To me the only good reason to join a gym, is to hopefully meet a person, or a group of people, who could possibly share with me encouragement to work hard, and achieve my goals.

For aerobics, there is nothing better than swimming in the ocean, or a lake, or hiking and running in the hills, or even my neighborhood.

For strength and body shaping, a set of standard weights, bags of sand, or even curls and overheads with rocks. Then of course there is isometrics. Also general calistetics, like push ups and chin and sit ups.

If one needs instructions, we can take advantage of internet downloads, or a book.

All this is free, with of the added benefit of a natural setting, and the absence of bad odor.

If were looking for friends, I prefer my neighborhood bar, or in a pinch TBD.

I've been over weight and out of shape my entire life and today joined my first gym at 43. Tomorrow I'll try not to hurt myself as I start my new....looking for a word that doesn't make me cringe....routine, lifestyle, hobby, activity....I don't know...I just know I have no idea what I'm going to do but one thing for sure, I'm going to give it a try....might come back here for some moral support or encouragement....

Steelerlove....Good luck, getting physically fit not only helps the body, but also our minds, emotions and in my case spirit.

Jack Z, good points. I think the gym is a good place to start, but eventually getting outside to exercise is the key to long term commitment and results. I like to get up early and go running, or trail running.

Steelerlove, good for you.I began makeing the same healthy choices for myself last year. I was athletic most of my life but gave up on myself after my divorce in 2002. I got my groove back last year. I was worried that at 50 I would have a hard time getting into shape but that has NOT been the case. I have a healthy eating plan and a reasonable fitness routine that has become a way of life. No diets or extreme workouts. Just a nice steady plan.

To Jack and Brij, et al;

Outside is already a part of my routine, as I kayak, and anyone who has not kayaked, has not lived! It is the best!!!!! However, there are days when weather or water level of the local bodies of water make it prohibitive, and I have also found that I feel better when I get those endorphins going on the eliptical thingy bob, afterwards there is always the consolation of the Steam room, to clean the pores, a Jacuzzi to do a little hydrotherapy for aging muscles and finally, a nice cool to cold shower to close the pores before heading home. Actually, I love my new routine, along with my kayaking, and I highly recommend getting a kayak and getting on a lake for some aerobic training as well. There are also over 50s races, which are great for those who really get into it.

CAMcCoy I agree with you about kayaking being a lot of fun. It's popular where I live in the river and the ocean. I've got a few friends who are into ocean kayaking. I haven't tried it but I can imagine its a great workout.