I joined a gym once.
Like most people, I went for a few weeks, used the treadmill,then stopped going. Then I ate several pints of Ben & Jerry's todrown the guilt of having wasted so much money.
I have more luck with exercise DVDs and playing Wii games athome. But if you're going to take a shot at a healthier lifestyle,more power to you!
As you're choosing a gym, here are a few things to keep in mindto make sure you're getting the best value for your dollar.
*Many gyms offer short-term, three-month trial memberships for$99 or less -- especially during this time of year. Before signingon for the long term, see if you can keep up the routine for that three-month stint.
*But don't join based on price alone. The most important factoris whether the gym you're considering fits your lifestyle. You mayget a better rate at a gym several towns over, but the added hassleof travel may make it more difficult to actually get there and get your money's worth. There is the extra gas mileage to consider, too.
*Consider what time of day you'll work out. There's no sensejoining the gym around the corner from your house if you plan towork out on your lunch hour. Pick a location as close as possibleto wherever you'll be at the time. If you plan on working out inthe wee hours before work or late at night, be sure your gym accommodates those hours.
*What do you want out of your workout? You may not need to paythe higher rates for a gym with a pool and sauna if you rarely planon swimming.
Do you plan on taking a lot of classes with instructors, such as yoga? If so, check to be sure the gym doesn't charge extra for them. You might be better off joining something like a yoga studio instead.
*How much do you understand about nutrition and fitness? Will youknow how to use the gym equipment in the most effective ways? If you could benefit from personal, one-on-one training, you might be surprised to find that some independent personal trainers actually cost less than training sessions at a gym, once dues are added.
*Check your associations for discounts. Some gyms might offer military, senior or student discounts. Certain facilities offer price breaks to town residents, such as the Aquatic Center in the Town of Tonawanda.
*Ask your health insurance company what they offer. Independent Health offers participants in its Flex Fit plan a $250 debit card that can be used toward the cost of gym memberships. Univera's Silver & Fit plan is included in every one of its Medicare Advantage plans, which gets members low-cost memberships to participating health clubs.
email: schristmann@buffnews.com or call MoneySmart at 849-4612. Follow the Diva at www.Facebook.com/DiscountDiva
