You join the local health club with high hopes that this is going to be the year you get in the best shape of your life. You sign for a year to get the special rate, and the automatic bank draft begins. You faithfully go each week for the first couple of weeks or maybe even the first couple of months. Eventually your attendance becomes sporadic. You miss a couple of weeks and then you miss a couple of months. Eventually you return with the intention of really buckling down. For most that never happens.
Finally you admit defeat so you try to cancel, and that becomes a hassle and expensive because there is a processing fee. You realize that there are just a few months left, and you rationalize that it is not worth the hassle of trying to terminate the contract. You ride it out cringing when you look at your monthly credit card bill and see the card charged for the service you did not use.
The fault lies not with the health club but with those who set themselves up with high expectations of regular attendance that, for most, is not going to happen. There more former members of health clubs than there are presently members. The renewal rate at health clubs in 30 percent. Of that 30% less than half use the facility regularly. That is a lot of dissatisfied customers. Add to monthly membership dues the personal training package health clubs offer you. They will offer you a free training session IF you sign up for a package. You buy the huge package to get the only reasonable rate. If you are lucky you will get the personal trainer most suitable for you. Often that is not the case. At the end of year the only thing lighter is your wallet.
If you lower the bar a little you might find that that you will stick with a program for the long term and in the long run have far greater results. There are three easy steps:
1. Follow a simple eating plan you can stick to and make modest changes in eating habits. I gave up soft drinks a few years ago. Now I much prefer water and can't stand the taste of soft drinks I once craved.
2. Engage in activities you enjoy. You'll more likely stick to things you enjoy doing. I have never really stuck to a running program long term. I do enjoy long walks with my dog.
3. Start a strength training program- one that is efficient and effective. High intensity training (HIT) for strength produces a long list of positive benefits, and it is not time consuming. The benefits from such a program will motivate you to stick to the program.
At Austin’s Personal Training and New Orleans’s Fitness Training we utilize a HIT approach. It is a program adaptable to any age or condition. Our oldest client is 92. There are no contracts, no expensive packages and the first two sessions are free. The first two sessions are free, so you can make an informed decision to see if this is something you want to pursue - nothing out of pocket and no bank drafts.
