I have some thoughts and some questions. They are in no particular order:
Have you ever belonged to a gym before? Do you like to play squash/raquetball/etc? Would you like to take classes in some kind of excercise, such as aerobics (step training, kick boxing, etc.) or yoga/other stretching? Have you ever trained with weights before? If you join a gym that doesn't have personal trainers, would they allow you to bring in your own? What hours are you likely to want to be working out, and what are the hours of the gym? Do you like to work out alone or with a buddy, and if it's with a buddy (or at least sometimes you might) do any of your friends go to this gym or is there any chance someone you like is also looking to join one? What are your fitness goals? How much does it cost to become a member of the gym - do they have any current promotions/deals, and what is their renewal policy?
I've belonged to Bally's gym since 1987. Back then, the local gym I joined was Jack La Lanne, which subsequently got bought out by Bally's. I decided to invest in a "lifetime membership" which was around $1,000.00 and that was a LOT of money for me back then. I am -really- glad I did that. It locked me into a renewal rate of $60.00 annually. Yup. Some gyms charge $30.00 a month and I'm paying $60.00 a year. It pays for me to keep the membership even if I don't go to the gym for a long time, which has been the case. I know that at any time I can just start going again, which is terrific for me. There are also Bally's all over the place if I travel and decide to work out it's easy to find one.
I used to like taking the step training classes, and I read a lot of books and self-taught weight training. I hired a personal trainer once, but I didn't feel I got much out of it that I didn't already know. However, I'd reccomend one if you are just starting out, just to give you a general idea of what direction you want to go in and get some baseline measurements, like your BMI (body mass index - ratio of lean muscle to fat tissue) and your resting and target heart rates, inches around your chest, waist, hips, biceps, calves, etc.
Since I've got neuropathy, I can't do certain excercises anymore (no more step training, for example). I like the recumbent bikes and the elliptical trainer, and Bally's has both of those. I think that the more different aerobics machines a gym has to offer, the better. It pays to vary your routine, and hit different muscle groups, not to mention avoid boredom.
I would also before joining a gym check them out at several different times of day and different days. How busy are they? How long is the wait, if any, for the equipment? I learned to train with predominantly free weights, and to disdain so-called "circuit training". There are a few machines that make life easier (for me, I vastly prefer getting my quads workout on a machine that has me on my back and pushing up the weighted platform with my legs than doing squats, which hurt my knees and also are much harder for me to perform).
I can't speak about any other gyms since I haven't been a member of any other chains. Definitely ask around for opinions from friends, work buddies, etc. to get more information. Good luck in choosing a gym, and please keep us posted on how that goes for you. Congratulations on making an effort to take better care of your body! I always love the feeling I get when I'm working out regularly. If you have any further questions please feel free to write and/or call me.
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.
I recommended a chain gym because it means that you can, generally, use other gyms in the event that you might be closer to a different one at any given time. For instance, if you're a member of a WSC out in VA, but are going to be in the District on a Saturday, you could workout at one of the district WSC's potentially saving time.
As for commute, if it is on your way to/from work, then the commute is fine. If it is going to be a total pain to get to then try and find something that isn't. When I switched jobs, I switched my home gym because I knew that I wouldn't want to have to head out of my way to go to the gym.
I'm not keen on joining gyms. I've had two ex-significant others who've joined and then pay the monthly fee while rarely going. They often can't get out of the year or two or three obligation they signed up for, so it turns out a real waste of money.
I say go a few months paying at the door. If you keep it up and are totally sure you're going to keep doing it for at least the minimum contract period, then go ahead and join.
It sounds like you are asking the right questions. I concur with the suggestions that you visit a few gyms that have the features and classes you want. Many of them give one or two-week free passes, as well, so that you can experience the commute, etc.
ITM, if you feel like exercising, I need people willing to walk with me once or twice a month (I am trying to line up enough walking partners to have company for one two walks a week) and I would welcome your company.
I am also looking at memberships - possibly at the same Ffx gym you are considering (the one with the pool?). I used to go there (a few years ago).
I think the important amenities are the things you can't get elsewhere. So I say don't worry about treadmills and stationary bicycles, since you can go for a walk or ride a bike outside, where it will also be considerably less boring. (Boring/unpleasant is my big barrier to getting exercise.)
suecochran made a number of very good points. The only one with which I will quibble is BMI. Lean muscle/fat ratio is important to know; BMI is not. (It is an approximant of muscle/fat ratio, but only for people with a particular kind of build.) I think BMI is often worse than useless because it warps your perceptions about your body. I am overweight, I freely admit, but I had my bodyfat measured once, and even if I lost all of the fat in my body, my BMI wouldn't get down into the "normal" range.
Remember, the more time you spend on the road is less time you can spend there. If there is something specifc you are looking for, like an indoor pool you intend to spend lots of hours at or friends currently at the gym, thenthe drive might be worth it. Otherwise try for something close to home. The most important part of a workout is that you do it regularly, so what ever will help you going is important. Heck, spend the money on a stationary bike at home if you will actually use it.
If parking and distance are too much, you won't go as often. Multiple locations are nice if you intent to travel a lot, but really all you need is one, convienient location with good staff and the equipment you want to use at a reasonable price.
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Have you ever belonged to a gym before? Do you like to play squash/raquetball/etc? Would you like to take classes in some kind of excercise, such as aerobics (step training, kick boxing, etc.) or yoga/other stretching? Have you ever trained with weights before? If you join a gym that doesn't have personal trainers, would they allow you to bring in your own? What hours are you likely to want to be working out, and what are the hours of the gym? Do you like to work out alone or with a buddy, and if it's with a buddy (or at least sometimes you might) do any of your friends go to this gym or is there any chance someone you like is also looking to join one? What are your fitness goals? How much does it cost to become a member of the gym - do they have any current promotions/deals, and what is their renewal policy?
I've belonged to Bally's gym since 1987. Back then, the local gym I joined was Jack La Lanne, which subsequently got bought out by Bally's. I decided to invest in a "lifetime membership" which was around $1,000.00 and that was a LOT of money for me back then. I am -really- glad I did that. It locked me into a renewal rate of $60.00 annually. Yup. Some gyms charge $30.00 a month and I'm paying $60.00 a year. It pays for me to keep the membership even if I don't go to the gym for a long time, which has been the case. I know that at any time I can just start going again, which is terrific for me. There are also Bally's all over the place if I travel and decide to work out it's easy to find one.
I used to like taking the step training classes, and I read a lot of books and self-taught weight training. I hired a personal trainer once, but I didn't feel I got much out of it that I didn't already know. However, I'd reccomend one if you are just starting out, just to give you a general idea of what direction you want to go in and get some baseline measurements, like your BMI (body mass index - ratio of lean muscle to fat tissue) and your resting and target heart rates, inches around your chest, waist, hips, biceps, calves, etc.
Since I've got neuropathy, I can't do certain excercises anymore (no more step training, for example). I like the recumbent bikes and the elliptical trainer, and Bally's has both of those. I think that the more different aerobics machines a gym has to offer, the better. It pays to vary your routine, and hit different muscle groups, not to mention avoid boredom.
I would also before joining a gym check them out at several different times of day and different days. How busy are they? How long is the wait, if any, for the equipment? I learned to train with predominantly free weights, and to disdain so-called "circuit training". There are a few machines that make life easier (for me, I vastly prefer getting my quads workout on a machine that has me on my back and pushing up the weighted platform with my legs than doing squats, which hurt my knees and also are much harder for me to perform).
I can't speak about any other gyms since I haven't been a member of any other chains. Definitely ask around for opinions from friends, work buddies, etc. to get more information. Good luck in choosing a gym, and please keep us posted on how that goes for you. Congratulations on making an effort to take better care of your body! I always love the feeling I get when I'm working out regularly. If you have any further questions please feel free to write and/or call me.
Replies to Your Queries
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I think of half an hour in the car as a long time, but lots of people think that's silly.
Our gym has a hot tub. I've not yet used it, but
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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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As for commute, if it is on your way to/from work, then the commute is fine. If it is going to be a total pain to get to then try and find something that isn't. When I switched jobs, I switched my home gym because I knew that I wouldn't want to have to head out of my way to go to the gym.
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I say go a few months paying at the door. If you keep it up and are totally sure you're going to keep doing it for at least the minimum contract period, then go ahead and join.
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ITM, if you feel like exercising, I need people willing to walk with me once or twice a month (I am trying to line up enough walking partners to have company for one two walks a week) and I would welcome your company.
I am also looking at memberships - possibly at the same Ffx gym you are considering (the one with the pool?). I used to go there (a few years ago).
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If parking and distance are too much, you won't go as often. Multiple locations are nice if you intent to travel a lot, but really all you need is one, convienient location with good staff and the equipment you want to use at a reasonable price.