fitness

Fun Ways to Stay Fit This Spring and Summer

March 12, 2020 By lyndsinreallife 2 Comments

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Has the winter weather turned you into a bit of a couch potato? It’s easily done, when it’s cold, wet, and windy outside, it’s tempting to just stay home, pull a blanket over you, and eat lots of snacks while watching Netflix! When spring rolls back around, many of us start thinking about our exercise regimens again and looking into ways to get back outdoors, start having fun, and burn off some of the winter weight we’ve accumulated. One of the best things about the warmer weather is it naturally makes you want to be outside, and when you’re up and out, you’re much more likely to be being active. Here are a few fun activities you can add to your summer workout schedule.

Go on hikes

Lace up your walking boots, fill a backpack with a few supplies such as a map, some water and a light lunch and get out for a day of hiking! You could go rambling along hills and mountains, you could walk through gorgeous countryside, through forests, wherever you have near you that’s suitable. Hiking helps you to feel at one with nature as you really have time to take it all in as you walk, it’s such great cardiovascular exercise but unlike other forms of activity doesn’t feel overwhelmingly like hard work because you’re busy enjoying your surroundings. It’s the perfect way to take in natural beauty, get some great photos and enjoy an outdoor lunch. Plan the route depending on the time you have and your fitness level, but the good thing about any kind of hiking and walking is that if you’re struggling you can always slow down on steep hills or sit down and catch your breath for a while if you need to. It’s all at your own pace. You don’t need any special equipment meaning it’s very accessible, just be sure to wear properly fitting shoes to avoid blisters, corns and calluses.

Go on day trips

Going on a fun day out, whether it’s to the zoo, the theme park, a trip to a new city, or a shopping expedition, you’ll naturally do a whole lot of walking. Since you’re occupied by whatever else you’re doing that day you won’t notice until much later when your body starts to ache that you’ve actually done some fantastic exercise. Going on day trips is a great way to spend time with family and friends, plus get outside and do something fun, so the fact that you’ll be doing a lot of walking and moving around is just an added bonus. It just goes to show that exercise and staying healthy and fit doesn’t always have to involve structured workouts or the gym. Sometimes you can just get out and about and enjoy life, and staying fit and active is a result of that.

Get out your bike

Do you have a bike in the shed that’s collecting dust and cobwebs? Get it out, pump up the tires and test the brakes, as getting out on your bike is one of the best kinds of exercise you can do. Not only is it loads of fun (for most of us it will definitely bring back childhood nostalgia) but it’s really good exercise. You’ll pump your heart and lungs giving you a full cardiovascular workout, plus it’s good for toning and sculpting legs and glutes. Have a look online for local cycle routes near you, if you can find something scenic then all the better. If not, put your bike in the car and head out somewhere where they have great places to ride. Don’t forget your puncture repair kit and always wear your helmet too. If you’re going to be riding at dawn or dusk anywhere near roads (such as cycling to work) it’s crucial that you have a light on your bike- you should wear a high visibility vest too to avoid accidents.

Go for a swim

When the weather is cold and wet, it can be a struggle to find the motivation to get in the pool and know you’re going to come out with wet hair and feeling generally damp and uncomfortable. However, when the sun is shining and temperatures soar, jumping in that pool can be the most refreshing thing in the world. Hit your local pool and do some laps; any stroke you choose will work out just about every muscle in your body. Other options would be to put on a wetsuit and go swimming in the ocean or lake, or enjoy activities like surfing or paddleboarding.

Play some outdoor sports

Lots of parks and recreational centers have outdoor courts for things like tennis, badminton, and basketball which you can use for free or hire for a small fee. Another option would be to play volleyball on the beach if you live near the coast. Rope in some friends and enjoy the friendly competition while soaking up the glorious weather and getting your body moving.

Practice yoga on the beach (or anywhere!)

Another great beach activity, if you’re lucky enough to live near one, is practicing yoga. If you go early in the morning and set up your mat, you can take in the views as you practice, it’s so relaxing and can set your day off to a really great start. Alternatively, practicing late in the evening as the sun sets can be the perfect way to wind down and prepare for a relaxed night. Yoga is as much about the mind as it is the body, so a relaxed and beautiful environment can really help with your practice.

•What activities are you excited to do this spring/summer?

Thank you for reading!

The Incredible Long-Term Benefits Of Regular Exercise

March 4, 2020 By lyndsinreallife 1 Comment

Everyone should try and do as much exercise as possible. Aside from being excellent for your fitness, there are plenty of long-term benefits that can improve your whole life. Most people just associate exercise with getting stronger and looking better. But here are the other ways it will benefit you – if you remain consistent!

Image from Pexels (CC0 License)

Improve cognitive function

Cognitive function is a bit of a buzzword these days. Everyone’s talking about it, and you can see websites like Health Naturals selling nootropics that target your cognitive abilities. Effectively, it’s the idea of your brain health. Cognitive function refers to things like memory, processing speed, ability to multitask, etc. It’s something we should all look to improve, and regular exercise can do just that. If you work out regularly every week, then you can improve your memory, develop better problem-solving skills, and increase your ability to process lots of information very quickly.

Enhance your mental health

It’s worth remembering that your fitness journey isn’t all about your physical health. Yes, this is a big part of it, but you also want to think about your mental health. It’s proven that regular exercise will have positive long-term benefits on your mental health and wellbeing. This is because working out releases hormones that make you feel happy and elated. Not only that, but the physical changes you experience will lift your mood and boost your self-confidence. As a result, you can become less anxious, less depressed, and feel a lot better about yourself. This leads to a much clearer mind that’s free from many of your mental demons.

Reduce the risk of diseases

Exercise also helps ward off a lot of common diseases. Mainly, there’s a lot of evidence that supports the notion that regular exercise can reduce cardiovascular diseases. In simple terms, it lowers the risk of heart diseases. This is because exercising will rid your body of bad cholesterol that can clog up your arteries and cause problems for your heart. There’s also the link between being overweight and having an increased risk of heart disease. Therefore, by exercising and losing weight, you will lower the risks once more.

Improve your ability to carry out daily tasks

Daily activities are easier for you to complete when you exercise. Your body begins to develop more muscle tone, your sense of balance can improve, and this means you’re able to do loads of things without suffering from pain or putting yourself at risk. For example, when you get older, you reduce the chances of falling down because your balance and spatial awareness are better. Even right now, you can play with your kids or go shopping for hours on end without feeling too tired. So, don’t underestimate the importance that regular exercise will have on your daily routine.

If you ever doubted the benefits of exercise, then all your doubts should be wiped out by now! Everyone should try and exercise at least 30 minutes every week – preferably more. You will definitely see benefits that extend beyond your physical fitness and appearance. Basically, if you want a happier life, then exercise!

Thank you for reading!

Fitness Health

Debunking 3 Common Fitness Myths

March 4, 2020 By lyndsinreallife Leave a Comment

The nature of the fitness industry means there is so much information floating about. Everyone has an opinion, and a lot of these opinions are complete and utter bullshit. This means that loads of individuals are following the wrong advice or believing inaccurate things about fitness. So, let’s debunk some of the most common myths!

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MYTH 1: You can target areas of your body to lose fat

How many times have you seen a video or an article that tells you how to lose stubborn belly fat? Loads of people want to lose fat from specific areas of their body. This can be the arms, the legs, the waist, etc. So, you look up exercises that claim to help you do this. Unfortunately, you can’t lose fat from specific areas of your body. If you want to lose belly fat, then you have to enter a caloric deficit that means you burn more calories than you consume. This is what burns fat, and you can’t target a specific area. So, don’t focus on exercises that say they will help you burn fat from one part of your body, it’s simply not possible.

MYTH 2: Girls shouldn’t lift weights

Again, loads of newbies think that women shouldn’t lift weights. They think it’ll turn them into a bodybuilder with huge muscles. In reality, this will never happen. Women don’t make enough testosterone to produce the muscle mass that men have. Weight training is actually a staple in a healthy lifestyle. It helps you burn calories, it develops muscle tone – which makes everything look tighter and firmer – and it develops strength. All girls should train with weights, especially if you want to see improvements in your body – like bigger glutes or more toned abs!

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MYTH 3: Gyms are overpriced and not worth it

There’s been a fitness trend of home workouts over the last few years. This plays to the idea that gyms aren’t worth it – and are overpriced. In some ways, gym memberships can be expensive. But, this is when you’re forced to pay an annual contract all in one go. With places like Fitness 19, the idea or affordable rolling contracts has come into play. This makes gym memberships easier to afford, debunking that myth.

Secondly, gyms contain far more equipment and machinery than you’ll ever have at home. While home workouts can be very effective, there will come the point where you stop seeing progress as there’s no way to make the workouts harder. One of the ways you see fitness results is by increasing the intensity of your exercise sessions. This comes from adding more resistance. In a gym, you have machines that can go up in levels to increase the resistance, and you have more weights to keep going heavier and heavier. So, they are definitely worth it if you have the money. Home workouts are usually best in cases where you have no money, or you’re a beginner that wants to start their fitness journey and gain confidence before joining a gym.

Have you fallen for any of these myths? If you have, then they’ve probably held back a lot of your progress. Now you can consume the right information, get back out there, and start achieving your goals!

What fitness myths have you been told?

Thank you for reading!

Fitness Health

Small Changes to a Healthy Lifestyle

February 10, 2020 By lyndsinreallife 2 Comments

Photo by Bruno Nascimento on Unsplash

The goal to be healthier is at the top of most people’s resolutions each year. It is also the goal the most people consistently give up on each year. A lot of times, the goal gets pushed to the back burner and then forgotten because people try to take on too much at once. If you want to be successful at being healthier this year, then try a couple of these small steps towards healthy living!

Water

One big way that you can improve your overall health is to drink more water. Most people don’t drink enough water and dehydration can result in headaches, skin problems, sleep problems, and eating more than necessary to name a few. It is easy to calculate the amount of water to drink each day. Take your weight and divide it in half. That number is how many ounces of water you should drink every day. The best way to stay hydrated is to get a reusable water bottle and keep it with you all day. Figure out how many ounces of water fit in that bottle and then track how many ounces you drink all day. Gradually work up to meet your new goal. You may be surprised at how much water you need to drink each day!

Supplements

Another easy way to improve your health is to take vitamins or supplements. A great place to start is to find a comprehensive multivitamin. Multivitamins are specifically designed for people of different ages and lifestyles, so find one that will fit your needs. If you already take a multivitamin, then you might want to consider adding another supplement like B12, kief or hash, or vitamin D. What is kief and hash? There is a lot of research and information online to help answer all your questions. Be sure to talk to your doctor before changing your supplement regimen too much.

Reduce Sugar Intake

Another big way you can improve your health is to reduce the amount of sugar you eat. There is a surprising amount of sugar in most beverages, so switching out soda or juice for water is a huge step in the right direction. You can also replace eating candy as an afternoon snack to almonds or other foods high in protein. These snacks will give you the boost of energy you are looking for while helping you keep your resolutions. The more protein, the longer you’ll feel full!

Exercise

Exercising may seem like a daunting task to take on at first, but remember you are focusing on small changes. If you aren’t exercising right now, then don’t jump into trying to run a mile every day. That is unrealistic and it isn’t sustainable. Start where you are and add a little bit at a time. Try doing a light yoga routine first thing in the morning. Walk somewhere you would usually drive. Take the stairs instead of an elevator if it is possible. Go for a walk on your lunch break instead of eating your lunch at your desk. Anything you can do to add a little more activity to your day is a fantastic place to start.

•What have you changed to live a healthier lifestyle?

Thank you for reading!

This post was a collaboration.

Fitness Health

Refrain From The Pain! Exercising When You Have An Injury

November 21, 2019 By lyndsinreallife 1 Comment

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If you are an avid gym-goer, it becomes part of your life. You can’t imagine yourself without it. Even something simple like walking turns into a rapid sprint. But if you have this enthusiasm for hitting the gym, there will be times when you do too much, even though you think you can push it that little bit more than normal. By all means, pushing it in the gym is what helps us in the long run, but if we do it too much we could end up with an injury. It’s something we’ve all had on occasion, overdid it and got sidelined for a while. And while we need to give our body the chance to heal, we have to remember that there are ways around exercising with an injury. So, how can we do this?

Listen To Your Doctor

If you’ve been going to a shoulder surgeon, and there’s been a constant issue with this over months, if not years, you must listen to the medical advice. Sometimes your shoulder can feel okay, and as shoulder injuries are one of the most common because the muscles in the shoulders are the least developed, understanding when to cut back is crucial. Your doctor can help to guide you with relevant training to keep you strong while recovering. A lot of people choose not to listen to medical advice. But you have to do the exercises for as long as they recommend.

Make The Relevant Modifications

With a specific injury, you have to learn to train around it. If, for example, you have a knee problem, it may be recommended you avoid any cardiovascular or lower body strength activity. But this doesn’t mean you can’t work on your upper body. It’s about making those modifications to ensure that you are exercising around the issue. You can switch to a workout routine that involves you sitting down, rather than standing up and running around. This means no squats or deadlifts for a while. And while this may sound limiting, consider it to be an opportunity to figure out a different routine so that there is no pressure on the offending muscle or joint.

When There’s Pain, Stop

We can feel that, after a couple of weeks, there are minimal or no pain anymore, so we feel that we can go back to 100% exertion. But avoid the temptation to go back into your normal routine. We are constantly told that pushing through the pain is crucial to building muscle and strength but if the pain starts to get worse before you begin to develop new pains in a related area, go back to the doctor. If the pain carries on while you are doing a modified workout, play around with routines and try something else. But unfortunately, it may be best to stop, especially if you are using the improper form to get the reps.

Reducing pain is crucial, and this means you need a good time to recover as well. It’s worth trying the POLICE principle which can help you to reduce sports-related injuries, but it’s not just about protection. You have to remember that maintaining is as important especially after you’ve made a full recovery.

This post was a collaboration.

Health

Get The Best Out Of Life With These Top Tips

September 6, 2019 By lyndsinreallife Leave a Comment

To live a good life is a dream for many. Yet, most don’t realize it’s in easy reach. Making sure you enjoy life to your own specifications is important. You only get one, so ensure it’s one worth living. Everyone wants something different out of life, which is why being jealous of others is pointless. You need to work out exactly what you want and need, and then pursue it. Remember, this isn’t about making millions; it’s about doing what’s within easy reach to improve the quality of your life. Once you’re in the right mindset, it can be easy. Especially if you’ve got friends or a partner who want the same thing.

Health Is King

You can’t get the best out of life if you’re not well enough to enjoy it. Pay attention to your health; getting that in order, in some cases, may be all it takes. It doesn’t have to be expensive either. Those with hearing loss sometimes don’t do anything because they think it’ll cost a fortune (cough cough, my boyfriend), but click here and you’ll see ones that are affordable. The same applies to your sight. See an optometrist; you might need glasses or contacts! It also may just be a case of you needing to get into shape. If you’re overweight or obese, losing some weight can better ensure you’re healthy enough to enjoy life. Taking the strain off your heart can only be a good thing, too. Get your health in check and things will come more naturally.

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Follow Your Hobby

Whatever your hobby may be, follow it. It could be something small and easy like stitching, or you may want something big out of life like publishing a book. It may be a long road, or even a hard road. But, in the end, if you can look back and say you gave it your best shot, then you’ll have some contentment. You certainly won’t get anything but regret if you don’t even go for it. Follow your hobby and follow your dreams. Some people are put off when they have to join clubs or social circles, but you can get around this by taking a friend with you. Start out slow, and before you know it, you won’t know how you lived without it.

Find The Right Love

It comes easy to some people, they just fall into it with the right person. But others find it a whole lot harder. There are multiple things you can do. The first being to sign up to a reputable dating website. There are hundreds to choose from, but some are certainly better than others so it’s about finding what’s best for you. If the online scene isn’t your thing then you need to put yourself out there. See if there are speed dating options in your city, it can be a fun day out as well as a chance to meet someone. Join clubs, sign up to a class, start going out again on weekends. There are many things you can try or do. One thing is certain: it won’t land in your lap if all you’re doing is sitting in front of the TV and feeling sorry for yourself.

This post was a collaboration.

Thank you for reading!

Fitness Health

Walking, Your New Best Exercise

September 4, 2019 By lyndsinreallife 4 Comments

Wherever you look there seem to be a million voices telling you how to get fitter, how to get thinner and how to make yourself look and feel better. Often these voices overlap and contradict each other and trying to find a reasonable opinion is next to impossible.

That’s why in this blog, we’re taking a look at the benefits of just one exercise and why it’s beneficial to everyone, young and old, large and small. It’s easy, it’s free and almost anyone can do it who isn’t limited by illness or disability. It’s walking.

If you’ve always considered walking just a means to an end, we hope we’ll be able to convince that you’re walking for your health is a valid, fun way to start your fitness journey.

Walking is Accessible

If you have reasonable mobility and can get outside, then walking is for you. You just need a pair of comfortable shoes, canes if you need them, and off you go. There’s no need to splash out on expensive trainers or walking shoes, save that for it if you get really serious. Just strap on your sneakers and open the front door.

The other great thing about walking is that you can do it alone, with a friend, or lost in your music or a podcast. If you’re not feeling confident or haven’t taken a walk in a while, then ask a friend to come with you as you gain confidence in your own movement.

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Walking Takes You Places

No more staring at the four walls of a gym, walking can give you a fresh appreciation of your surroundings, reintroduce you to the natural beauty of your area and give you back that satisfaction of breathing in a deep breath of fresh air.

Progression is Quick

You might just take a walk around the block on your first outing. Well done, it’s a great start. But how about make it two laps the next time? Then you can set your sights further afield. Look online for mapped routes in your area, from very short to the slightly more challenging.

If you feel your fitness improving and are looking for more of a challenge, find hillier routes or try and maintain a faster pace. Whatever you do, just make sure you still find yourself walking just for the pleasure of movement. Nothing is guaranteed to stop you walking more than it feeling like a chore.

Walking is one of the best ways to experience the outdoors in a way that is gentle and builds progression. Make it fun, make it a walk that takes you to some beautiful places. Make it sociable with friends and dogs or make it your escape with your favourite music or podcast.

It’s never been easier to get your fitness levels up, so find a pair of comfortable walking shoes, wrap up and open that front door. You’re ready to take on the world and get walking.

This post was a collaboration.

Thank you for reading!

Health

What You Should Be Thinking About To Achieve A Healthy Lifestyle

August 22, 2019 By lyndsinreallife 1 Comment

Quite often seen as an impossible task, or something that requires a lot of commitment and hard work, is a healthy lifestyle. We all want to make sure we’re making the most of our time, and living a good, long life is part of that. In order to make sure we are achieving this, we need to spend a little time to take an active approach when it comes to our health. But it doesn’t need to be hard work. You will always get the people who seem to just naturally be healthy, however, they will be most likely be achieving the goal of a healthy lifestyle from making simple everyday choices.

Photo by Ella Olsson from Pexels

Have a look below at some of the things you can focus on to help achieve a healthy lifestyle without it becoming stressful or a constant worry:

Regular Health Checks

It should go without saying that regular health checks should be something that is high up on the list as a priority when it comes to living a healthy lifestyle. Although we don’t always like to hear that we’re not as healthy as we should be, we need a filling at the dentist, or we need help with areas such as our hearing, it doesn’t make it any less important. You should take the time to learn more about the importance of looking after your teeth, ears, and eyes.

What You Consume

An essential part of a healthy lifestyle is the food and drink that you consume. It’s something that we deal with every day. We know it has a huge effect on our overall health. We will ultimately end up unhealthy, stressed, overweight, tired, and agitated if we don’t consume the right food and the right quantities. Look at areas such as:

· The Food You Eat – Try to make sure you are sticking to a well-balanced diet.

· Vitamins and Supplements- It’s a popular choice to use these to help achieve a healthy lifestyle.

· Alcohol – Try to minimize binge drinking.

· Water– It’s not a big secret that we need water to survive. We naturally consume water throughout the day, so it’s important to top this up as the day goes on.

Exercise Regularly

Exercise is definitely a key part of any healthy lifestyle, but it doesn’t need to be a task that we all dread. The best way of achieving the goal of daily activity in your life is to stop thinking about it as exercise. Yes, that is much easier said than done, but making small changes like walking to the store, going for a family bike ride, or for a stroll up the beach, rather than lying down, means you won’t feel the pressure of exercising, but being more active. Try to think about:

· Being Active for at Least 30 Mins- This can be doing the housework, cleaning the car, walking to the store, or it can simply be an exercise video from YouTube.

· Find an Activity You Enjoy- If you hate running or swimming, don’t do them. Try a few things until you find one you like.

· Involve Your Family or friends- You are much more likely to achieve this if you have support, so get everyone involved! They need it, too.

•Are there any other hints and tips that you can share to help people achieve a healthy lifestyle? Please share them in the comments below!

This post was a collaboration.

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Fitness

4 Great Activities For Toning Muscle Quickly

July 8, 2019 By lyndsinreallife Leave a Comment

Weight loss is the initial goal for most people when they start their health journey, but once you reach a healthy weight again, you can start working towards other goals. Some people want to build muscle mass and strength and get big, but that isn’t for everybody. A lot of people find that even though they’ve lost the weight, they’re still not quite happy with their body because they just want to tone up a little bit more. Toning muscles so they look a bit tighter is often harder than losing the weight in the first place, and a lot of people struggle with this final step. That’s usually because they’re doing the wrong kinds of exercise and they continue doing the same things that they were when trying to lose weight, which isn’t going to work. If you want to tone your muscles, you should try some of these great exercises!

Yoga

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Yoga is such a great addition to anybody’s exercise routine for a few reasons. Firstly, it improves flexibility and stretches your muscles to stop them from getting tight and sore, which is very important if you’re working out a lot. Secondly, it’s a great way to reduce stress and improve wellness, so it can massively improve your mental health. Finally, it’s a great way to tone your muscles. People that haven’t tried yoga often underestimate how difficult it can be, and there are a lot of more advanced poses that use your own bodyweight to tone muscles. Doing ten minutes of yoga in the morning or the evening before you go to bed can really help to tone your body and improve your flexibility.

Martial Arts

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Martial arts is another great workout activity that is ideal for sculpting your muscles. It’s a great cardio workout, but a lot of it is about control, which engages your muscles. You’ll be using your entire body, which means you will get a good all-around muscle toning workout with every session. There are some great shaolin kung fu training schools that cater to people of all abilities so don’t worry if you’re a complete beginner. If you want to tone muscles and build a bit of strength, while maintaining your target weight, martial arts is one of the best activities.

Swimming

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Swimming is one of the best sports, regardless of what your fitness goals are, because it’s such a good overall workout. It’s a great cardio activity that is low impact, so it’s ideal for people that are recovering from injury (or also people who hate the gym, like me!). But it’s particularly good if you’re trying to tone muscle because you’re engaging all of your muscles at once, and the resistance from the water is good for toning.

Cycling

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If you are particularly focused on toning your legs, cycling is a great way to do it. You’ll be using your quads and calves a lot, so they’ll tone up very quickly. You also engage your core a lot when you cycle, so you can tone your stomach muscles as well. Cycling is another great low impact option if you’re trying to recover from an injury or you want to take a rest day from more intensive activity.

All in all, if you want to tone your muscles rather than build them, these are some of the best exercises to do!

•How do you tone your muscles? What has worked best for you?

This post is a collaboration.

Fitness

Finding The Perfect Gym For You: 4 Helpful Tips

June 12, 2019 By lyndsinreallife 2 Comments

Pixabay (CC0 Licence)

While it is possible to work on your fitness at home, a gym membership undeniably has its advantages. A gym is a dedicated workout space, so your home can be reserved for relaxation; the equipment is more likely to be high-end. There’s a range of different classes available for when you feel you need to shake things up, and help will be on hand if you run into any difficulties.

However, it’s fair to say that the experience of visiting a gym can vary. Some gyms are excellent, offering a wealth of benefits to their members that more than justifies their fees. Others… aren’t so excellent, and in the worst cases, could actually harm your ability to meet your fitness goals.

If you’re on the lookout for a new gym, here are four tips that can help to make sure you find the perfect gym for your needs.

#1 – Time Your Visit Carefully

Touring a gym before joining is highly recommended. Make sure you plan your visit around the same time as you would usually be working out. Doing so allows you to get a rough idea of how busy the gym is, and allows you to assess the atmosphere and conditions based on what you are most likely to experience if you sign-up.

#2 – Check the Machines Thoroughly

During your visit to a gym you are considering, take the time to check the machines in detail. First and foremost, look at safety aspects; do the machines look modern and well-maintained, or are they in the kind of disrepair that suggests using them may result in needing to call a personal injury attorney in future? In addition, assess the cleanliness; good gyms tend to ensure that their equipment is thoroughly cleaned regularly, so any sign of accumulated dirt will make that gym a no-go.

#3 – Examine the Existing List of Classes and Ask How Popular They Are

If you are considering a gym because they offer a range of classes you are particularly excited to try, it’s important to ask a member of staff how popular each class actually is. Gyms often cancel classes that have relatively few attendees, so you’ll need to make sure that the class you want to try will actually be available. On the flip side, if the classes you are interested in are bordering on too popular, you may find yourself having to join a waiting list before each class – so it may be worth trying a different gym to see if they have better availability.

#4 – Read the Fine Print

It would be impossible to discuss finding a great gym without a discussion of the contract you will be asked to sign, especially given that gym membership contracts have a tendency for being difficult to break.

*Just ask my boyfriend: Planet Fitness will only allow him to cancel his membership by GOING TO THE GYM HE SIGNED UP AT, which mind you, is in California! We live in Nevada now. Ugh, it is so frustrating. Don’t fall into that trap.

Always ask for time to read through your contract in full before signing, paying particular attention to the clauses related to canceling the contract. Hopefully you won’t need to cancel anytime soon, but it’s always important to make sure you know exactly where you stand before you sign on the dotted line.

The four tips above should help you to find the best gym for your needs. Once you find one, come back here and share which gym you chose! I’d love to hear more about it.

This post was a collaboration.

Thank you for reading!