Thursday December 17, 2009
If you don't already belong to a gym or you're thinking of leaving your current one, January is a great time to take advantage of special discounted rates at fitness clubs. But before you sign up for a membership, it's important to do your research. Follow these tips to ensure you make a good choice:
Go for a test-drive. The best way to determine if a gym is right for you is to get a guest pass. Try the machines and check out the classes that you would want to attend. Make sure you work out at the times you would normally go, so you'll know if the gym gets very crowded then. Pay attention to the atmosphere and the people, and make sure it's a place where you'll feel comfortable.
Ask about additional fees. Some gyms have very low monthly membership dues, but they tack on additional fees for features you might think are included, like cardio classes, locker use, or even towels. Find out what amenities are only available for an additional cost, so you don't end up paying much more than you expected later on.
Consider the location. If the gym is offering a great deal but the location is not convenient for you, don't join. Even if you have the best intentions, you'll eventually use the distance as an excuse not to go.
Study the staff. When you visit the gym, make sure there are staff members available to answer your questions, demonstrate exercises, or show you how to use the equipment. Study the staff's interactions with members. Do they seem friendly and well-informed?
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Tuesday December 15, 2009
A new year offers the chance to make a fresh start and incorporate some positive changes in your life. If your goals for 2010 include to be healthier and run more, why not start the year with a race? Many communities host resolution runs on New Year's Eve or New Year's Day. Most of them are shorter distances -- 5Ks or 4-milers -- so you may already in good enough shape to run them. Check out Active.com to find a resolution run near you.
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Sunday December 13, 2009
Now's the time of year when some runners start talking -- or at least thinking about -- resolutions and goals for next year. One great way to help accomplish your running-related goals is to join a running club. Most running clubs offer benefits to members such as group training, newsletters, club meetings and parties, discounts on local races and shopping, and more. Being part of a running club can help boost your motivation, improve your performance, and expand your social circle, as well as other benefits.
So how do you about finding a running club? Here are some ways:
- Check out Road Runners Club of America's website to find the clubs closest to you. The site includes links to the clubs' websites, which you can check out to find out more about their events and benefits.
- Visit your local running shop and ask if they have their own running club. If they don't, see if they recommend a local club. (Also, check about discounts - many running shops give special deals on running gear to club members.)
- Ask other runners you know if they belong to a running club or if they can offer a recommendation for a particular club in your area.
If you're hoping to get more serious about running in 2010, participating in a running club can help you take your running to the next level. And if your family is still hounding you for holiday gift ideas, you could always ask for a year's membership to your chosen running club. Or, better yet, give the gift of a membership to yourself and a family member (many clubs offer family discounts). You'll already know one person in the club and you can avoid the intimidation factor by attending club events together.
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Thursday December 10, 2009
Maintaining a regular running schedule is hard enough, but throw in some parties, shopping, food preparation, out-of-town guests, and other holiday craziness, and running suddenly drops to the bottom of your to-do list. It also doesn't help that the cold weather in many parts of the U.S. makes for less-than-desirable outdoor running conditions. If you're already finding yourself slacking a little, here are some tips to make sure you're not starting all over again come January:
Schedule your runs. Your calendar gets more packed during the holiday season, but you should try to make running a priority. Take a look at your week and write down when you think you'll be able to squeeze in runs, just like you would other appointments. If you have runs scheduled, you're more likely to get them done.
Redefine your workouts. Prepare to be flexible about the time and distance of your runs, too. Remember that a 20-minute run is better than skipping your run altogether, so don't miss your run just because you won't have time to run what you had originally planned. Even running a couple of miles a few times a week will help you maintain your running habit through the holidays.
Run a holiday race. There are lots of fun races during the holiday season, from jingle bell runs to resolutions runs. Find a race near you and put it on your calendar. Having an upcoming race will keep you motivated to continue running. Try to recruit some friends and family, too, so you can have a fun holiday outing together.
Get the family to join you. If you're visiting with family and you're concerned that you'll seem selfish or rude for taking time to run, ask if anyone wants to run with you. You may have to run a slower pace than you're used to, but use it as a recovery run. Even if no one else in the family runs, you can head to a local trail or track and see if anyone wants to walk while you run. Going for a run or enjoying the outdoors together could be a great bonding experience.
Determine your roadblocks. If you can anticipate your excuses for not running, it's easier to overcome them. Get solutions for how to beat your excuses for not running.
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