I've recently ran into a dilemma. A loved one of mine has canceled her membership to our local gym because she does not like the gym atmosphere. She doesn't like the smell, the sweaty equipment, and the fact that she's somewhat of a germ-a-phobe doesn't help either. She was a member for a little over a year, even got a personal trainer, but afterwards she slowly stopped going all together. With this in mind, I wondered what her options are to stay motivated and at least work out a few times a week on her own.
Purchase Your Own Equipment
If within budget or if you can bribe someone to get you one for Christmas, a stair stepper, elliptical machine, or treadmill are good cardio machines to have in the home. Rain or shine, you can get your cardio on without the worry of strangers sweating up the machine before you're ready to use it. I personally would love an elliptical machine at home but until then, I'll stick with my gym membership. Free weights are more affordable and are great to have around the home. I own a set of dumb bells that I use in conjunction with my stability ball.
Run Forest Run!
Running is a great cardio workout and it's free. You can run just about anywhere and anytime. I enjoy running even though I do it mostly at the gym, the times that I do run outside, I always have fun. However, if your loved one isn't a runner, getting them to at least walk 20 minutes or so a day is a good alternative.
Take Up a Sport
One thing that can be boring is doing the same thing fitness wise. There are several sports related activities that can help break away from the usual exercise routine. You can usually find tennis courts or basketball courts free for public use. Pick-up soccer is a great idea and you can find local teams through MeetUp.com.
Those are just a few of the things I know she likes so I will try to make more of an effort to keep her motivated by being more of an exercise buddy. I'll see how this goes. It's tough motivating someone who has no desire to stay fit, but when it's someone you love, you have to find a way!
[tags]cancel gym membership, home exercise, local sports[/tags]
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Great information. Sometimes we need that extra push from someone that cares. Other times we just need to stop making excuses and realize how important it is to get at least 30 minutes in 5 times a week no matter what form.
Thanks for your feedback! Things have become much better for her since this post. She has taken up roller blading and bike riding. It just took a little push and figuring out what she liked to do.
I finally decided I was like this person a few years ago. I had joined a number of gyms over the years, only to find that not only did I find the smell and atmosphere unpleasant, but that it was boring and I really didn’t care to work out with a bunch of other people. I discovered we had a great park near our house with not only a fantastic and beautiful tree and fountain laced dirt track, but an old fashioned yet brand new free sand gym for adults as well-that is rarely occupied by many. I lost 18 pounds in just three months power walking each morning about three miles on the track with some upbeat tunes on my ipod and buying an inexpensive bike to ride and playing the occassional “for fun” game of tennis with my husband. I also walk the dogs about every other day around the neighborhood. Since I live in CA, it is a little easier weather-wise but I found I much prefer to be outdoors and getting my fitness in that way. I have little light free weights at home and do those routines a few times a week for about 20 minutes. I figured out that exercise is kind of personal and you need to do what is right for you-the gym is not for everyone no matter how fancy it is or how much it has to offer. Also-I have to admit something: yoga bores me! Sorry, yoga fans. Hope this helps!
Hi Miki – that’s awesome you have found things that you enjoy to stay fit! I’ve also discovered that I enjoy working out outdoors as well and bike riding has become one of my new favorite hobbies. Congrats on the weight loss!