Exercise program

I think I told you about the club I joined. A rep from the MAC was at the support group meeting at DVR's office in February. They have a special program that costs $60 for 60 days. It is called Healthy Start. It is a wonderful club but very expensive. My 60 days is just about up at the end of this week. My husband also joined. Tonight I have to go and talk to the rep about joining for a year. My husband is not going to do it. He said he is satisfied to do his weights and treadmill at home. He thinks I should still join. It is on my way home from work and I am there for about 50 minutes to an hour. I have tried the working out at home and I just do not do it. It has 3 different swimming pools and lots of aqua classes to take part in. It also has a spa and sauna. I don't know what to do. I think I should join so that I can have a program in place when I get my surgery. Anybody got any suggestions? It will cost me $84.00 per month. I do think I am worth it. Love...Gail

WOW that is more than mines at Bally's (which I have not used this year) and they have pool, sauna and other things (depending on where you live). But you are always worth it, but are they worth it? Think long term....

Gail .. Wow, that is pricey! I thought my $59/month was sort of high, but no more complaining now! I agree that it's good if you get started now. I was 2 1/2 years out before I FINALLY got into the routine of regular exercise. I get up at 4:30 a.m. and go to the gym every morning for 30 to 40 minutes and then scoot home to get ready for work. I would love to make more use of the facilities (the pool and various classes), but my time is limited and I discovered that I have fewer demands on my time at 5 a.m than at 5 p.m. I was only sleeping at 5 a.m. Hugs, Mo

You can definitely find a place for less money a month. Yes you are definitely worth the money but remember you gotta save the extra money for clothes since you will be losing weight But if you really like this place then heck you should go for it. Hugs, Cira

Gail, you know you're worth it! If it's financially workable go for it! You seem to like it and it's convenient. You sound like me - once I get home there's a 1000 other things staring me in the face that need to be done. What I need, is usually put on the back burner. Let us know your decision. Wish I had something like that down this way. TraciL

Yes, you are worth it.

Hi Gail, I waited until after surgery to join a health club. Until that point, I just walked the neighborhood. The reason I waited, was I did not want to join the club and end up with complications from the surgery that kept me from using it for a month or more. In my case, the week after surgery, I went in for a tour and the next day I signed the contract. But by that time I was already beginning to feel better. They then worked with me as my recovery progressed and got me walking...then running...and now lifting weights. I ended up at the new Brick Bodies in Reisterstown. They claim the pools will open in late May or early June, but from the looks of the construction, I would guess more like mid to late summer. But I did not sign up for pool privledges anyway (not a big swimmer). The cost is significantly lower than what you are quoting, but here is the thing. I picked the club because it is 2 blocks from my house. Had they been twice the price (still lower than yours), I would have joined. To be useful, you have to actually go to the gym you choose. So pick one you like...and will use...and YES...you are definately worth it! Best of luck in your decision, Dave

The key to any exercise club or gym is to use it. If this one works for you, it's probably worth the money. You should find out if you can get a medical waiver of club fees. When you have your surgery you will not be able to work out for a month or so, and your club will most likely be glad to waive your fees for that month (with a doctor's note).

They will waive the fee while I am out on a medical leave. I know I have to use it now. I am going at least 3 times a week and trying to do more than that. I hope, like others have told me, that once you get into the routine you will not want to miss a day because of the way you feel when you do. Thanks...Gail

Well heck yeah you're worth it. I joined the self challenge and got about 6 months at the Golds here in Owings Mills. They have workout machines there that we don't have at the apartment complex fitness center. Check Gold's -- if there is one close to you. I haven't been in a while. I go to our fitness center -- we have a universal system, stationary bikes, up to date treadmills and an elipitcal trainer (this is the machine to work UP to) -- it will tone everything you have and some things you didn't know you had. The elipitcal is truly a work out system. I can't wait to work back up to it. I can do at least 45 minutes on the stationary bike.