Ok - so my husband and I are going to join a gym because we want to have access to more equipment than what we have at home. We do have two girls, so we'll need something that offers childcare. Has anyone joined a gym that they REALLY like? I'm in the Cincinnati area, so we have the big boxes and of course the YMCAs, etc.

I'd love to hear your thoughts - if you have a good gym or one you hate. Please share - I've spent a TON of time looking for a gym that's not going to bankrupt me today.

Let me know! I've got flabby arms to tone. Ha!

I live in Louisville, not too far from Cincy.

I love the YMCA.

It has chilcare and all kinds of support and will do your membership based on your income if you are 50K or under.

Otherwise it is under $70 a month for a couple with unlimited access and depending how old the kids are, activities for them to do, with no additional costs.

If you have a Planet Fitness nearby, I would look in to it! They are usually open 24/7 and they have all the equipment, no contracts and it's only about $10 a month-I love it there! (it may be my new obsession)~

I agree about Planet Fitness. I joined with my hubby and I love it!

Only thing is is I don't think they have childcare :smile:

Here's a bit of advice I picked up for my sport psychology class last spring: choose a gym that's in close proximity to either your home or your place of work. Apparently, the highest predictor of whether or not you will go is the gym's proximity. Try to choose a place that's within 2 miles if that's an option. Farther than that, and attendance drops off.

You should visit the gyms and see which one "feels" good to you. I visited several in my town. I also needed childcare. I choose the Y because there were all sorts of people there (my Y- and I work there now) is a real community of people. I absolutely love it. I belong to my university gym, too (it's in my student fees so I have no choice) but I'm uncomfortable working out there-- it's just full of "beautiful people" and I can't stand it. :smile:

Fee schedules at Ys vary by location. Some include all group exercise classes, some charge extra for group ex (ours does, though they are less expensive than for non-members.) We pay about $1 per half hour for child care for the kids under 7. Kids over 7 are free, and can also "roam" the Y if the parents are ok with it.

But do visit a few and see how they make you feel, and see that they have the amenities you want (and are clean, etc.)

I belong to LA fitness and love it. I have been working with a great personal trainer on weights. Whatever gym you choose- good for you! It's not easy to get started but well worth it. One in close proximity to home or work is a great idea as well.

Cast another vote for the Y--I love that it is so family-oriented.

Make sure you carefully read the contract. I went into a contract with Peak Fitness. Well, they ended up filing for bankruptcy, and I lost out on a lot of money.

I'm a YMCA member and have been for the past 10 years. The equipment is plentiful and in good shape. There are lots of program options as well as pretty convenient hours. The pool is a great benefit too.

I TOTALLY agree that you need to pick a gym that is close to your home or work (whichever location you go to the gym from) and that you like the facility.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE 24 Hour Fitness, and it's only $25 a month. They have AMAZING child care facilities as well. Cannot recommend them highly enough!!

I have tried EVERYTHING, but I am a group fitness type person and I LOVE jazzercise. If you like group fitness and dance, but in a non-competitive environment and usually without mirrors on the wall ;-> check out www. jazzercise.com. There are women of all shapes and sizes and ages. Every move is customizable to a lower impact if needed. The instructor can even tell you how to modify all floor exercises if you have bad knees, back, etc. I do most of the floor exercises standing up and still get a great workout. I love that there are women of all fitness levels in the same class, but everyone is supportive. Its the only exercise that I really enjoy and its not too expensive either. Many Jazzercise studios also offer childcare. Mine does and my kids love it. :->

I should add that I'm not against machines. I've got a great Precor (gym quality) treadmill at home. Its great for when I cannot get out to exercise w/others (like right after surgery or when my schedule does not allow getting out w/others). But, honestly, I find machines boring. I can do it if I have to, but I much prefer exercising in a group exercise class.