, paS2K

Tell you what, paS2K, if the fitness center that wishes to charge you this $249 initiation fee and $65 per month outclasses any LifeTime Fitness facility, then, by all means, go for it. Take the tour and then you tell me how the facility you are negotiating with compares:
http://www.lifetimefitness.com/southjordan...on=virtual_tour
Was that awesome, or what?

In addition to the amenities listed in the virtual tour, these 125,000 sq. ft. facilities also offer massage therapy, racquetball lessons, tennis lessons, karate lessons, SCUBA certifications, fitness testing, supervised youth programs, postal services, dry cleaning services, health minded restaurants, etc., etc., etc. Oh, and get this, you can also rent your very own locker. Yes you read that correctly, you can rent a locker on an ongoing basis. No more lugging your gear and supplements from home to gym every day. Imagine that!
Cost? $54 per month w/no initiation fees.
You be the judge, paS2K.

Now I know there to be no LifeTime Fitness centers in Pennsylvania (just as there are none in California ), but I wanted to give you something to use in comparison. To further compare your offer, the average 24 Hour Fitness member pays approximately $22 per month for access to their "Fitness Centers" and approximately $30 per month for access to its "Sports Centers."

 

I have a different view of personal trainers.

I think they're alright in the short term in the situation where you have little or no knowledge about the excercises you are performing but in the long term a personal trainer will only provide you with the motivation for as long as you are able to retain their services.

Kind of a Catch 22.

IMO the key is to be self-motivated and independant in order to reach and maintain your goals over the long term.

Over here the gyms are full of 'personal trainers'. They all have second jobs.

 

I pay $26/mo at Future Fitness, and get one free session with a personal trainer every month.

That also includes all classes (aerobics, spinning, pilates, etc), if I want to take them.

 

Thanks for those good metrics I'm new at this game...

 

This is my situation, Muz....thanks

 

I remember a number of years ago, none other than Ralph Nader suggested home exercise equipment was one of the better investments you could make. One of the best things I've bought is a treadmill with a heart monitor. It automatically adjusts the grade and speed to keep your heart rate in the target range. I wouldn't buy a treadmill without that feature. Turn on the XM radio and away I go.