manchester

healthy options

general health

Gym culture

DESPITE what it might seem at this time of good intentions only around 5.5% of adults in Britain are actually members of a gym.

But that figure is double what it was a decade ago and forecasts are that numbers will double again in the next five years.

Which means that the fight is on to get your custom. The old days of gyms in draughty old halls being the sweaty haunts of muscle bound blokes, only pumping free weights, are long gone. Instead we have luxurious health and fitness centres where the emphasis is as much on lifestyle and relaxation as exercise.

There is no doubt that increasing the amount you exercise will greatly improve your health, but before you sign up for gym membership, consider these key points:

Why do you want to join?
How much time can you spare each week?
What exercise do you enjoy?
How much can you afford to pay?

Martyn Matthews, lecturer in sports science at Salford University, said: ''With exercise, the most important thing you can have is consistency. It doesn't matter what you do - it matters how often you do it. Make it easy, make it enjoyable and try and involve your partner, your friends or your family. Recognise what you want to get out of exercise. You may want to get fit, you may want to tone up, you may want to lose weight or you may want to expand your social life.

So choose carefully and be realistic.

The wonderful thing about exercise is that it raises your metabolism not only during exertion but for many hours afterwards - and it makes us feel good!'' The new life-style centres, like David Lloyd Leisure and Virgin Active, are positioned near large centres of population where access is easy.

City gyms, like LivingWell on Quay Street in Manchester and the Y Club are on the doorsteps of offices. In March, Virgin's latest venture, Pure Fitness, will open at the end of Deansgate aimed totally at non-family, urban dwellers in their 20s and 30s.

But according to Joy Augier, the joys of gyms can be short-lived. She loathed going so much that she set up her own personal trainer network.

Motivation Plus now operates nationwide providing personal trainers for around £20 an hour, down to £10 if four of you share one!

Joy said: ''At this time of year is a mad rush to join a gym and people go for the first couple months but then the good intentions lapse. They may not have the they may not have the motivation you can always find a million not to go.''

She says a personal trainer comes to you may become the preferred option for many busy people. She said: ''Most of our have individual targets, they may aiming to run a marathon, perhaps want post or antenatal exercises.

Most men want a six-pack and women want firm bums and flat tums. Having the same person each week to encourage you and push you is very effective.''

When you do get to the gym make sure you make the most of your time there.

Get a locker and keep kit and a towel there so if you get a spare hour you can use the time.
Always warm up and cool down properly to avoid injury.
Pace yourself. Exercise at a level that works your heart. Get a personal monitor or use those on the gym machines.
Make sure you know how to use the equipment - if in doubt ask.
Aim for slow and controlled reps, no jerky movements.
Regularly ask the trainers for an updated personal fitness plan. It will encourage you and help maintain motivation.