In addition to the wealth of helpful comments submitted by Sue I add this: the amenities that will be most important to you depend on your goals and physical needs. If you have a history of joint problems, swimming is a better full body aerobic/toning exercise than treadmills etc.
If that's not an issue, I highly recommend elliptical training as vastly superior to treadmills. The Precor elliptical machines are the best that I have come across both in my opinion as an MT and my experience as a consumer.
I really recommend find a gym with classes like yoga etc. If you actually have time and commitment enough to go 3+ x/week one day cardio/weights; one day cardio/yoga; one day cardio/weights I have found to be a really great regime. The great thing about yoga is that you can do it at home once you get used to practicing it.
Regarding personal trainers, I have to say that in my professional opinion they are essential in the beginning, especially if you are working on new equipment or if it has been a long time. While most of the modern machines are designed to facilitate good form, each person's body is different, and given your height you will need to be sure that any necessary adjustments are taken into account. Also, personal trainers can help guide how you use the machines in terms of your own fitness goals and/or limitations.
I am also a big believer in combining weight machines with free weights. Again, seeing a personal trainer a couple of times in the beginning and sporadically thereafter is key to ensure proper form that will both make the exercises more efficient/targeted and safe.
Another thing to look for is a good stretching area with facilitated stretching equipment.
As for the commute, if you actually feel that you would hit the gym between home and work in the morning (which given your later start is actually feasible and would have the bonus of extra energy all day) , or between work and home at night then i don't think 20-25 minutes is that bad. It might discourage you from going on the weekend, but only you can tell that.
No joint issues, but i do very much like to swim. I'm with you on the free weights/weight machines for most exercises.
The location of the Fairfax place is actually very, very easy to get to from home. I've not settled on any particular place yet, in part because i wanted to get feedback from people first.
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If that's not an issue, I highly recommend elliptical training as vastly superior to treadmills. The Precor elliptical machines are the best that I have come across both in my opinion as an MT and my experience as a consumer.
I really recommend find a gym with classes like yoga etc. If you actually have time and commitment enough to go 3+ x/week one day cardio/weights; one day cardio/yoga; one day cardio/weights I have found to be a really great regime. The great thing about yoga is that you can do it at home once you get used to practicing it.
Regarding personal trainers, I have to say that in my professional opinion they are essential in the beginning, especially if you are working on new equipment or if it has been a long time. While most of the modern machines are designed to facilitate good form, each person's body is different, and given your height you will need to be sure that any necessary adjustments are taken into account. Also, personal trainers can help guide how you use the machines in terms of your own fitness goals and/or limitations.
I am also a big believer in combining weight machines with free weights. Again, seeing a personal trainer a couple of times in the beginning and sporadically thereafter is key to ensure proper form that will both make the exercises more efficient/targeted and safe.
Another thing to look for is a good stretching area with facilitated stretching equipment.
As for the commute, if you actually feel that you would hit the gym between home and work in the morning (which given your later start is actually feasible and would have the bonus of extra energy all day) , or between work and home at night then i don't think 20-25 minutes is that bad. It might discourage you from going on the weekend, but only you can tell that.
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The location of the Fairfax place is actually very, very easy to get to from home. I've not settled on any particular place yet, in part because i wanted to get feedback from people first.