Making the Most of Your Lifestyle Lounge Membership
We’ve all been there: You finish work, you’ve got a few
hours to kill before your next activity, and you’re thinking of ways to pass
the time. You could grab a bite to eat, watch a show, or maybe even hit the
gym. But no, you stay home instead. Unless you have a home gym and other
similar facilities, you’ll probably have to make do with the equipment you have
at your disposal. Which means you’ll probably have to make do with doing your
work out at home. Which sucks, no matter how much you love your home gym. If
you’re anything like us, this probably sounds frustrating. But that’s where a
lifestyle membership comes in. These kinds of memberships give you access to a
wide range of gyms, fitness centers, recreation centers, and other fitness
venues in an area. They’re perfect for people who want to stay active no matter
where they are, but don’t have the space for a home gym. And with a bit of
smart planning, you can make the most of your home life and your membership,
too. Here’s how you can do that.
Know What You’re Getting Into
The first thing you should do is know what you're getting
into. Think about all the fitness centers in your area and find out which one
suits you best. There are tons of different types, so it can be difficult to
choose just one. Maybe there's a place that has a pool, or maybe they have
tennis courts, or maybe they have the equipment you need for weightlifting.
Whatever combination of features is important to you, make sure to take that
into account when choosing a gym membership.
Strategize Your Workout
This one might seem obvious, but it’s worth paying attention
to.
If you love working out at home, your membership will likely
only be a supplement for some of your workouts. That’s not a problem –
especially if you concentrate on the times when you can’t make it to the gym
and work out at home. But if you want to get the most out of your membership,
plan your workouts accordingly. If you have access to a pool or a yoga class,
make sure those are part of your routine. If there's an exercise equipment that
doesn't fit in your house, but you're dying to try it out, go ahead and use
that too!
Incorporate Anybody and Everything
If you have a lifestyle membership, you’ll have access to a
range of facilities. Which means you’ve got to figure out where everything is
and how to get there. You’ll need to take into account traffic, parking, and
other factors before you head out. And then, when it comes time for your
workout, you might find yourself wondering what equipment can be found in the
club you’re at.
With that said, the best way to make the most of your
lifestyle membership is by incorporating anybody and everything into your
routine. This means that if work lets out at 5pm on Thursday, for example, you
could go for a quick run before heading home. Or if it's Monday night and
you've already hit the gym during the day, maybe try hitting up a yoga class on
Wednesday morning instead. The point is that there's always something new
waiting for you at your club of choice; so don't limit yourself!
Get to Know the Staff
The staff at your gym is an invaluable resource, and you
should take advantage of them. Whether you’re interested in learning about a
new class, taking a tour of the facilities, or just have some questions to ask,
they’re there to help. One great way to make the most of your membership is by
getting to know the staff. When you get to know them better, they’ll be able to
provide more personal and valuable assistance for you. They might even give you
a heads up on any upcoming events or programs that could benefit from your
attendance.
Make Smart Choices
It’s tempting to use your membership as much as you can when
you first sign up. To get the most out of your membership, add some balance to
your schedule. Try to allocate at least two days out of the week for staying in
and working out, and two days for going to a fitness center or gym. That way,
you can maximize the benefits of your lifestyle membership.
Just Because Doesn’t Mean You Have to
If you’re like us and need a break from your house, we
recommend heading to the gym. It’ll be good for your physical health, and it
might even help you on the mental front, too. If you don’t have time to wait
around for the bus and then wait around at the gym, though, there are still
options.
Bottom Line
Bottom line, lifestyle memberships are an excellent way to
stay active and make the most of your time. If you have a membership, use it to
its fullest potential. This can include taking advantage of the variety of
facilities that your membership gives you access to. It’s also important to
plan ahead. Plan out your week and have a list of activities that you want to
do so that you don’t waste time waiting for inspiration or motivation. If you
have a lifestyle membership, why just spend your time at home? Go out there and
take full advantage!