INDEX fi tness
A gym membership is a great way to kick start your new year’s fi tness regime. But what should you look for?
tart by asking if there is a contract – in these times you may feel you don’t want to get
roped into a long commitment, and some gyms offer trial memberships, so you can see if it’s the right place for you. Gyms may also offer month- to-month memberships. These can work out more expensive, however. Also ask what the extras are because if you are joining for a particular class, you don’t want to discover that they cost extra once you’ve signed on the line. The age of the gym
equipment matters, as sports technology is constantly changing, and it would be a pity to miss out on the latest developments. A good club will invest in its equipment. Think about whether the opening hours and class timetables suit you, and also the location and parking. If you are planning to exercise in the evenings, check out the area after dark to make sure you feel safe coming and going. And look in at peak times to ensure you can get a turn on the equipment. If you are not used to
Pick agym S
exercising, you will need advice from qualifi ed staff, so ask what qualifi cations the instructors have. A good establishment may well have staff with degrees, and instructors who show evidence of continuing professional development. Again, this shows that the gym is willing to invest and so is likely to be around for the long haul. You could also ask if anyone has ever been hurt at the gym – and how many staff have fi rst aid qualifi cations. Once you’ve got your
answers, it’s time to make a choice, grab your trainers and prepare to feel sleeker and faster and fi tter.
Before you begin
If a niggling injury has been coming between you and a godlike physique, there is plenty of help available.
exercise you need to lose the extra pounds, see if you can get help on the NHS, though there may be a wait. Some health insurances cover
I
www.indexmagazine.co.uk
f your GP has wagged a fi nger at your waistline, but an injury is stopping you from doing the
injury rehabilitation, or you could just put your hands in your own pockets and pay up yourself.
One option is Lynn Durrett of Muscle Masters (www.
musclemasters.co.uk) in Herne Bay. She is a pilates instructor and an internationally qualifi ed
therapist who specialises in muscle rehabilitation and repair. She uses various massage techniques, exercise and stretching plus manipulation and ultra sound. If you need to relax, she also offers refl exology and soothing aromatherapy – with oils mixed to your requirements. Another source of help might be Ed Craske, who is a personal trainer and BioSignature practitioner from Invicta Strength and Conditioning. BioSignature Modulation, developed by
world-renowned Olympic strength coach Charles
Poliquin, is based on the correlation between body fat and possible hormonal imbalances, which are often the culprit of stubborn fat storage and other health concerns including poor sleep, low energy, impaired cognitive function, and more. The BioSignature method focuses on addressing these imbalances to improve body composition and overall wellbeing. To fi nd out more, email edcraske@
invictastrength.com
21
The INDEX magazine January 2012
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