Your New Year ’s resolution: A gym membership?

If getting in shape tops your list of New Year’s resolutions, you’re in good company. During the first few months of the year, signups at fitness centers and health clubs tend to trend upward. While these memberships can be costly, you may be able to find more affordable options or take advantage of certain discounts. But no matter what you pay, shelling out a monthly fee may be an incentive to use the gym regularly to get your money’s worth. Gyms offer a variety of options If you do, your heart (and the rest of your body) will likely reap the rewards. “The main advantage to joining a gym is to have access to a wide variety of exercise equipment,” says Alex Petruska, a senior physical therapist at the Sports Medicine Center of Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital. That includes machines for a cardiovascular workout, such as treadmills, elliptical trainers, stationary bikes, and stair-steppers, as well as a range of different weight machines. Access to all these diverse choices means you’re less likely to get bored, since you can try different machines and routines. In addition, you’ll likely find it easier to meet the recommended physical activity guidelines, which include aerobic exercise as well as strength training. If you’re among the many people with ankle, knee, hip, or back problems, exercising on an elliptical machine or stationary bike is a better choice than walking because it’s much easier on your joints. Likewise, using weight machin...
Source: Harvard Health Blog - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Exercise and Fitness Source Type: blogs