What to Expect When Joining LA Fitness

What to Expect When Joining LA Fitness

by | Jan 4, 2019 | All, Fitness, Home

It’s the start of the New Year, which means endless possibilities for what you can accomplish in the twelve months that lay ahead! A fresh start, a clean slate, a brand-new year! It’s exciting just thinking about the positive changes that can be made. For many, taking control of their fitness and nutrition tops the list of changes wanted. While not everything in life can be controlled, your fitness and diet can be. Positive and healthy changes made to these parts of your life can transfer to other aspects of your life too! This probably leaves you asking yourself, “Where do I begin? How do I start?”

A great place to help kickstart a new positive change is to surround yourself with other like-minded individuals. That old saying about you becoming who you surround yourself with is pretty accurate. Chances are that if you’re around a group who prioritizes the importance of fitness and focuses on healthier eating habits, they’ll help inspire you to do the same – and keep you motivated!

That is why joining a local gym may be the key factor needed to accomplish your goals. However, for some people, this can be scary. There’s the pressure of thinking you already need to be in somewhat decent shape before joining or the fear of not knowing what to expect that can be holding you back. Change can be scary but change causes growth and growth in a positive direction is worth a bit of uncomfortableness in the beginning. Trust us, your future healthier self will thank you.

To put some of the unknown scariness of joining a gym aside, we’ve compiled a list of what you can expect when joining an LA Fitness.

  1. Greet the front desk staff and let them know you’re interested in joining.
  2. A sales representative will greet you and give you a tour of the club.
  3. They’ll take you to the service area and ask what your goals are.
  4. After careful review, they’ll educate you on plan and pricing options.
  5. They’ll introduce you to a PT representative who will set you up with a free fitness assessment.

You can always try us out first! Click here for a guest pass.

Once you’re all signed up you’ll have access to –

Group Fitness Classes

You’ll have access to many different options for group fitness classes including member favorites like cycle, yoga, and Zumba®. Group Fitness is a great place to begin if you don’t know where to start with gym equipment. It’s a fun way to keep your cardio options interesting so you never get bored during a workout again. Plus, some Group Fitness classes incorporate weight training or body weight exercises, meaning you can get your strength training in this way too!

Pool*

Our pools are kept at a comfortable temperature in the low 80’s. Swimming doesn’t just have to be saved for the summer months. Try out a Group Fitness Aqua Fit class for some low impact cardio or enjoy the swimming lanes on your own when classes aren’t in session. The pool can even be a great way to unwind after a tough workout. Certain clubs even have a spa available to all members to relax in and help loosen up the muscles after a long day. Make sure to check to see if your club has these options available.

Weight Room

Each LA Fitness weight room typically boosts over 20,000 pounds of free weights for members to use. Dumbbells start at 5lbs. and go all the way up to 100 lbs. There are also plate weight options, barbell options, and resistance training equipment. The variety ensures that there’s a little something for everyone, depending on your fitness level and weight training preferences.

Locker Room

The locker room is the one place you’ll want to visit every time you work out in our gyms. With full-sized lockers, showers, a dry sauna, and restrooms, you’ll definitely benefit from our spa-like amenities. Just make sure to bring your own lock and please remember that lockers are for day use only. Some clubs even provide a towel service in case you left yours at home.*

Cycle

Our cycle equipment is available for Group Fitness classes and solo workouts. In a Group Fitness setting, riders can expect to pedal a distance of 15 to 20 miles in a one-hour class! Cycle can be a great way to get in some HIIT training, otherwise known as high-intensity interval training. For those new to cycle, don’t let the distance or high intensity scare you away. Each class starts off at a beginner’s pace which you’re able to stay at until you get comfortable to pick your speed up. As long as you keep the pedals moving, you’re doing your body some good.

Cardio

Ellipticals, treadmills, cross-trainers, stationary bikes, and stair climbers are what you can expect to find in the cardio section of an LA Fitness. If you’re not one for Group Fitness classes, these might be a better option for you to still get your cardio in. With plenty to choose from, you have the option to train different parts of your body, to choose a low impact or high impact option, or to simply switch up the routine if things get stale with your workouts. (It’s good to switch up your workout roughly every two weeks anyway to keep the body surprised!)

Pro Results® Personal Training*

This is the best option if you’re looking for someone to help hold you accountable for your workouts and make sure you’re doing the correct workout each time you’re in the club. It’s important to mention that when you join Pro Result® Personal Training, you’re not just being told what to do and how many times a week to do it, but you’re learning as well. You’ll be paired with a trainer that knows your specific goals and how to help you accomplish them. During your training, you’ll learn what equipment works best for you, helpful tips on cardio versus strength training, and how you can better improve your diet.

Selectorized Equipment

We recommend our selectorized equipment stations for those who are new to working out. These machines often times will help you focus on form to help you better understand how to do the exercise without causing injury to yourself. These machines can be adjusted to your strength level and height, and there are machines designed to focus on specific target areas. If you’re unsure how to use a piece of equipment, there’s usually a sticker diagram attached the machine showing you how to use it properly. If you’re still unsure, visit our personal training department and have them help you.

Basketball/Club Leagues*

Our basketball courts are full length and built for free play. They can also double as a volleyball court. Basketballs and volleyballs are provided for players to use during their time in the gym. For those who are looking for something more than freestyle pickup games, some LA Fitness clubs offer leagues you can join for an additional cost. Ask the front desk of your club for more details.

Racquetball/Club Leagues*

Racquetball courts can be reserved on the LA Fitness mobile app for up to two hours of play time. If you choose not to reserve online, you can also come in to the club and grab a free court. They are first-come, first-serve. For those who are looking for something more competitive, some LA Fitness clubs offer leagues you can join for an additional cost. Ask the front desk of your club for more details.

Stretching Area

The stretching area helps you recover after a hard workout. By taking 10 to 15 minutes to stretch after your workout, you can help lengthen your muscle tissues which will help you recover faster and get stronger. Nobody wants a pulled muscle – that’s why there’s an area dedicated to post-workout rest and stretch.

Kids Klub*

Perfect for the busy moms, dads, grandmas, grandpas, and anyone else who may be responsible for watching the little ones while also trying to get their workout in. Our staff make sure your child is watched after, and safe and secure, while you enjoy your workout in peace. Check your home club for Kids Klub hours.

Front Desk/Mobile Check-in

The mobile check-in is a fast and convenient way to get your workout started faster. Have your phone out, the app ready, and simply scan your way in when entering the club to save you time at check-in.

Some additional member and non-member benefits include access to:

  • The Living Healthy Blog
    • Includes: Member Spotlight success stories, health, nutrition, and wellness articles to help educate you, and Living Healthy recipes from restaurants across the nation.
  • The Living Healthy Podcast
    • The official podcast of LA Fitness hosted by two Living Healthy members dedicated to learning more about the world of health, fitness, and nutrition. Every other week a guest is brought on to the show to give listeners a better understanding of what it takes to be healthier overall. (Listen here!)
  • Ask Our Dietitian
    • LA Fitness registered dietitian, Debbie James, is here to help answer your nutrition-related questions. That’s right – you can ask us your nutrition questions free of charge! Please note: We do not currently provide personalized nutrition plans, but you can send us in your nutrition-related question here for a chance for it to be a featured question on our blog.
  • Ask A Trainer YouTube Series
    • Filled with member questions related to fitness, this is the go-to place if you have a fitness question that you can’t seem to find the answer to. (Watch here.)

What are your health and fitness goals? Let us know in the comments below!

Click to explore our clubs, here.

*Amenities and classes vary by location. Some amenities and classes may be available for an additional fee. Pro Results® Personal Training requires an additional fee and entry into a separate agreement.

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The Common Misconception of Getting Fit Before Joining a Gym

The Common Misconception of Getting Fit Before Joining a Gym

by | Jun 20, 2018 | All, Community, Exercises, Fitness, Home, Workouts

You’ve wanted to lose weight. You’ve wanted to get healthier, feel better, and have more energy. You’ve thought about the possibility of joining a gym, but something has held you back. Perhaps it’s fear, vulnerability, or a lack of confidence keeping you from accomplishing your fitness goals. Before allowing any more negativity to cloud your frame of mind, let’s push the pause button.

For many toying around with the thought of joining a gym (but slacking with the follow-through), we’re here to say: let’s not put off your health and happiness any longer. There seems to be this common misconception that one must get fit before getting fit in a club. That could not be any further from the truth. Yet, it’s an idea that many people believe, usually due to one of the fears listed below.

7 Common Fears When New to the Gym (And How to Avoid Them)

1. Everyone is going to judge me.

  • No – most people who go to the gym are way too focused on their own workout routine to be watching anyone else, let alone judge you.
  • The gym is a type of community where you’re surrounded by others who share similar health and fitness goals.
  • Almost everyone is supportive because they’ve been where you’ve been and want to see you succeed.

2. I won’t know how to use any of the equipment.

  • Easy fix – perhaps one of the easiest on this list! On most machines, there is a picture showing which muscles the machine helps target and how to properly perform the exercise. Take the time to review it before getting started.
  • Still nervous that you may be doing it wrong? There are plenty of helpful videos showing proper use of gym equipment online (check out our LAF YouTube channel).
  • Your third option can be adding on some personal training sessions to your membership and have an instructor walk you through how to properly use the machines and explain which would be best for you.

3. Everyone is going to be ripped fitness models/competitors.

  • No – sure, some people at the gym will be in peak fitness shape. Some will be fitness models. Some will be bodybuilders. The majority will not be.
  • Remember: Everyone was once a beginner. You’re not any different or capable of accomplishing any less than those others you see at the gym.

4. I am going to sweat… a lot.

  • This is probably true. We’re not going to lie to you. Working out can get sweaty, especially if your body isn’t used to it, but guess what? Everyone sweats.
  • Sweating is great for your body! It can help rid your body of toxins and help cool the body down from a particularly intense workout. Plus, it’s great for boosting those feel-good endorphins (just don’t forget your towel).

5.

The weight area will be dominated by Arnold Schwarzenegger built men.

  • The weight area of any gym can be a bit intimidating if you’ve never lifted before. The key for overcoming this fear is to do your research so you know how to properly use the weights without bringing injury to yourself.
  • It never hurts to ask for help! Do you see someone who looks like they know what they’re doing? Wait until they finish their set, and then ask them to help spot you or ask for assistance. Again, most people want to help and watch you succeed. In fact, they may even be flattered that you’ve thought to ask them for help.
  • Not a fan of asking strangers for help? Book a session with the PT department and they’ll walk you through the weight training basics.
  • Men and women can be seen in the weight training area. Being strong is sexy. The old-age idea of hulk-like men grunting and dropping weights is yesterday’s worry. Fear no more.

6. I’m so out of shape, I won’t be able to keep up in group fitness classes.

  • Far from the truth! Group fitness classes can be a great place to start if you’re looking for an instructor to help push you, without the added cost of personal training. All classes can be tailored for the fitness level you’re currently at. Let the instructor know that you’re new and they can help give alternative moves so that you can confidently complete the class without fail.
  • Stick with the class. The more often you attend, the better (and more comfortable) you will become. You’ll begin noticing a difference in your endurance and strength levels with continued participation.

7. I won’t end up going, it’ll just be a waste of money.

  • We wish there was a way to say this isn’t true, but it’s entirely on you. There is a frame of mind that you must be in to make sure you’re putting your gym membership to good use.
  • Think of the money that gets spent on fast food, specialty coffees, and afternoon snacks. If you aren’t feeling healthy, wouldn’t an investment towards your health be more worthwhile than the money spent on less than healthy habits?
  • Here’s some advice on healthy (and inexpensive) meal prep to help get you on the right track –
  • Don’t commit to a membership yet. Give us a try first.

Conclusion

You don’t have to be in shape, an experienced-gym goer, or former athlete to reap the benefits of joining a gym. Whether you’re a complete beginner (or otherwise) there are ways to modify your gym experience to fit your personal physical fitness goals.

At LA Fitness, we’re a judgment-free zone. We’re here to help you reach all of your fitness and health goals. Come check us out today, and don’t be afraid to start.

Referenced:

  1. Borreli, Lizette. “Sweat It Out! 5 Surprising Health Benefits Of Sweating That Actually Don’t Stink.” Medical Daily, 7 Nov. 2014, www.medicaldaily.com/sweat-it-out-5-surprising-health-benefits-sweating-actually-dont-stink-309718.

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The Sculpted in 16 Weeks Total Body New Year’s Workout – Part 3

The Sculpted in 16 Weeks Total Body New Year’s Workout – Part 3

by | Feb 3, 2016 | Cardio, Easy, exercise, fat loss, Fitness, fitness club, Fun, Fun Stuff, Health, Helpful, LA Fitness, LA Fitness Blog - Living Healthy, LA Fitness Blog - Top Tips, la fitness reviews, LA Fitness Reviews - About, lafitness.com, Motivational Tips, Strength, Top Tips, Weight Loss

Weeks 5 & 6

Congratulations, you’ve made it through the toughest part of The Sculpted in 16 Weeks Workout: the first month! You’ve made steady progress by working hard and staying strong and, as a result, you are starting to notice some incredible changes in your body! Now, it’s time to re-focus and set your sights on even greater feats with this new series of progressive workouts.

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