gym membership: anytime fitness

Does anyone have an anytime fitness membership?  Is it really worth the cost?  It's about 30 bucks a month here, and I'm unsure on whether or not I should sign up.  My BF thinks it's a waste of money, "you're loosing weight just running, why don't you have that 30 dollars a month for something else?"  I do run 4-5 times a week, but have been hearing people preach about how great it is for women to weight train...there's a gym at my school I can use for free, however only during hours that there is not a class in there, everytime I have tried to so far I've been kicked out.  The card in the mail also said that there was personal training, anyone who has an anytime fitness membership, is that an extra cost? I guess I just want some other opinions on the subject...is there  weight training I can do that will help at home? 

Well you could purchase a set of dumbells for that $30 maybe, then do the weight training at home. By anytime fitness membership do you mean a 24/7 gym? Mines open at like 6 or 7 am to about 12am depending on the day and location, so it's pretty convenient. If there is a personal trainer included in that $30 then I'd say it's worth it, well even if it's not that's not a bad price for a membership really. Do you run outside or use a treadmill? If you don't want to run outside in winter weather a gym would be helpful.

I think that sounds like a sweet deal!  I've heard that it's really important to get weight training in a fitness routine.  Plus, building up muscleincreases the # of calories your burn while not active ;)

During the summer months I also ran outside.   I just started going to the weight room at my university (back in school this semester after some extended time off).   I find that having to go somewhere keeps me honest since I have to build it into my and plan for when the facility is open.

I pay $90/month for a kickboxing program 4x/week that also mixes in toning, bar and band, forza, etc so it's a great well-rounded program.  When I get to a "healthy" BMI I've promised myself that I'm going to switch over to tae kwon do.

Good point, I forgot to add that gyms usually have different classes too...mine has quite a variety of them included free in the membership, so that might be interesting and fun for you, could help keep you motivated too :)

$30 a month is a very good deal. I pay $44.

I would do it if you can, because yeah, you could get dumb bells, but if you have the opportunity to go to a gym with machines and strength training equipment instead, you will gain alot more benefit.

I pay three times that and I think it's worth every penny.  Especially now that it's dark out earlier.  Soon it will be icy out so running outside won't be an option.  The gym is light, it's warm, there are classes, weights, stetching mats, and a variety of machines to work out on.  Try it for three months, and if you hate it and don't go - then cancel the membership. 

i go to the YMCA and i LOVE it. mostly because i cant really go swimming at the little gym at work and having to pay for it (i pay 94 for a duel membership with a 20 dollar discount if i go 8x a mo ((so 35-45 dollars per person)) means i am motivated to go. getting 20 bucks off for going 8x is even more motivation. the classes look fun (though i havent had a chance to try one yet) and theres something about working out around other people that makes me want to try harder. I love it. if you have health insurance you might consider checking to see if they have a  discount for attending the gym like my work does . i also dont know about LTF but i can go to any of the Y's in the  metro area for free

I don't belong to a gym -- but I do take classes at the local community college -- for 12 weeks its $45 a class (for general public)  The weight room hours are 9-2 and 3:30 - 7:30 m-th and frid 9-1  but I go right after work and its perfect for me - also I take a cardio class that is tue and thu 5:30 - 6:30 pm 

I get the classes for free since hubby is employed there - but even if I had to pay I would do that before joining a gym I just like the instructors and the enviroment there since its mostly people like me looking to get in better shape and not people showing off their muscles or trying to impress someone if you know what I mean.

 

Absolutely join a gym!  Weight training is SO important.  Not only does it increase your metabolism, it also makes you look tighter and more fit.  Also, it increases bone density, which helps prevent osteoporosis in women (I know you're young, but it's never too early to start taking care of yourself!).  Additionally, it will give you access to classes and other forms of cardio because, frankly, you really shouldn't run more than every other day.  Plus, cross-training makes you a stronger better runner overall and prevents injury. GO FOR IT.  Honestly, I can't think of a better way to spend $30/month!

I think it's funny that someone with the name 'runner_girl' says not to run more than every other day.  I'm curious what your reason for this is.  Does this depend on how far or fast you run?  Details, please!

how much you should run depends on a few factors actually. if you are overweight, then putting that much stress on joints and bones can do more harm than good. if you just decide to start running- it might actually hurt you. it's better to ease into a running routine with some exercise that's not as hard on your joints (like the elliptical). you would also increase the possibility of stress fractures, which are really painful and hinder any other workout as well. having good form when running is important also. your whole body is moving in one fluid motion- it's important to engage all our muscles so you get the most out of your run. however, if those muscles arent trained to do that kind of work, you can easily injure yourself. if you havent done much in the way of cardio, i would think it could be a problem for anyone, despite your workout routine. but if youre physically ready for a running regimen, then a couple miles a day shouldnt hurt you. its pushing yourself for more than you can handle every day that can be dangerous. not to sound like a comercial- but you should talk to your doctor, get a bone density test and physical before you pick up a hardcore workout routine. a nutritionist can help you with the right foods to eat and supplements to make sure your body gets what it needs. healthy is the goal, not skin and bones and 0% body fat.

if you are looking to start running, you should really consider why. as with anything, if you do it for the wrong reasons, it wont be fun and you will regret it. i run for many reasons, and i started younger than most i guess. i was twelve when i started, mainly because i had ALOT of extra energy and my nanny ran a few miles a day as well, so i would go with her. it was a good supplement to ballet classes (since been told i have ADHD- who knew. lol), and im 21 now. running can help relieve stress- any workout can really- but i find you can clear your head especially well when running. cutting down on stress can also amp up whatever results your trying to get, not to mention make you happier and healthier mentally. i run about six to eight miles a day (again, ive been doing it a while) but i cycle my distances and use. i start with 6 or 8, then build up for a few days to my max point of about 20 then ease off again. usually takes about 2 weeks total. i try to increase the max every time, since i plan on running my first marathon this year. make sure to add weight training in with running so the same muscles arent being worked in the same way everyday.