7 Secrets Gyms Will Never Tell You

1. It’s Often Cheaper to Pay as You Go

Economists at the University of California, Berkeley, found that the average gym user who buys a monthly or annual membership shells out 70 per cent more – or about $300 extra a year – than those who pay per visit.

2. Many People Use Treadmills Incorrectly

Holding on for balance is okay, but don’t support your body weight on your arms – it’s unsafe and burns fewer calories . If you can’t loosen your grip, try slowing down.

3. Choose the Right Exercises

Jenn Farrell, a bodybuilder, trainer and owner of Witness the Fitness in Vancouver, says functional fitness – exercise that simulates everyday movements – helps older adults prevent injury and maintain strength. For example, try doing squats, which mimic sitting down in a chair.

4. Don’t Feel Pressured

Your facility should offer a commitment-free trial period or drop-in sessions, says Farrell. If a gym pressures you to commit quickly, it’s a red flag that employees might simply be working to meet a quota.

5. Try Something New

A few sessions with a personal trainer are worth paying extra for. Trainers can tailor your exercises to your needs and explain formal – and informal – gym rules.

6. Aim for a Good Trainer

A good trainer, says Farrell, “is somebody who really wants to know what your story is.” If your trainer isn’t interested in your injury history , medication regimen and fitness needs, it’s time to move on.

7. Be Patient

TV may give your the idea that you can lose 25 pounds in a few weeks, but unless you’re spending eight hours a day working out, that’s just not realistic. Stick with your gym for about three months, exercise three or four times a week, and you will feel a noticeable difference in your body .