Dear all, first of all a BIG Thanks to Gayatri for giving me a chance to write for her amazing Blog. I have been reading her blog since mid-2017, when she commenced #Tiniature challenge on Twitter. Irony or my good-luck we clicked on very first phase of writing the micro fictional tales (some real creepy ones from my end). When I met her over coffee with couple of blogging friends, loved the warmth emanated from her. I knew it we are going to go places with our friendship, on & off blogosphere. She is multi-talented person, who never shy away from speaking her mind. ….and yes, she promised to fix me a date with Salman Khan 😉 Dear all, first of all a BIG Thanks to Gayatri for giving me a chance to write for her amazing Blog. I have been reading her blog since mid-2017, when she commenced #Tiniature challenge on Twitter. Irony or my good-luck we clicked on very first phase of writing the micro fictional tales (some real creepy ones from my end). When I met her over coffee with couple of blogging friends, loved the warmth emanated from her. I knew it we are going to go places with our friendship, on & off blogosphere. She is multi-talented person, who never shy away from speaking her mind. ….and yes, she promised to fix me a date with Salman Khan 😉
Is my GYM the RIGHT choice to gain fitness goals?
I am 30+ mother of 5-year-old kid, freelancer educationist and a blogger. Being a freelancer gives me liberty to work under flexible times. Blogging keeps me stuck at one place for multiple hours. Oh! Sorry for inadvertent omission – also a Big Time Foodie. Hence, what goes in tummy stays intact with zilch physical movement. One fine day when wisdom struck me with all its might, when an all-time favourite jean refused to pull upwards! I knew it’s time to buckle up. Motivated to get fitter soon, signed-up yearly subscription at a Gym.
First day at gym, was quite motivated and wanted to try out every equipment. Physical examination categorised me in level I obese. Advised a mix of Cardio, Floor stretching exercises, Yoga asanas and light to moderate weight training. Within the span of 12 days I could feel my tummy is shaping up. The bulge on sides also felt reduced. Nothing could be as motivating as – self testimonials. Weighing scale gave me happiest surprise, in just 20 days I lost around 4 kgs. Ecstatic with the achievements, fitness goals felt a cake walk.
At the beginning of 2nd month the regular check-up results were dreadful. I did loose fat, but more than fat it was muscle loss. Been advised to take protein shakes after every work out session. Braving the chalky taste, picked up the habit of protein shakes every day. Soon my face was full with acne & warts. Mensuration cycles came a fortnight early, plus hair & nails started looking brittle. Trainer brushed it off saying ‘nothing’, and to continue the routine. Next day sprained my shoulder doing a ‘bench-press’.
A quick visit of doctor confirmed wrong alignment of body while doing exercise, and uneven weights used. This lead me to introspect – Did I chose my gym correctly?
Unqualified trainers, unhygienic conditions, humidity, first-aid facility. These are few things which could lead to a disaster in routine gym schedules.
Measure you must consider before saying ‘YES’ to a Gym.
1. Location –
Location is very important before signing in your subscription form. It should be in close vicinity, or walkable distance. This would save your energy to be used inside the gym instead of commuting.
2. Facilities –
A gym is a place to gain your strength and agility. Physical fitness is directly related to mental positivity. Check out if the gym has all facilities in place. Such as – Steam bath, Swimming, outside running/work-out track or area, locker room. Certified machines, expert floor trainers, consultants, dieticians.
3. Cleanliness –
The amount of money we lose to sweat-out in gym will be multiplied multiple times if contract an allergy or disease. Gyms are the breeding grounds for germs and parasites. It is very important for all gym equipment to be clean and sanitized pre-& post use. Check the floors, machines, changing rooms, etc.
4. Members –
Most of the gyms offer discounts to ladies during ‘happy hours’ in Mumbai. This is the noon time when rush at gyms is less. Check out for the members & ethics of the gym, as for work-out one must have free atmosphere.
5. Professional Trainers –
According to me this is one most crucial ‘must have’ for selecting a gym. If a first timer is not guided properly with experience and knowledge, might result in major accident. Check for certified fitness experts and trainers.
6. Management & Membership –
Gyms offer many discounts and lucrative ideas to attract customers. One must check the validity and reasonability before swiping the card. Read the terms and conditions very carefully before taking the plunge.
7. Free Trails –
Usually gyms offer 2 – 3 days of free trials before you make your decision. Make sure you take that necessarily and visit on different timing to understand it better. Check every floor, equipment, understand the jargons used and then make call.
These are few tips one must understand before undertaking gym subscription. Feel free to ask questions, unless you are satisfied don’t invest. A good gym not only makes us HEALTY but also keeps the spirits high towards fitness goals. It should be the place, from where you leave smiling and motivated. Wish you all a happy healthy life.
Disclaimer –
This is author’s personal opinion from her own experiences. Should not be considered as ‘expert’ advise. Kindly get in touch with an expert for more detailed analysis for gym equipment and health aspects.
About Dipika –
She began blogging journey early this year with her blog www.gleefulblogger.com which is all about today’s women and associated reads – Parenting, Lifestyle, Fiction, Reviews, Events, Food. The love her blog gathered from all quarters & her soulful writing along with few accolades motivates to write more. Her journey marks a special thanks to all her friends met online in the blogosphere.