Go to the gym - or - workout at home

[BamaRo]

My husband and I are just beginning to try to get back in shape. We go to the gym, but because our church just built a new gym and we can go for free. What we *don't* have that we'd like to have is a pool, it would be great to be able to swim laps and our son would enjoy having a pool. But we can't afford the YMCA right now. Our church does offer some fitness classes, there's a yogalates type class (although they call it something else), Jazzercise, circuit training, and something else I can't remember.

[Lynnae]

I love the YMCA, but can't afford it right now. We live in a small place, so equipment is out of the question. I'd love a treadmill, though.

Our community programs are getting better every year, and they're not too expensive, so I might see if I can find a good class over the summer.

[72Tiger]

I exercise at home. walking, biking, yard work, volleyball league, stretching, etc. I've never been in a gym/health club in my life, so I would feel pretty out of place in one.

[gt0163c]

Originally Posted by 72Tiger

I've never been in a gym/health club in my life, so I would feel pretty out of place in one.

I thought that myself at first. I was always intimidated by the fitness center in college. I went on and off, but always stayed in the seldom used "women's area". Then, after getting my job, I started going to the gym affiliated with my company...off-site and open to some other companies' employees as well. It was intimidating at first, but after a while, it got a lot more comfortable. Getting to know the staff and some of the other members who were regularly there when I was helped a lot. Then I started getting workouts put together for me by one of the trainers on staff (something I can do for free roughly three times a year). That gave me the confidence to try some new things, venture into the more intimidating sections of the gym (the free weights area especially). And, again, I got to know more people and it became a lot less intimidating. Knowing what I was doing was especially helpful and almost empowering. Now, I'm pretty comfortable walking into any gym and working out, which is especially great when I travel. I know how to use a lot of the machines and how to put together a reasonable workout given whatever equipment is available. It took me a long time to get to where I am. But, for me, it's been well worth it.

[khorrell]

I agree...I am intimidated by the free weights and even the machines. Having a trainer walk me through it a couple of times a year really helps me to keep focused and unafraid, plus helps me to improve.

I guess I should start going again, huh?

[jdp]

I'm too cheap for even the local Y (2 blocks away).

We have wonderful parks, trails, etc. here I just get out and go - walking, running, biking. We are right on the creek and river. When I am feeling really ambitious I kayak.

In the winter I am more of a slug. I sometimes wish for a treadmill, then we'll get slightly above freezing and I'll get excited to get outside. So when I am stuck inside I like just moving, anyway, anyhow, even just playing Hullabaloo with my kid for aerobic and I have some free weights (which I use even when the weather is good) for simple strengthening.

If I am going to spend money I think about tai chi or pilates with an instructor (there are many "schools" here plus the Y). Surprising for such a dinky, oldish town.

[rolltimer]

I currently work out at home alternating among stretching, some yoga, an exercise ball, and free weights. I generally run 6 days a week (when I'm not nursing an injury like I am this week) on a trail I've pounded out in the back yard. Interactive fun for my cat as he likes to crouch down in the bushes and lunge at me when I least expect it and then turn and run for me to chase him. When it rains or the ground is too muddy in the back yard, I run on the driveway and up and down 5 or 6 steps to the front porch or back porch. My cat is truly hooked on our playtime together and cannot understand when I don't run so I try to walk outside with him when running is contraindicated. This week I've been unable to run or work out except some light stretching and exercise ball bouncing due to straining my back on Sunday helping my cat locate a mouse he'd "lost" in the garage. I bent over and moved a heavy toolbox. Didn't have any immediate pain but much stiffness and seizing up later in the day.

[Solinvicta]

I work out at home, with a set of adjustable dumbbells (I got a set of Powerblocks, which are a little pricey, but very well made, and it's very easy to adjust the weight). I jog when the weather's nice, but I've been thinking about getting an elliptical machine. I just know that I can eventually find one cheap on craig's list, but I haven't hit the jackpot yet ;-)

When I was in college, I would use the gym all the time, and I really enjoyed it...but that was when I was within walking distance of a gym. Now that I have to drive to get to one, it just seems like too much of a hassle.

[pidge66]

Originally Posted by triathing

I'd like to cancel my gym membership too, except for the swimming pool. There just aren't a lot of swimming options in Vermont this time of year. I can save money by withdrawing money from a health flexible spending account (FSA) and using that to pay for the gym membership, though.

The FSA money is a pre-tax deduction, and once I give them a prescription for a gym membership and a receipt, I get the money back. Hint: Most family doctors are only too happy to write up a prescription for a gym membership. My prescription is generally for tendonitis treatment, which can cover a wide range of nonspecific problems.

I had a severe shoulder problem since Feb of '07. Seeing orthopedic doctors and physical therapists to no avail. Last month I joined LA Fitness which has a swimming pool and started swimming every other day which my doctor approves of me doing. Miraculously, my shoulder has significantly improved. Pain hasn't gone away but it's a lot less "frozen".

I know insurance company won't pay for gym membership. But what about using my own pretax money?? That's how I found this forum thread. However, I also googled a few other sources which specifically prohibited mention that IRS does NOT allow deduction of gym membership from the flexible spending account. (e.g. page 5 in http://www.bechteljacobs.com/pdf/bh/fsa2.pdf) Are you sure you can in your case? Or are you just getting away with it because of the way your FSA is administered??

[vacationofwealth]

I have been a member of Bally's for 13 years now. Wow time flies. I enjoy going to the gym as having a wide range of exercise machines is more conducive to a better workout than the limited options one might have at home. Plus people watching makes the time go by faster and you also do get more motivated around others that are working hard.