Terry Mitchell

Why I Would Never Join a Health Club



Posted: Wednesday, July 29, 2009

by Terry Mitchell
http://commenterry.blogs.com

Even if I knew my life depended on it, I would never join a health club. I would just go ahead and die, rather than suffer such humiliation. There's no way I would exercise in front of other people, as most of them are probably better at it and might be judgmental of me. And, somehow, I don't think that my own private exercise room would be included in a health club membership. If there is indeed a health club that would offer such a luxury, I doubt that I could afford the rates anyway.

Some TV commercials that a popular chain of health clubs is currently running give me the creeps. They all begin with a person explaining why he or she joined that particular health club. No real problem there, but it's the ending that bothers me. The person in question is then shown jumping onto some kind of exercise apparatus and then using it during the last few seconds of those ads. How can they let themselves be seen doing that on national TV? I wouldn't be willing to do that any more than I would allow TV cameras into my bathroom while I'm taking a shower.

I addition, I suspect that many of those who frequent health clubs are semi-professional exercisers – people who have avidly and enthusiastically been exercising for most of their lives. I would look too much like a Johnny-come-lately to the practice or perhaps someone who is just following after the latest trend. I do not follow the crowd, even when I know they are doing something that would be good for me. And I can't have anyone thinking I take my cue from others or ever allow them to convince me of anything.
 
Terry Mitchell is a software engineer, freelance writer, amateur political analyst, and blogger from Virginia, USA. He posts a least one article a day to his blog - http://commenterry.blogs.com - on subjects such as current events, politics, technology, society and culture, religion, health and well-being, self improvement, personal finance, trivia, and sports.

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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)
» left by Dianne Lehmann
 2 years 277 days ago.
136 fans.
Hi Terry.
 
I would never join a fitness club either. Mainly because it would be a waste of my money. I wouldn't go because of the gasoline it would use and the driving time it would waste. I do work out every day at home.
 
You don't need fancy equipment or stylish work out clothing to improve your fitness. All you need is a couple of free weights and a desire to feel better.
 
I'm not saying that I think that is what you should do. I'm just saying that is what works for me.
 
Respectfully,
Dianne
» left by Terry Mitchell 2 years 277 days ago.
91 fans.
Dianne, I like your suggestion. I was thinking about buying some of that stuff anyway.
» left by Dianne Lehmann from Dewey, AZ 2 years 277 days ago.
Hi Terry.
 
I probably don't need to tell you this, but I will anyway. Start small. Don't make a major financial commitment until you figure out whether or not it is for you. Most of all, have fun with it.
 
Dianne
» left by Terry Mitchell 2 years 276 days ago.
91 fans.
Dianne, thanks for the great advice!
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