You don’t have to go to a gym to get fit.  Sometimes, though, a gym is the best option.  Here’s some of those times:

When it is convenient. If the gym is across town, there is no parking, and it is a giant pain to show up, it isn’t going to happen. Save your money.  If it is on your way home from work and you can stop in easily and enjoy a workout and relieve your stress from the day, you will probably use the gym faithfully.

When you need the “me” time.  At home there are always demands on your time and attention. If you can’t get around to working out because someone always needs you, it’s worth the membership price to have a guilt-free get-away place.  You can help others better if you are strong and healthy yourself.

When you can’t focus at home.  You want to workout, but the laundry needs to be done and the dishes are calling your name from the kitchen.  And you haven’t checked Facebook lately. Well….. not for the last hour.  Leave it behind and go work out at the gym.  Everything will still be there when you get back (including Facebook) and you will feel more like tackling the chores after a good workout.

When you need the support.  If you have one of the more social personalities, you will be more likely to be faithful if you go to the gym with a group.  Meeting your friends there to work out together can keep you accountable and keep you going.  Just make sure it is a workout time, not a gossip session!

When the cost will keep you motivated.  We tend to think that free things are disposable. We value things that cost us something. If that gym membership is a sacrifice financially, you will be more likely to use it — and you will be more likely to get the valuable results of a healthier, more fit you.

When you don’t know what you are doing. If you are new to a fitness regime and the gym has helpful staff, the instruction and encouragement will make the fees worthwhile.

When there is no room at home.  That’s my situation.  I live temporarily in a fifth-wheel travel trailer. When I jump, the whole place bounces, and there is no way to move without bumping into something.  There is certainly no place for equipment!  The gym has everything I need, and space to use it.

When the weather keeps you inside.  In Oklahoma it’s usually the summer weather that keeps us in more than the wintertime.  This summer it hit 100 degrees before noon on many days. The air-conditioned gym allowed me to keep on with my training for a 5K without getting a heatstroke.  Where you live it may be the cold and snow that keeps you from being out running or walking.  In either case, the gym is worth the investment.

And think of it as an investment.  You are investing in YOU — in your health, well-being, and quality of life.  You are worth it!

Eating to live and living for Christ,

Susan Jordan Brown