The Problem with Private Gyms

Gyms, whether public or private are basically a business and of course would like to make money from you. They successfully do this because the majority of people see very little long term effects from mainly private gyms. When people start exercising there is always an initial health improvement however that quickly reaches a plateau, and this is where the gyms profit from your endless membership.

I have observed people going to the gym and see a lot women with soft wobbly physiques who are there on a regular basis but seemed to be very content. Three years years in the gym but still with the same flabby figure? And I am talking about Japan where the women are not exactly obese however the middle aged women certainly do have more than an inch to pinch. The same goes for a lot of men too every though it may not show through most clothes.

There are usually two reasons.

First, the socializing. Yes private gyms are a great way to meet new people however gym time must really be gym time. It's the muscles and body you are exercising not your mouth. I've witnessed people being in the gym for 2 hours and only end up exercising for about 15 mins due to time wasted talking and chatting. If people need to chat so much, why not get the contact details or gather in the community rooms after or before the workout.

Secondly, people tend to get too comfortable which their routines. Like an illness the body puts up a resistance to fatigue due to exercise. Doing the same routine all the time will seem very comfortable after a while however it becomes less and less of a beneficial work out. Many people are too afraid to switch up their workout or introduce something new.

E.g. Instead of doing the barbell bicep curl every time try doing the isolated dumbbell. Or even try using the smith machine only for every other session. You are working the same muscle however the change in grip angle and leverage makes so much difference in terms of muscle growth.

Instead of the 20-30 min jog you probably do, try occasionally doing some interval running. e.g. Walk for 2 min then run at a faster pace than normal for around 2 min and then back to the walking This will burn much more calories than straight running. It will burn more calories than displayed on the running machine.

If you want to get work done but are surrounded by chatters simply put some headphones on.

Time yourself between sets, even use a stop watch if you have to.e.g. 90 secs between a lifting set.

If the the equipment you want to use is busy, don't wait around, use an alternative machine. There should be many in a decent gym.

Don't spend time giving others advice, unless they are your training partner, that's what the gym staff are paid to do.

Bring a note pad and record your sessions so you can make comparisons and make sure you are switching up your routines.

Never compete and try to do more then others. Don't even be bothered about how much the guy before you bench pressed even if he is smaller than you. This is how injuries happen, just prasie him and get on with your own sets.

Try avoid doing exercises other than a particular machine is intended for. This again can lead to accidents or injury.

Private gyms apart from all the distractions as mentioned above, they may only be worth the money if you go at least 4 times a week. Many people do not and therefore waste money since you still need to pay the same fixed monthly fee. A public gym may not be as clean as a private gym but could work out a lot cheaper, with less people chatting and more getting on with it.