Friday, 14 January 2011

Giving the gym a purpose for 2011

It is about this time of year that many of us look in the mirror and wonder if we should have eaten that extra mince pie or allowed ourselves that second helping on turkey. The reaction for some is then to sign-up to the gym, go for the first month, and then end up paying for something we don't even use.

The problem I have always had with the gym (and I have signed up for a few in my time) is that other than the obvious health benefits it lacks any purpose. You are running on a running machine, but not going anywhere. You are rowing on a rowing machine, but all the energy you are expending is powering nothing. It all lacks purpose and, for me, I really need a clear purpose to get motivated.

For many, even going for a run outside can be a challenge as there little purpose (other than getting fit). Whereas if you are playing a sport, you usually playing to win - there is a clear purpose.

This is where the Good Gym may have hit on a winner. It basically encourages people to exercise, but while they are doing it they do something good. For example when you go for a run, you run to a less mobile isolate person in the local area deliver something nice, have a chat and then you are on your way again.

Could this be the perfect combination of the end of the season of good will and a new year's resolutions to get fit?

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