Gyms, it seems, are quite controversial. Some people seem to really hate them. I’ve not been a member of a gym since I was 15, when I used to be a very keen and committed rower and somehow managed to fit in extra gym sessions. I don’t really have an opinion either way on gyms, I think they can be a really practical way to help with training.
As training for my first marathon coincided with moving to a new city, a long daily commute and a very cold winter, in November I decided to join a gym for 3 months.
The positives
- It was warm, when there was up to 2 foot of snow outside. A definite bonus.
- I could go early in the morning before getting the train, or after work. At both times of day it was dark, which put me off road running as I didn’t know the city very well.
- It did push me to use a slightly wider variety of equipment – I used the exercise bikes quite a bit, and managed a few weights.
- I prefer looking at the world outside than watching a TV screen.
- The time on a treadmill often seems to pass slower than when running outside.
- I found it quite easy to over-do it in the gym, it’s quite easy to think ‘just 10 minutes more’ when on a run outside your route is generally planned out so you can restrict what you do.
- It got very busy in January.
I am glad that I joined a gym. The staff were friendly and helpful, and seeing other people around can be really encouraging – it helps you to realise you’re not the only person training hard for something. I should have taken advantage of the swimming and fitness classes, and put in a bigger variety of training. I did also keep up with running outdoors at weekends or on days that I finished work early, which I think definitely helped to keep a sense of variety in my training.
It’s easy to become quite single minded in a gym, which is a shame as I think there is quite a big element of fun to gyms. If I’d have taken more time to find out more about the different equipment, weights, classes and swimming I could have challenged myself a lot more.
I’m undecided about joining a gym this winter, now that I know Sheffield better I’m much more comfortable road running. But if the weather turns, it’s a good option to have.
