It’s only been a week and you are already slipping on your resolution. My resolution back in 2010 was to lose 30lbs. That had been my resolution the previous 5 years. But in 2010 I joined Snap Fitness (82 W. Market St, Corning, NY). Today I’m down 40lbs and still going (my girlfriend is down over 50lbs).
The idea of stepping into a gym used to scare the hell out of me. What do I do when I’m in there? How do I know I’m doing anything right? I know that hot girl is judging me. Oh wait, she’s staring at that veiny guy with the dumbbells, and he’s staring at me wondering what the hell I’m doing taking up space that could be filled by his muscles. But that isn’t the case, at least not at Snap. I’ve found that the people who work there, as well as other members I’ve run into (sometimes literally), are all very friendly. In fact, Snap has become one of my few social outlets during the day, which is part of what keeps me going back.
Showing up is the hardest Part
You know how you get all excited to go to Disney World, and then you get there only to find yourself standing in line for hours to look at robots wearing pirate outfits… and then you get home and realize you could have spent that money putting a flat screen TV on every wall of your house? Well going to the gym is the exact opposite of that. You don’t necessarily want to go, but when you’re there you feel great. And when it’s over you feel even better about your decision. Showing up is the hardest part. If you need just one reason to hire a trainer, that’s a good one. Someone is there waiting for you. Someone you paid to be disappointed if you don’t show up. Mickey and Donald could care less if you come or not, but they’ll be glad to sell you a $15 cheeseburger when you get there.
Group Training
My girlfriend and I split a joint membership, which comes out to less than $30 / month each (the YMCA starts at $55 / month per person). On top of that, we do what’s called Group Training. It’s less expensive than Personal Training. And with only 2 other people in my group, it’s basically Personal Training because you still get a personalized workout and individual attention. Budget wise, Snap Fitness makes more sense than any other place in the area (and I did a lot of research before I joined… mostly because I wanted to procrastinate for as long as possible before I actually had to show up).
In the past year I’ve had 3 different trainers. My first trainer isn’t there anymore, my second trainer manages the new Snap Fitness (in Penn Yan), and my current trainer is Joe. Joe is awesome. He gets more out of me than I could ever manage on my own, and he kind of looks like Daniel Craig (the current James Bond), which I suppose is more motivating for my girlfriend than myself, but it doesn’t bother me because I would also like to look like James Bond.
I really need to stress the importance of some sort of training program. I do not believe I would have been able to keep up my motivation without the support of a professional trainer. Someone who is there waiting for me. Someone who can show me exactly what to do and how to do it. If nothing else, getting a trainer for your first few weeks will make you 100% comfortable in the new environment. Group Training is a lot of fun. Having a couple other people going through it with you makes it a lot more enjoyable and gives you more of a support system.
The Facilities
Snap Fitness is open 24 hours a day, so you really don’t have an excuse to not show up. All their equipment is new and they upgrade often (new treadmills with TV / virtual running trails / iPod hookups). There is always someone making sure everything is clean. They have 2 showers / changing rooms. It may seem somewhat small inside, but once you’re there you’ll realize they have anything a normal person needs, and it’s rarely crowded. At peak attendance I’ve never had any real problems getting access to anything. They have a separate studio a couple doors down for classes like Yoga, Zumba, etc… And they offer a lot of freebies like a meeting with a trainer to personalize your goals and to get you acquainted with the equipment. Their website gives you even more access to free personalized workout routines, meal guides, etc…
So to sum it all up. It’s 2011 and you’re fat; join Snap Fitness. If you’re not fat, you need to maintain; join Snap Fitness. If you have an eating disorder, go see a therapist then join Snap Fitness. If you laughed at that last part, don’t. Eating disorders are never funny. Unless it’s a clown with an eating disorder.
Myles started UrbanCorning.com and Facebook.com/UrbanCorning in 2008, and ran it until May of 2014. Myles moved to Tacoma, WA and his new website can be found at: www.tacomatose.com.