as ride bikes.

the ones who drive there

This always makes me laugh as every time a gym thread turns up some one quotes it. Plenty of people on here me included will throw their bike in a car a drive somewhere to ride it.

I pay £15 per month for The Gym round the corner from work. In training for a charity ride so means I can go for a couple of hours straight after work leaving my (midweek,) days off for riding a real bike outside or spending time with the other half.

Works out to about £1 per visit.

Theres a pure gym opened up near me and for £10.99 a month and only a months notice to cancel i might give it a go.

Running inside a box
Riding inside a box
Working out inside a box

All the while you could be outside. **** that.

Yes, the comments about driving to the gym are somewhat disingenuous. If the walk is more than 30mins and it's pissing with rain than I'll drive, thanks. I understand I could run there but if I've got a structured, set plan of intervals or circuits planned out I'm not going to waste my time racking up junk miles and dodging dog-shit in the dark just to get there.

Having said all that I think that given the way most people use the gym you could achieve just as good, if not better results exercising in your own home and using your own body-weight and a couple of other cheap pieces of equipment if you really wanted to.

I'm not sure if it's just me but I find that it's not really practical to actually do proper intervals on my road bike out in the 'real world'- too much traffic, junctions, lights etc so I quite like using the wattbikes to properly beast myself.

I go to the gym.

I also ride my bike (erm, not so much at the moment due to working long hours away from home).

I go to the gym mainly to get toned, but sometimes I'll do some cardio if going out on the bike isn't convenient.

Doing weights at home never works, as I can never be arsed to do a full session - at the gym, I've made the effort to get there, so I do a full session.

Usually I drive to the gym due to time constraints/convenience.

Sometimes I ride to the gym.

Sometimes I drive to the trails.

All of the time, I do what suits me at the time.

Sanctimonious people offering their wisdom as per....

hora - Member
Running inside a box
Riding inside a box
Working out inside a box

All the while you could be outside. **** that.

Spin classes are brilliant at this time of year, great for MTB training with all the HIIT, and wall to wall fanny.

I use the gym at work social club for about a tenner a month. Like it actually, feel like I get more training benefit from intervals than I would out on the bike as I don't use a hrm on the bike. Can also concentrate on core strength and upper body more. No substitute for cycling but cheap and more time effective.

I remember one evening riding to the gym in Summer (sauna) and thinking 'look at the riding/running on those machines on a beautiful dusk evening inside'

The gym soured that day.

I pay £14 a month for swim/sauna at a rough place. If I didn't have a ****ing hot sauna once a week I'd go mad.

I use the local leisure centre gym in the winter months - fiver a go and no contract. Summer months I find time for a few hours on the bike after work.

They're a real den of arseholes though, there's a lot of fashion goes on, people who camp on a machine for 30 mins and manage 3 sets the whole time and 'gym fit' types who like to pass me 'friendly tips' ranging from dehydration to roids - the joggers don't fool anyone - you've got pins for legs.

I'm always glad when the clocks go forward and I can leave them behind for 6 months.

We have 2 free gyms at work. I use one of them once a year for my fitness test.
Gyms suck, give me fresh air anytime.

Just joined our local Puregym again at £15 a month. Went this morning before work which set me up nicely for the day, I feel less tired than I usually do. If I had a bike I could commute to work on I wouldn't have bothered but as they don't tie you into a contract once I do have something sorted I can just cancel it.

We have a free gym at work, pretty decent by all accounts, same as the local council gyms. Also open 24/7 as it's attached to occupational health. But it's at work. So screw spending any more time there than I need to.

Inverclyde sports centre is just round the corner, £40 for membership including some classes. Unfortunately it's all the shitty ones with names made up by some bloke who was in "the Regiment" such as 'C40' (umm what?) and the hilariously titled 'Kettlerasylum'; one presumes it's dodge-ball using kettles or a demolition derby riding these bad boys:

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Or £29 for the same level of service as work (I get yearly health checkups involving all the lung capacity stuff anyway). But with considerably greater likelihood of spotting a hottie. No pool though.

Council gym - same story. But with a pool and sauna.

Was chatting to a hottie in the gym yesyerday, we were both standing up when the conversation began then she started to do an exercise which displayed her puppies in their full splendor while still talking to me, didn't know where to look. 😯

Love going to the gym AND (I know this is really radical) I love going out on the bike too, s'all about variety.

Do the naysayers believe they can achieve the same range of fitness and conditioning on a bike as they could achieve in a gym?

It's £27 a month for our family at our local council leisure centre. Gym, pool, kids swimming lessons, the whole shebang!
I've been going 3 times a week on my lunch break for the last couple of months and have noticed an improvement on my fitness on my usual weekend pedal.
Far better than sitting at work and the Lycra/hottie thing is the icing on the cake!

patriotpro - Member
Do the naysayers believe they can achieve the same range of fitness and conditioning on a bike as they could achieve in a gym?

Depends what you're after. I'm not looking to tone the body, build muscle, become a performance athelete and whatnot. I just ride for fun and some exercise.

Riding doesn't shift my belly of course and maybe a gym could help, but that's more to do with booze and curry than going to a gym 😀 (besides, I'd just do a work out at home if I really want to do something about it).

Tenner a month here for full access and all classes. No pool but massive gym with good equipment, well run and maintained. Xercise4less.

Some very cheap gym deals here.

My prob is I have all the cheap gyms like TruGym, The Gym etc, but want swimming. So for that it's either pay Virgin Active a bazillion quid, or local council gyms for £40. Which gives access to 3 pools, and 6 locations. Plus discount on badminton/squash court bookings etc.