Join a gym

If you're anything like me, you have a hard time motivating yourself. But when you reach a certain age, it's not enough to just watch what you eat, you also need to get regular exercise or turn into a softer, plumper version of yourself. You need motivation. Join a gym.

Why should I join a gym?
Keeping healthy is important, and this requires regular exercise. But what's wrong with exercising at home? The main reason I joined a gym was for motivation. It isn't enough to just provide time for exercise, you also need a reason. Knowing I'm paying for the gym gets me up and out the door.

Aside from motivation, gym memberships provide access to a wide array of exercise equipment. Home equipment doesn't provide as many options, and it would cost a tremendous amount of money and space to own it. Professional gym equipment allows for many different work out options, and will provide flexibility as your strength improves.

Gym memberships also provide free exercise classes for more motivation and education on how to get fit and remain fit so you are not left on your own. You may also hire their staff of personal trainers for one-on-one training designed specifically for you.

How to join a gym?
This is a personal decision only you can make, but these are a few tips to help you decide:

• Visit multiple gyms in your area and walk around them, inspecting for cleanliness. Visit around the time you were planning on using the gym to see what you could expect to find. Make sure it's not too crowded, and that the atmosphere is comfortable.
• Determine what you expect from your gym. Are showers important? What about a steam room or sauna? Are you interested in tanning beds? Do you need a swimming pool?
• Check their workout class schedule to see if it fits your personal schedule.
• Are the gym hours flexible enough for your schedule?
• Local gyms are usually cheaper, but chain gyms usually have more facilities and more locations in case you move.
• Try not to pay upfront for memberships. Avoid cancellation fees in the contract. You never know what you are going to get until you are actually a member. Some gyms only require monthly payments. Others require an initial large payment and then smaller monthly payments. Gyms that require the full year membership upfront aren't as common anymore.
• Some community centers have gyms with incredibly affordable prices. They don't have a professional staff usually, and they're much smaller, but if it works for you, you can save a lot of money.

After you've established a workout routine, you may find the gym isn't required anymore to motivate you. If so, then you're lucky, and you can dump the membership. But if you relapse, head back to the gym.