Gym and I

A year ago in July, The Wife signed us up to the local health club. We had been talking about it for some time and one day She decided to take the plunge (literally) and commit me to a direct debit of over a 100 quid a month for full gym, pool and racquet membership for the 3 of us- Wife, Son & Wholly Responsible.

In terms of health though, it was a master stroke. And it probably prevent a Stroke too.

In July 2006, I was a sorry sight. 32 years old and verging on 76kg with a BMI well into the overweight zone. The last time I had seen exercise was just before I got my GP partnership in Oct 2000. Almost 6 years of sloth, gluttony and chicken nuggets. Wine, good living and the new GP Contract added to the toil.

So, thinking of my bank balance and the continuous monthly drain of funds from my account to the Club’s account, I decided to make good use of my membership. I took to going 3 times a week. Aerobic workouts, runs on the treadmill and sessions in the steam room  soon started to make inroads and the weight fell off. Training for the Glasgow Half Marathon helped keep me acutely focussed too.

I am pleased to say that 15 months of gym membership later and almost 2 grand lighter, I feel fitter, healthier, more alert and my concentration is better. My weight is downt to 65kg and BMI is now down to 22. I’m sleeping better; and other aspects of my bedroom life have improved. I completed the half marathon in 1hr 49mins; I taught the Son how to swim; I’m starting to get some definition on the ol’ pects.

Has it been worth it?

Looking back, if the club membership was free, I don’t think I would have mustered the determination to go and work out 3 times a week. Monetary loss is a great stimulus to action and it really focussed the mind to make full use of the membership. And use of the membership resulted in better health and stamina.

The moral of the tale?

Exercise and good health is available to everyone for nothing. A better diet and more exercise doesn’t need to cost an arm and a leg. But there’s little drive and impetus for most of us to get off our arses. However…when you ARE paying an arm and leg every month, you make damn sure you’re getting something out it.

So folks, sign up to expensive health club membership. It might just bankrupt you, but you might just avoid that deadly stroke or heart attack.