Gyms

Post by **d_harris** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 6:44 pm

Does anyone here have any reccomendations for good gym chains, thinking of Fitness First, David Lloyd etc etc.....

I definatly need to join a Gym as I am massivly unfit and need to loose a few pounds. Besides which, when I've had access to the kit I've always enjoyed working out

Post by **Dean** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 6:55 pm

I use fitness first, they are ok, cheap and clean. They tend to cater more for cardio exercise ie running, rowing, cross trainer machines and have some weights. They tend not to have a swimming pool, but have sauna's. If you enquire and want to join make sure you do not pay any up sum joining fee, my wife joined and they wavered it. They have sky fitted too which I find handy when the speedway is on.

In general the more you pay per month the more plush the premises and to be honest you only join to exercise not to look at the surroundings.

Post by **Jefftav** » Tue Jun 24, 2008 8:04 am

Hi, Go along and ask to try the facilities - most will let you free of charge. Up here JJB gets a good name but also think about the "local council" run leisure centre as they tend to have quite good facilities and are usually cheaper. I think all centres can offer exercise and diet advice.

Alternatively spend the money on a bike and find the local cycle routes and get some fresh air instead of paying to be cocooned in an air conditioned sweat box.

It's up to you and what you feel more comfortable with. Jeff

Post by **Rob_Jennings** » Tue Jun 24, 2008 9:38 am

i can get you a day pass to David Lloyd Dan, there is one near me and one somewhere over Portsmouth way

Post by **d_harris** » Tue Jun 24, 2008 8:37 pm

Port Solent. Either Way DL is a bit further than I would want to travel.....

Post by **TerryG** » Fri Jun 27, 2008 3:09 pm

Don't join fitness first. it has taken me 3 months to get them to acknowledge i sent them a letter canceling my membership and that was only after they sent me a solicitors letter so i got mine to respond.
I use my local council gym now. it is modern and clean, has a swimming pool too (not that i can swim) and costs £40 a month. £5 less than fitness first did.

Post by **dalebrignall** » Fri Jun 27, 2008 3:48 pm

become a postman,i cant put any weight on and you get a nice tan in the summer

Post by **Kevin** » Fri Jun 27, 2008 4:32 pm

become a postman,i cant put any weight on and you get a nice tan in the summer

Thats all very well Dale but you need to have good legs to go with the shorts

Post by **dalebrignall** » Fri Jun 27, 2008 4:57 pm

i have had no complaints the women love my legs

Post by **ASL642** » Fri Jun 27, 2008 5:42 pm

!!!

Post by **dalebrignall** » Fri Jun 27, 2008 6:39 pm

i still have a 30 in waiste at the age of 40 so i am not in bad shape,and get paid to keep fit,i walk 5miles a day on my round and i carry on average 110 kilos of mail a day that equates to 25 tons a year,a good way to keep fit.

Post by **dalebrignall** » Sat Jun 28, 2008 12:59 pm

ill were my shorts at the rally.

Post by **Furrtiv** » Sat Jun 28, 2008 10:42 pm

No, don't join a gym, go walking! Or cycling - I need to get myself another adult trike (silly me sold my old Pashley Picador) and it was great fun! And before you all ask - I had a tricycle because I never could get the hang of cornering on a bike - horses, no problem, they balance themselves, but bicycles, not a chance! I kept falling off! But trikes are superb fun and highly unusual, I even had someone run after me to take a photo of it on hermobile phone!

And I'm going horseriding again tomorrow, for the second time in years - went last week for the first time - and by 'eck, it's a jolly good workout in itself, much more expensive than a gym, mind. But the key to exercise is to do something you love, or you'll never keep it up.

Another alternative might be to get an allotment, or join a "green gym" - with those you get a darned good workout for free, plus you get to do some good for the local environment.

Or, you could purchase a set of weights and treadmill/exercise bike, and do a little every day like I used to. There are plenty of good books and websites out there which, together with a doctor's advice, could help you to work out an exercise plan for yourself in your spare room, garage, attic or cellar. The initial cost of the equipment is quite high, but if you're dedicated and determined, and have a good workout plan, it will work out a lot cheaper than joining a gym in the long run, plus other family members can also then use the equipment.

Post by **d_harris** » Sat Jun 28, 2008 11:30 pm

Thing is with the hours I work and the remote-ish location of where I am its not practical to get sensible daily exercise. My Routine tends to be get up eat breakfast, drive to work go and sit at a desk get home eat go to bed. Its too far to sensibly cycle to work otherwise I would (I have an awesome bike and considering petrol prices.....) I try and get out on it when I can though

I don't have enough "lump sum" cash to buy any kit but can afford to pay some money to the gym each month and If I need somewhere other than the house to do things otherwise I don't get motivated. Besides which, I enjoy the gym

Post by **dalebrignall** » Sun Jun 29, 2008 9:13 am

can you go for a walk during lunch time,i have been horseriding for over 30 years and you use all the musscles in your body.could you not do some situps before you go to work there are free alternatives

Post by **d_harris** » Sun Jun 29, 2008 9:00 pm

I do go for a walk at lunchtime, half an hour so I can move my car so its not in a crime hotspot area in the dark (its the only place to park for free in the day) but I can park at work after lunch.

Post by **Furrtiv** » Fri Jul 04, 2008 10:53 pm

Housework's jolly good for an hour's worth of exercising too! Or more, if you decide to do everything needed on the same day - gets it done quicker, as well! trust me, after an hour or two of vacuuming, dusting, mopping floors, sweeping and ironing, you'll be cream-crackered!

Post by **ASL642** » Sat Jul 05, 2008 10:20 am

Not to mention the cooking, washing, ironing, mowing lawns and cutting hedges. Agreed who needs a gym!