Gym membership and usage advise?

[LoneRanger]

I workout at home using weights and a home gym machine. I used to walk 4 or more miles a day but the police said several of the local nuts were complaining about me and I would be arrested if seen out power walking again after dark.

Therefore, I haven't had much cardio in the past 6 months.

My house is not big enough for one of those elliptical type machines so I need to join a gym.

I want elliptical because it would be easier on my knee joints than a treadmill.

I know nothing about gyms, however. Can anyone give me some pointers on what to look out for? I hear a lot about how some gyms can scam folks with membership fees and I don't want to be in a place where I may be hassled by thugs.

Here is what I want to do. Arrive at the gym in my sweats and use one of those walking machines intensely for about 30 - 45 minutes, 3 to 4 times a week and go home. No showers or lockers needed. I would just go in and out as I am.

I need to start breaking a sweat again until soaked to help lose a slight pudgyness my face has developed since I stopped walking. :woo: I am about 85% where I want to be fitness wise.

This may also put me in a more better environment to meet women of a higher calibur so I want to get started soon.

What should I look for?

 

[WC2]

A gym is only as good as it's clientel. Goto a gym and ask for a free day to try it out. If they can't even give you that, then leave. They don't know how to treat their customers.

If they do let you try it out, ask around. Ask the people who go there what they think and how much they pay. Ask them how well they treat their members. Lastly, make sure you find a place with not only machines, but free weights (if you're into weight training that is). Lastly, ask them if they have any promos going on. If they ask you to pay more than any of their members do, ask them why. If you walk into a gym blind, they are bound to charge you out the ass. Make sure they know that you aren't walking in blind.

 

[Quiksilver]

I used to walk 4 or more miles a day but the police said several of the local nuts were complaining about me and I would be arrested if seen out power walking again after dark.

What kind of garbage is that? What grounds do they have to arrest you on?

You aren't trespassing, you aren't carrying weed, you aren't carrying a weapon, so... What will you be arrested for?

I say keep walking, you aren't hurting anybody or disturbing the public or any other minor offense, so stick to your guns and don't let bored housewives bully you away from the things you like doing.

 

[LoneRanger]

What kind of garbage is that? What grounds do they have to arrest you on?

You aren't trespassing, you aren't carrying weed, you aren't carrying a weapon, so... What will you be arrested for?

I say keep walking, you aren't hurting anybody or disturbing the public or any other minor offense, so stick to your guns and don't let bored housewives bully you away from the things you like doing.

Much of Saginaw County is turning into a white trash p*ss hole. In Zilwaukee where I am most of the people here are stoners. When they see a guy who is out walking they naturally assume he is up to no good because that is what they would be up to.

LOTS of shady characters around here. Time to move.

What some folks have been telling the police is that I am outside hanging around in their yards and looking into windows, which is not true.

 

[LoneRanger]

Thanks for the advise, everyone.

Turns out there is only one gym that in the suburbs where I am at. I will swing by there tomorrow to check it out.

 

[LoneRanger]

I just got back from one of two good gyms in my area. The place was clean and all the equipment looked new.

Went in prepared and looking like I knew what I was talking about. After being shown around, the girl quoted 3 months for $139 and 8 for $190.

That sound about right? Unfortunately, I can't find anyone around here who has a paid gym membership for help.

I am a little suspicious because as I was being shown around two guys who walked past us looked at the girl that was showing me around and gave her a sinister grin.

These membership rates are not in print anywhere but I have a free guess pass.

 

[shaunuk]

wtf, don't listen to anyone, keep walking, they have NO grounds to arrest you at all except some crazy mofo's saying you're looking into their houses..

 

[LoneRanger]

wtf, don't listen to anyone, keep walking, they have NO grounds to arrest you at all except some crazy mofo's saying you're looking into their houses..

There are 4 main families in this small town. 3 are mostly all machine shop rats and drunks these days. Since I'm not related to any of them and just rent my house, I am considered to be a 2nd class citizen here. If they want me arrested I will be.

I would never recommend anyone moving to Zilwaukee.