For a lot of people the beginning of the New Year means setting goals. One of the most common New Year's resolutions is to get in shape, maybe joining a gym. But before you join one, 7 On Your Side has tips on getting the most out of a health club membership.
If you're going to put down good money to join a health club, you'll probably want to make sure you actually use your membership and the toughest part may be staying motivated.
The exercise floor is packed at the Berkeley YMCA. The facility is expected to get even more crowded in February, when new members join current ones to get in their exercise routine.
"Sometimes people put on a little weight and get out of their exercise routine so usually New Year's resolutions bring lots of people in January and February," says Berkeley YMCA fitness coordinator Lori Cable.
Berkeley resident Juliet Bashore signed up to strengthen her injured wrist and try out the classes offered.
"I also want to take advantage of the yoga classes because I'm a long time yoga practitioner. So this seemed like the best bang for my buck," says Bashore.
Getting started may be the easy part. The tough part is sticking with it.
"Health clubs make a lot of money on people who sign up and are there for a few weeks or a couple of months and then don't show up after that," says Robert Krughoff, the president of Checkbook.org.
7 On Your Side offers tips for finding the right health club and best deals
via abclocal.go.com
