Choosing A Gym

When taking part in the Feel+^® programme seeking advice from a coach or a physiotherapist is recommended to help you perform the JAMES® programme exercises. Joining a gym is also an effective option, but perhaps this is a world that you are not familiar with. Gym, fitness, bodybuilding… there are plenty of clubs and therefore one near you. All clubs are different and you need to feel comfortable in them.

Here is some guidance on choosing a gym:

• Well Staffed
  Choose a club with qualified instructors. They will be able to understand your programme and the precautions it requires. If there are several qualified people this is a plus because it means that there will always be someone available to help you.
• Welcoming And Attentive
  Do not worry; you will not be the only senior citizen to cross the threshold of a gym or fitness club – they are not reserved solely for bodybuilders and will have many programmes which are suitable for you. You should be able to get advice and individual assistance.
• Clean And Well Equipped
  If you see dubious cloakrooms, filthy showers, suspect mats or frayed towels: flee! A good club respects its members and their health; it provides them with clean towels and even heart rate monitors. What is essential is cardiovascular fitness training equipment. If there are several you are guaranteed to find one free. For muscle building, you will stick to the lighter weights, so check these are available.
• Easy Access
  Although a gym or club that is near to where you live (with parking spaces if you drive) is best, do not necessarily choose the one that is closest to you. Compare all the gyms and clubs within an acceptable distance to you and their facilities.
• Friendly  
  We all have our own ides of a good atmosphere. Decide the time of the day that suits you to exercise: would you prefer to exercise with other senior citizens or with people of all ages? How about when the gym is a little quieter and there is perhaps more space for your workout? Attend the club in off-peak hours to take advantage of the availability of staff. It is usually in the second part of the morning or early afternoon that you can have the gym or fitness club to yourself. 
• Finally, Try It Out
  Pay for a few exercise sessions before taking out an annual subscription, and do not hesitate to be curious about the different courses being offered on-site, with the advice of the staff.

Why Go To A Gym?

Arguments in favour of going to a gym or fitness club include the fact it will give you access to the necessary equipment, there will be other people working out alongside you, and you will have access to the advice of professionals. Gyms and fitness clubs are open for fixed hours and therefore offer a scheduled time for you to exercise. There will be also opportunities to try out other activities such as cycling, rowing, or running on a treadmill (perfect for rainy days!) or classes such as yoga, stretching, tai chi, and Pilates. 

What about the arguments against going to a gym? You will be exercising with other people or in public, a sweaty atmosphere and music may be playing whether you like it or not. There are set times that you can exercise or attend classes. You are free not to going to gym so long as you find the necessary rigour to be diligent and precise in your movements, and motivated to exercise on your own.

Rhythm And Regularity

The advantages of taking out a subscription with a gym or fitness club is the fact that you can go to the club for 30 minutes and can take your time to do your exercise sessions, you can even try out a rowing machine or a stretching class. 

Ensure you keep a steady pace and be careful not to focus on the rowing, pedalling or treadmill rates of your neighbours. The spirit of competition is rooted in each of us but do not let it come unnecessarily to the fore.

“I tried two clubs before finding mine. Do not be intimidated because you’re a novice. There are people who do their exercises in front of a mirror, but overall, people are welcoming.” Bernard, aged 73