Why People Join Gyms and Still Don’t Exercise

The Better Life Experts | June 15, 2009

Based upon experience with our on-line readership as well as feedback from participants in Better Life Unlimited programs, there are a handful of main reasons that people join but fail to regularly attend the gym as a means for achieving their weight loss goals.

1.They don’t know how to use the equipment. Lack of knowledge about lifting weights and operating machinery can lead to injury through misuse. Learning how to use exercise equipment is not always innate or easy and sometimes instructors are too busy or unavailable for assistance at the time you need help.

2.Waiting to use equipment. If you go to the gym like most other working people after 5:00 p.m., you may experience an increased demand for machines and wind up having to wait your turn. This is a time waster for people who are already on tight schedules – frustration sets in and they give up and go home to sit on the couch instead.

3.Irritating and annoying people. Every gym or sports club has at least one or two non-professionals who ‘know it all’ when it comes to exercise and nutrition. They spend their time dispensing unsolicited advice to others even though they clearly do not ‘walk the talk’ and can quickly get on your last good nerve. Additionally, people go to the gym for different reasons. Some people enjoy socializing while there while others prefer not to chat or mingle with other participants. Depending upon which group you fit in, you can feel ‘put off’ by someone from the other group.

4.Expensive memberships. Gyms aren’t cheap (well some are, but you get what you pay for). They generally charge a membership fee as well as monthly charges and many require that you pay for an entire year without the possibility of refunds.

5. Overcrowding and germs. Sports clubs and gyms are designed to accommodate many people at the same time with constant turnover rates. Some people who use machinery, equipment or attend classes are inconsiderate of others when they come to the gym sick, spreading germs and not cleaning up after themselves before they leave. Unless the gym or sports club you frequent has a top-notch cleaning service, chances are you will hop on a treadmill right after one of those sweaty, coughing people vacates the spot.