Cardio

Many people join a gym for weight management and, generally start with the cardio area. The treadmills, the bikes, the cross trainers and the rowing machines. You might even be looking at the steppers. If you will be sweating through your gym sessions on cardio machines, you will want to find a gym with enough machines for you and in good condition.

Weights

The next reason that people join a gym is to start strength training. Equally useful for weight management as for bodybuilding, the weights area of a gym can be intimidating when starting out. However, once you realise that the kilogram isn’t as important as the form, you’ll focus on your own workout with confidence. If you’re serious about weight lifting, a general gym may not have the best equipment for you.

Classes

An often missed factor in consistently staying fit is social. Making the commitment to join a class and/or having friends at a class will nudge you to exercise on the days you really aren’t feeling it. You may also find that classes are a great introduction to specific activities like yoga, where you later move onto personal training and coaching.

Functional

Some time ago, gyms had three areas. Cardio, weights and a classes space. Now many gyms have added a functional fitness area. We’re talking battle ropes, prowler sleds and monkey bars. You already know that cardio is great for stamina and burning calories. You also know that weights can be great for strength and conditioning. But functional fitness can combine both and improve your practical fitness. Building these activities into your workouts will give you refreshing variety.

PT sessions

Finding a personal trainer isn’t just about finding someone who has the skillset. Once you have decided the areas that you want to develop, you can find a trainer to match. However, you also need a coach, someone who matches your personality and lifestyle.

Outside of a personal trainer’s fitness qualifications and coaching skills, you will also benefit from making the commitment and investment. A personal trainer will give you the structure and consistency to really deliver on your goals.

Sport

Taking up a sport is possibly the best way to get fit. Studies have shown that sport as a form of exercise can reduce the risk of diabetes, dementia, heart disease and depression. The benefits from the cardiovascular and strength exercise of sport are in addition to developing motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Outside of the direct benefits to health, sports can also give a social benefit. Whether that’s the peer pressure to keep going or just making new friends.

Looking at the benefits, choosing a sport is then determined by your interests and requirements. Whether you choose hockey or table tennis, taking up a sport maybe even better for you than standard gym workouts.