Photo credit to flikr.com
The idea of fitness training has been around since the Romans trained for their Olympics. Well made things never go out of style, which is why these events and the fitness training leading up to them are still here today. The dedication of the athletes enrapture the audience as they push the boundaries of what is humanly possible.
My point is that it’s unlikely that the Olympics- and Olympic training- will ever not be an icon for fitness.
Over the years we have developed more efficient and better ways to make our fittest fitter and get the regular Joe some access to that same equipment. This is where the commercial gym comes in.
Yet in today’s world of technology, all gadgets point to more efficient and effective workouts. And yet I blame technology for the public’s disenchantment with our beloved commercial gyms.
Because what used to be a staple for common fitness is seeing a troubling trend.
Figures say that 80% of members who signed up for a commercial gym membership in January dropped out in February. Why is there high sign up rates but higher turnover? Do this trend point to the idea that the commercial gym is just another fad?
The commercial gym experience is no longer engaging. Ever since technology has been introduced, machines are more clever. You just put in your weight and target heart rate and bam! A personalized workout is up and ready to go. There’s not a lot of brain work happening there, and if you’re not careful you will become a hamster.
Photo credit to shiawaselfie.com.
Always using the same machines on the same settings, and getting the same results.
Maybe this is the reason for the high turnover, maybe technology is giving gym goers an excuse not to form relationships, and that impersonal and uncomfortable feeling has more gym goers throwing in the towel.
But there are a few institutions which are thriving today. One is another type of gym which is more personal. This ’boutique’ gym usually enforces relationships between it’s members, causing community and an actual interest and intrinsic dedication to working out there.
One of those institutions is CrossFit, which I have spent a lot of time detailing in my blog.
Another interesting trend that has risen with technology is the idea of the at-home workout. What used to be your mom’s “Richard Simmons: 80’s Blast Off” workout DVD’s are now modernized.
On the internet there are endless follow along workouts you can do just by sliding off your couch. These workouts are designed for little to no equipment, and the internet brings a bottomless supply of them.
Since this blog is about CrossFit, more specifically why would you pay $50-$200 for a membership when there are free WOD’s online?
So why pay for a gym membership of any kind when there are free and easily accessible ones online?
Here’s why I think the gym will never truly fade away;
- Getting out of your relaxation space (living room or bedroom) puts your mind in a more active place. When you slide off the couch to do a workout there is always a possibility you will slide back on.
- There is a commitment to attend when you invest money into something. To prove yourself, you will end up going to the gym a few times at least, and a few is better than none.
- There is no attachment in some gyms, yes, but the internet (unless you have a personal trainer chatting with you) is VERY impersonal. It’s all on you. How hard you push yourself, if you keep going, and if you’re consistent with it.
-MissFit
My Crossfit Colorado 