Joining a gym or regular exercise group can be quite intimidating for some people, particularly if you are a female and have imagined the unsettling sight of a room full of built up, sweating men working out around you. The best way to get involved is to join a ladies fitness club. Contrary to what you might imagine about these, ladies fitness groups are most full of people of all different shapes and sizes, who probably have the same goals as you, be it to lose weight, improve general fitness, or perhaps even just make some new friends.

Being able to have a chat and a giggle whilst you exercise makes the time go by much quicker, and in the long term you will feel much more motivated to stick with your new routine. You will also be far less likely to not go along if you are feeling a little under the weather; you won’t want to let your friends down by not showing up.

Professional Guidance

Another benefit of working out at a gym or in a group, rather than alone, is that you have the helping hand of professional trainers here who can show you how to most effectively complete an exercise, or how to use a certain piece of equipment correctly. They can even Spot for you if you need them to, thus guiding you and keeping you motivated with less risk of injury.

There are a large number of different exercise machines available at the gym that most people can not afford to have at home, nor do they have the space required to set it all up. Financially, although it costs to join a gym or fitness club, it is much cheaper than buying all the equipment yourself, and you are far more likely to stick to your new routine if you know it’s coming out of your wages each month.

Have a browse around for the right gym or class for you, find the best deal that suits you personally, and always remember you are never tied to your first choice; you can always quit and move to another gym or fitness club if you feel it is not quite working for you or you haven’t met anyone you feel a connection with.

Don’t Be Paranoid

Try not to worry about other people looking at you; chances are, nobody is, they are all too busy focusing on their own workout, or indeed worrying the very same thing themselves.

If you do decide to join a health club, it is best to find one as close to home as possible. A long drive or cycle can become tiresome and cause you to lose motivation as time goes by, particularly on those cold, winters days when the couch and the fireplace look all the more inviting.

Try Before You Buy

Most gyms nowadays let you go in and try out the machines and see how the place looks inside before you buy into a membership. Use this opportunity to really see how the place feels before you commit to regular fitness there. The atmosphere or mood of the gym will vary from one to another, as will the music played there and the people who attend. When it comes to staying motivated and keeping your energy and enthusiasm high, these small differences can have a huge impact long term.

Personal Trainers

Many people choose to workout with a personal trainer because they will focus their time and energy on helping you correctly and effectively execute different exercises and use all of the equipment available. If you decide to look for a personal trainer, be sure to check out their work history and paperwork, and make sure the person is somebody you trust and feel comfortable around.

Always browse around, make sure you choose the fitness club that is right for you and your needs.