No, the Treadmill Isn’t Also a Shoe Buffer Gym memberships. While not only reducing stress and anxiety, gym memberships lower health-care costs. That said, don't walk into a local gym and get locked into an expensive contract.
- Pick a gym that is NEAR you and your schedule. Makes it very easy to stumble in before/after work. Be prepared with a packed gym back with you in your car's trunk.
- Dedicate enough time to work out at least 3x/week.
- Try different equipment such as rowers, bikes, ellipticals, and treadmills regularly to keep the workout enjoyable.
- Take advantage of your membership -- assistance from a trainer, group classes, use of a locker, child care.
- A 2007 Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Study found that those who work out atleast for nine months out of a year for 8x a month had 17.8% lower healthcare claims than those who did not, after controlling for overall health status.
- Even higher benefits were found for ER visits and hospitalization admissions (38.7% and 41.4% lower, respectively).
The YMCA is by far the most affordable nation-wide gym with standard equipment and pool access. No contracts to sign, monthly rates that are salary adjusted (bring your W2). Of course, there are other deals in your neighborhood: corporate memberships through your company, doorbuster membership drives that other chains put together, etc. Not only is joining an affordable gym good for your waistline, its great for the $$ bottomline too! Plus, check your health insurance policy -- sometimes they offer up to an additional 50% off gym memberships.