Ok so my Gym membership is up and I cant say I loved going. I really like getting out in the fresh air and doing it my way. My dilemma is Im worried if I give up the membership I will slowly lose momentum and not do anything. I know its up to me to kick my own a$$ and get out there but I dont know if the financial commitment is whats keeping me motivated or I really have found a new way of life. Having been a couch potato until this year I have no previous experience to draw upon.

Im also worried that I wont have enough variety if I give up the gym.

Anyone not go to the gym but still feel like they are getting a good variety of exercise??

if you have the $$ go to the gym. I bought a very expensive treadmill and other exercise equipment to workout in the winter and had every entention to exercise in the fresh air and quit my gym membership. I am back on the couch because i put it off. When I go to the gym it is like a have scheduled an appointment for the workout. Pluse seeing all of the little skinny girls working out it gives me more motivation. I vote keep your membership.:thumbup:

If you don't love the gym, you could end up paying an expensive membership you never use. Ask yourself what sort of activities might you enjoy, belly dancing, line dancing, swimming, hiking or just joining a walking group and going on weekend walks away to hills and mountains. Is there something you've always dreamed of taking up? Sky diving, scuba or horse riding?

If there is, then you'd be far better off spending the money on lessons or club membership than gym membership. Are their groups who meet in your area to go for walks together?

Can you take up gardening? What about rowing, kite flying, feeding the ducks in the park? It doesn't have to be pump and grind. If you do something you really enjoy, then you are going to keep at it and not even realise you've been exercising.

Do you have a friend or two you can talk into taking a regular walk with you?

Sunwyse I really want to try pilates and I already walk, I have also decided that I want a bike for christmas. I think I will do ok without the gym but I have always thought the only reason I go is because I paid a lot of money. I think like my overeating I just have to wake up and realize I actually like this healthy lifestyle. Its hard to kill off the fat person in my head sometimes.

Nat36,

I know exactly where you are coming from! Almost 10 years ago I had a medical condition that controlled every aspect of my life. I couldn't work because of it, just horrible. Then I was finally given an operation that fixed it and it took me a while to get used to finally being free of the condition, but I got there. Now it interferes no more! I am liberated to do what I want, when I want.

It will be the same with this, I know. I have already made my list of what I want to do when I finally get fit enough to be able to walk without limping again! lol

Part of my list is, belly dancing, scuba diving, some other form of dance, more visits to country areas to get out and walk. Get back into hobby photography (means more walking! lol).

None of these are things I have to force myself to do, the most expensive is scuba diving. All are things I want to do and love doing when my weight is more manageable. Watch the olympics (that always inspires me) or if you really want to feel good about moving til you nearly drop, adopt a friend's kid and take them to the park!!

I have spent far too much time in my life doing things I hated because I *needed* to. Bugger that! As soon as I am able to move freely again, its what I want, never what I feel I ought to again.

For me to really get into exercising, I need a schedule. I joined a gym to start in Sept. when my kids go back to school. I have an elliptical at home and have started slowly doing a little at a time every day at the same time. Routine works for me and it helps keep my motivation up. I can't wait to really have time to go on a schedule. Whether you decide to rejoin or not, having a plan to follow will keep you going. At least, that is what helps me.