It has finally happened. You are sick to death of your clothes being too tight and having no energy. You know you need to lose weight and you finally have the motivation to get up and do something about it. One of the best ways to lose weight is to join a fitness center in your area.
The bottom line is that no matter what diet you decide to follow, we all know that you have to get moving to see any substantial weight loss. Exercising regularly is one of the best tips that you can get to lose weight. There are probably at least a half a dozen fitness centers located in your area but there are basic things that each one should have before you decide to join.
When I hit 40 years old, I became afraid to step on the scale in the bathroom. Every time I got on it I had gained at least a pound! It was insane. I thought something was wrong with the darn scale. I wasn't eating anymore than normal but I was piling on the weight.
My doctor told me that when I turned 40, my body basically turned against me. I had to actually start eating even less just to actually maintain my current weight - not lose weight! I was very depressed. Then to make matters worse, I found out I had Type II Diabetes.
It hit me hard that I actually had to make some serious changes or face some serious health consequences. This was a lifetime journey, not just some short term changes that I had to make in order to really get my health back and lose weight. My first thought was that I hated the thought of having to make permanent changes and not ever be able to eat my favorite foods again. It was terrible.
I was in the mind set that millions of people are. I thought that changing my diet and eating healthier meant never, ever having any of my favorite foods again. I have come to realize that isn't true at all. What I have found over the last few years is that, yes, I had to make changes. I had to cut portions sizes, eat more vegetables, cut out frozen box dinners and use less oils when I cooked, just to name a few changes. But, I still eat out. The key is that I know what I am going to get before I ever set foot in the restaurant and I NEVER look at the menu. I still eat the occasional "bad" food but I always share it with someone and never, ever eat the whole thing!
Losing weight is not something that should be viewed as something that you do for a short time and when you are done losing your weight, you go back to how you ate before. That won't work as most of us know. The thing that really did it for me was to stop looking at weight loss as a goal of sorts.
My goal had to be to eat healthy foods that I enjoyed and to stop thinking of it as a diet. I get hungry just thinking the word DIET.
I have lost 35 pounds and have kept it off for 5 years now by sticking to eating healthy foods and actually exercising at least four days a week. Believe me . . . If I did it, you can too!
If this is your first time, you should be able to schedule a time to have someone demonstrate how to properly use of all of the equipment. If there are safety features, safety belts, or required harnesses to use certain equipment, they should work and their usage should be enforced by the staff.
Sloppiness leads to an unsafe workout environment and getting hurt trying to get fit is not the best way to lose weight. Only join a facility that you feel is totally safe and that has supportive staff.
Is The Facility Clean?
Equipment should be wiped down after usage. The staff should encourage clients to use sanitary towelettes to wipe hand rails, bars and seats on equipment after usage. All areas should be properly ventilated, heated and cooled. Neatness counts and shows a respect for the members.
Any facility that doesn't meet these guidelines is not worth your time or the risk to your health. Just because you want to lose weight fast doesn't mean you want it to be a result of some nasty germs you picked up from unclean surfaces.
*Is the staff friendly and do they make you feel comfortable while you are working outs?
* Does the staff push you to do more sets, try heavier weights, or go faster than you are ready for or is safe for your fitness level?
* Do they know the correct methods of using the equipment?
* Is the staff paying attention to the members using the equipment or just standing around? Is the ratio of staff to members appropriate?
* The lack of adequate staffing and a lax attitude can lead to accidents.
This is a problem if it happens all the time no matter what time of year or what time of day your go. It's not good for the member's outlook and it's not good for your body to have to stop and start because equipment isn't available. You shouldn't feel like you have to rush through a set of exercises because there's a line forming behind you.
If group classes are offered there should be room for each member of the class to move freely without worrying about being kicked in the head. If the facility is too popular or too small, it might be best to find one that will be able to comfortably accomodate your needs.
But, you need to be careful and make sure it is licensed by the state or city if it is required. Make sure the child care area is monitored by adults and that there is a satisfactory ratio of adults to children. Before leaving your kids in this area, make sure it is clean, well light and has age appropriate toys.
* Is it convenient to get to?
* How is the parking?
* Is the outside well lit?
Remember, you are going to be spending a lot of time at this facility. Getting in the mood to exercise is not always easy and anything that you see as a problem will make it easier to justify not exercising!
Be picky and hold out until you find the perfect facility for your needs.
