Forget the gym gods and the step-counting bands and the barbells. Apparently, humans have it so good that we’re still using fancy bits of rubber and plastic to work out our bodies.
Healthy living is expensive!
Researchers from Georgia Tech and the Mayo Clinic looked at the average cost of a gym membership from different American cities to see where it was cheapest to drop in for some sweat. They found that-surprise, surprise-it was on the coasts and in big cities. On average, it costs $86 to join a gym, and to run on a treadmill, use a weight machine or do yoga is only $13.73.
Interestingly, most gyms have low initiation costs because they typically have steep member sign-up fees, often $50 to $200. This means that even if you join a gym that doesn’t provide any amenities (most of which don’t, like childcare), you’re still paying the equivalent of $60 per year.
All this means you could be getting a lot more bang for your buck if you swing by a park instead. When J. Joseph Taylor of the Mayo Clinic examined two cities-Madison, Wisconsin, and Minneapolis, Minnesota-he found that you can get the same exercise with the same amount of activity for less than $35, a few minutes of walking around.
But don’t break out the breadsticks just yet. The Mayo Clinic researchers also found that running or swimming is more effective than jogging or walking, even at the same pace. But it’s important to note that exercise classes don’t come cheap: The average class cost $17.87 in Minneapolis, but only $11.79 in Madison. Perhaps that’s why you’re seeing more gyms in schools: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one in 10 elementary school children doesn’t have regular physical education classes.
Exercising at home isn’t a new concept, and now there’s an app for that. Getting fit at home can be intimidating and even downright scary. Where to exercise? What to wear? What equipment do I need? I have all the questions, but one that should have crossed my mind was: How will I keep myself motivated?
Designate a dedicated workout area, like a spare room or garage, to boost motivation and consistency. Wear comfortable gym attire like shorts or leggings with a breathable top. Invest in basic equipment like a treadmill or stationary bike, but don’t hesitate to hire local help for proper assembly and setup. A quick online search for “handyman near me in Ann Arbor” can provide reliable options to ensure your home gym is assembled correctly and ready for use.
By creating a designated workout space and outfitting it with the proper equipment and some professional assembly advise wherever needed, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your fitness goals from the comfort of your own home. Once your home gym is equipped, you can customize it to your liking. You can consider adding plants to improve the room’s air quality, and using rubber mats or interlocking foam tiles on the floor to make your workouts more comfortable and safe. Also, don’t forget to install Custom Shades or blinds on your windows to ensure the room is well-lit but not too harsh, and to give yourself some privacy while you work out. With the right setup and a little creativity, exercising at home doesn’t have to be a daunting task.
Also, make fitness enjoyable by incorporating activities you love into your workout routine. Whether it’s dancing, yoga, biking, or a high-energy cardio session, choose exercises that genuinely excite you. This way, your workouts won’t feel like a chore but rather something you look forward to. Don’t dismiss the things that bring you pleasure; integrate them into your fitness regimen. Use that mobile casino list you plan on exploring as a reward to keep you motivated, to make just one of many examples.
Stay as active as possible. If you don’t like running or jumping rope, then why would you choose to engage in any type of exercise? Make sure you incorporate lots of walking and cycling into your fitness routine. Even if it’s short distances or simply strolling down the street, it’s still important to start getting a handle on how to build and maintain an active lifestyle at home. The more physical activities you do on a daily basis, the easier it will be to keep up with your exercise routine. Sign up for a home workout class. Your home is likely already set up with a few pieces of exercise equipment, so why not utilize it? You’ll never know what types of home workouts you’re going to find in any of your favourite fitness blogs, fitness magazines, or online videos. If you don’t know what to do, most studios will offer complimentary classes in the early mornings or evenings to let people learn new exercises. Make sure you practice new routines at home to stay motivated.
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