All Entries For gyms

Poll: In Tough Economic Times, Do You Keep Your Gym Membership?

When economic times are tough, consumers have to find ways to tighten their wallets and trim spending. Although gym memberships and fancy home equipment are nice to have, often they become something we can no longer afford. According to new research, Americans have been trimming their workout budgets and opting for cheaper ways to get active.

Posted 12/1/2009  6:07:59 AM By: Jen Mueller : 258 comments

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7 Good Reasons to Use the Cable Cross Machine

A few years ago, you would have been more likely to find me in the weight room than on a treadmill. I loved strength training; I would have done it daily (in lieu of cardio) if possible. But something changed more recently that has me enjoying cardio more and strength training less. Maybe I'm getting bored with the weights, machines and same-old exercises after doing some variation of the same moves since I was a teenager. After all, there are only so many ways you can work your biceps.

But there is one mode of strength training that I almost always enjoy, even when I don't feel like spending time at the gym. It's the cable cross (or cable "crossover") machine. (It's pictured above.) Most gyms have this universal piece of equipment, but I'd venture to guess that most people aren't sure what it's for or how to use it. In fact, the cable cross may be the most intimidating machines at the gym. Don't let this big machine fool you, however; it's deceptively easy to use. Here are seven reasons you should try it yourself, plus tips and workouts you can start with.

Posted 9/11/2009  6:56:33 AM By: Nicole Nichols : 47 comments

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Habits of Fit People: Leave Your Gear at the Gym

You want to be a fit person, right? That's why I'm sharing my own habits for keeping fit and staying healthy in the ongoing Habits of Fit People series.

Here's one that works for me: Leaving my fitness gear in the gym locker room. I don't mean paying extra for a locker where you can stash your stuff overnight. I mean leaving it at the gym so that you have to return to get it—and therefore work out. So why does something like this matter?

Posted 8/26/2009  11:30:04 AM By: Nicole Nichols : 62 comments

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5 Tips to Keep Kids Safe around Home Exercise Equipment

When I heard the story about Mike Tyson's 4-year-old daughter dying in a freak treadmill accident, I assumed this kind of thing was pretty rare. I was surprised to learn that thousands of young children are treated in hospitals for treadmill-related injuries each year. Although most injuries are minor, some are very serious. That got me to thinking about the safety of home workout equipment, especially in my own home where my young children could be at risk.

Posted 7/7/2009  6:18:33 AM By: Jen Mueller : 33 comments

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6 Good Reasons to Try a Spinning Class

As long as I can remember, I was into fitness. I was an active child, athletic and competitive, always trying new sports. Even as a teenager, I loved lifting weights, trying challenging workouts and pushing myself physically. I remember when I was about 17 years old, I read a small blurb in a fitness magazine that talked about this workout called Spinning. It mentioned that it was a major calorie burner (somewhere near 600 calories per hour, if I remember correctly), and that it was a great workout. "What is this Spinning thing," I wondered. Whatever it was, I was definitely going to try it.

By the time I moved away to college a few months later, I got my wish. Not wanting to gain the notorious freshman 15, while trying to maintain a good level of fitness (without the aid of the after-school sports practices I was accustomed to), I started going to the university rec center and tried Spinning for the first time.

That magazine was right. It was intense and challenging. But they didn't tell me that I'd be so sore for a few days (from sitting on that rock hard seat known as the "saddle") that I'd barely be able to sit on my cushioned desk chair in my dorm room—ouch! Despite the challenge (and the discomfort), I made it to Spinning class three times a week and I was hooked. Fast forward a few years later, and I became a certified Spinning instructor myself so that I could share my love of Spinning with others.

I believe that Spinning, which is an indoor group cycling class, is something that people of all ages and fitness levels can benefit from—I've seen it myself and in my students. If you think Spinning isn't for you or tried it and didn't like it, here are 6 reasons to try Spinning that will change your mind.

Posted 6/24/2009  3:54:38 PM By: Nicole Nichols : 92 comments

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Gym Pet Peeves: Do You Have Any?

Last week while I was at the gym, a gentleman in his 60’s got on the treadmill next to mine reeking of Aramis cologne. The only reason I knew the scent was because it is the only cologne my father-in-law has worn for the past 25 years. Let me tell you the scent was so strong that I literally had to get off my treadmill and move to one several rows away. I could hardly breathe it was that strong. This got me to thinking that this subject just might make for a great blog.

Posted 5/27/2009  6:38:55 PM By: Nancy Howard : 415 comments

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Poll: How Much Would You Pay to Use a Hotel Gym?

A few months ago, I blogged about how "fit people" are usually in the habit of working out when they travel. It's a good habit to have, because exercise should be a permanent part of your healthy lifestyle, even when you're on vacation. I know that I plan for fitness, packing my workout shoes or portable equipment whenever I'll be away from home; and from the sounds of it, lots of you do, too.

This past weekend I was in San Diego for the Spark Your Life Convention, which kept me away from home (Ohio) for a few days. It was my fist work-related trip, believe it or not, and even though it was short—just two nights in a hotel—I planned for fitness by packing my workout clothes, shoes, and iPod. Before I left home, I checked the hotel website—Hooray! They had a gym, and I planned to exercise there on Friday after arriving to my hotel.

I got to my lovely room, checked my little book of "guest services" to find the gym's location and hours. It was open, so I got dressed and headed downstairs only to find the gym with its doors locked. I turned to the staff person at the desk behind me, and she informed me that I had to fill out a waiver…oh and I had to pay $15 per day to use the gym!

That led me to wonder: How much would YOU pay to use a hotel gym?

Posted 5/6/2009  11:56:28 AM By: Nicole Nichols : 438 comments

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5-Minute Fix: Give Feedback to Fitness Instructors

Some people say that those who can't do, teach. But in reality, those who can't teach also teach! If you've ever taken a fitness class or invested in a personal training package, you may have encountered a bad fitness instructor or personal trainer. Sometimes they play weird music. Other times they call you out or embarrass you in front of others. And occasionally, the workouts they lead are just plain bad, boring, or downright dangerous. Poor experiences like these do more than ruin your workout session—they affect your wallet and your motivation to go back to the gym again. Instead of stewing about it or vowing never to return to that 6 p.m. Spinning class (despite the fact that it's the most convenient class for you), I have a five-minute fix that can help.

Posted 1/28/2009  12:06:17 PM By: Nicole Nichols : 61 comments

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Poll: Would You Join a Same-Sex Gym?

I recently read an article about women-only gyms, which are growing in popularity. According to the story, "Studies have shown that self-conscious women who exercise in same-sex environments are more willing to work out, and more satisfied with their workouts." It made me wonder: Would you join a same-sex gym?

Posted 12/12/2008  1:24:52 PM By: Nicole Nichols : 441 comments

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How to Avoid Gym Jitters: Finding a Club that Suits You

Over the next several weeks, gym enrollment across the country will hit a season high as many of us prepare to follow through with our New Year’s resolutions of finally getting in shape. But before you jump into any long term contracts, review a list of suggestions that may help you determine if the gym you choose is a good fit for you.

Posted 12/3/2008  7:02:00 PM By: Nancy Howard : 39 comments

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