Most people get out less in the winter than they do in the warmer months. It’s just easier to sit in front of the television with a cup of hot tea than it is to bundle up and brave the cold. Besides it’s too cold to participate in the activities we do in the summer.
However, the inactivity that many people experience in the winter can be detrimental to their health. No matter how healthy one’s diet is one needs exercise as well. That’s why winter is the perfect time to join a gym.
Joining a gym gives you access to numerous exercise options. You might not be able to go on a nature hike or whitewater rafting but there are plenty of options available to you at the gym. There are all sorts of equipment, classes and even indoor pools.
Working Out To Stay Well
Working out burns fat and keeps our hearts healthy. It reduces our risk for many diseases and ailments. It increases our metabolism. Did you know that studies suggest that exercise benefits our immune systems?
Regular moderate exercise can help us ward off colds and the flu. A study of 50 women showed that those who walked briskly 5 days a week had half as many colds as those who did not exercise at all. They also had healthier immune systems with more virus- and bacteria- killing cells.
Choosing a Gym To Join
Finding a gym that you like and is convenient for you is crucial. If you join a gym and find out later that it isn’t what you wanted, you probably won’t be able to get a refund. It’s important to check out a number of gyms before deciding on one.
Location is important but it’s not everything. If there is a gym that you can stop by on your way home from work without going out of the way, by all means check it out. If it has a friendly environment and equipment and facilities that you will use, go ahead and sign up. If not, keep looking.
Some gyms offer free trial memberships. This is a great way to try them out before paying membership fees. Make sure you check out all they have to offer before deciding. It’s great if they have good equipment but if you’re looking for a fun aerobics class you’ll need to see what they have to offer in that department as well.
Even when it is freezing outside, you can stay fit by joining a gym. If you can get a friend to join with you it will be easier for you both to say motivated. Then you can spend the winter staying in shape instead of putting yourself in a position to work twice as hard in the spring.
