According to Healthy Suffolk, having a low level of physical activity is a contributing factor to both disease and disability in Suffolk. In fact, it is estimated that there are approximately 1850 premature deaths every year that can be attributed to a lack of physical activity. The same website claims that inactivity costs £134 million every year in Suffolk. This amount includes treating diseases that are linked to being inactive as well as indirect costs that occur due to sickness absence from work.
Let’s take a look at 8 reasons why you should get moving and join a gym:
Why you should consider joining a gym
- Massive benefits to your health
This is obvious but going to the gym is really good for your fitness and your overall health. Simply put, when you exercise, you increase your cardiovascular fitness. You strengthen your lungs and your heart as well as increasing your lean muscle mass and strength.
The recommendation for adults is 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. This could take the form of brisk walking or cycling. If you’re doing a vigorous activity like running, you only need to do 75 minutes per week. As far as Suffolk is concerned, only 60% of adults (about 380,000 people) meet the guidelines, which means 40% of adults in Suffolk are classed as inactive.
Numerous studies indicate that increasing fitness and strength can help to reduce the risks of certain health conditions. These include:
- Heart disease
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- High cholesterol
- Type II diabetes
- Stress-related illnesses
- Depression
- Having access to great equipment
A great advantage of going to a gym is that you have a massive range of equipment within reach. This includes strength machines, cardio machines, boxing equipment, weights and other things like gym balls and resistance bands. Sometimes it might feel a little daunting but the great thing about going to a gym is that there are always experts on hand to help you out and give you advice.
- You can meet new people
Going to a gym is a fantastic way of meeting people and being social. You can attend fitness classes in a group too and these are often included in your monthly membership fee. You might find a new activity that you like and make friends along the way.
The great thing about making gym friends is that you can become training buddies! You can work together to encourage each other to keep up the hard work.
- Gaining knowledge
Gyms and health clubs have access to personal trainers that are experienced and qualified. With their help, you’ll be able to gain knowledge about your health and how to reach your goals. Personal trainers and gym staff will about to personalise your workouts to keep things fresh and keep you motivated.
- You can establish a good routine
It can be really daunting signing a contract to a gym membership but this alone is a motivator. After all, when you know you’re paying for something, it will motivate you to go.
With a gym, you can get yourself into a routine that isn’t dependent on the weather or the seasons. No more excuses!
- Increase your energy levels
Although you’re using energy at the gym, exercising actually increases your energy levels and improve your mood. This is because physical activity releases endorphins. You will never regret going to the gym but you might regret not going! A great benefit of the gym is feeling renewed!
- Give yourself a challenge
Joining a gym, especially if it’s the first time, is a real challenge! Being a member lets you try all sorts of things that you would never have tried before. Challenge yourself to try lots of different equipment and different classes. So, if you fancy trying pilates or yoga for the first time, your gym will offer these and many other classes all within your membership price.
- Keep motivated
There are two types of people: those who love exercise and those who have to drag themselves along. If you are one of those for whom exercise is a chore, heading to a gym and spending time with other gym-goers can be a great incentive to keep going. When you see the physiques of people who frequent the gym often, it is a great motivation. Who knows, you might end up converting to an exercise-lover!
Finally…
Many gyms are taking it one step further in their offering! There are lots of great health clubs that have spas too. What’s more, many now offer cafes, childcare and dry cleaning! What more could you want!
Suffolk has a great range of gyms, you really will be spoilt for choice – there are gyms for all budgets too!