I joined an awesome gym, Louisville Athletic Center (LAC), in June 2004. I went for a long time, and lost some weight doing it. Then, for other reasons, I stopped going and I just gained a ton of weight. I hadn't been going regularly for about 9months, when I realized I was wasting my money. I went maybe 3 days out of the entire month, when I had that "I'm too fat to do anything, I'm starting a diet tomorrow!" thing some nights.. and then fail the next morning. So, I tried to go back but found out I couldn't because of my back. I have a bad back, yes only at age 17, and my doctor told me NOT to workout like I do. I just needed light activity - walking the dog, jogging around the block, etc. Not 2 hours of intense cardio. I go to see my back doctor in less than 2 weeks, we'll see what she says about it.

But since I can't go as often as I'd like to (I've been on a diet for about 1.5 months, so far, and lost a bunch of weight. ) I ended my membership - I can go until Sept 30.

If I hadn't been depressed, I would've stuck to going to the gym regularly. I LOVE my gym - it's SO nice. It's not a meat market, either. It's got tons of things for you to do - aerobics, classes, cardio, weight training, sporting facilities, movies to watch, tvs, music, etc etc. It's so nice, plus, there is a section for the big buff guys to go workout. I learned that if I went into that area, I was more likely to get help with the machines because the guys were so nice!

When I got help with my depression and now I'm okay, my back started to fade out. It sucks major, because it would be a lot easier with a gym.

All I can say is think about your options. I didn't - I just jumped right into things, and wasted a ton of money. Look around, go visit the gym - take a tour, and "test" it out first for the day. See if it's you. There's nothing wrong with saying no.

Good luck, and I hope it works out for you!!!


PS - sorry I hijacked this thread with my oh-woe-as-me story.