Picking a Gym: Life Time Fitness vs. The Macomb Township Recreation Center

This is the year of no more excuses. And let me tell you I am the QUEEN of excuses!! I don't know why this time is different than the many other times I've started something, namely eating right and exercising to lose weight and to feel better not just physically but emotionally.

First thing, pick the gym environment that's right for you ... 

(Working out at home is also great if you don't need the motivation or can't afford a gym, which I do a lot on days I can't make it to the gym, life happens.)

I am such a good starter, all fired up and ready to go, and then slowly I putter out. I've never finished an exercise class that I've joined. So my first goal is to FINISH!! So far so good, three more classes left and I will have started and finally finished ... I am so close to this I can taste it.

And I will finish. Not only will I finish, but I've already signed up for the next session of this class and added on a two-day class. So obviously I've finally found an environment that works for me. Namely the

This place is the best!! If you miss that community feeling and support, this is the place for you, that is if you live in the area. But I'm sure there is something similar where you live.

I run into people at the local fruit market and grocery stores and we always offer encouragement to each other. Bonus! When you walk in, people that see you there all the time that don't even know your name say good morning. Shocker!

I've belonged to many different gym environments. There is a big gym in our area and all over the United States called Life Time Fitness. They have a lot to offer at a much higher monthly price, but you don't have that community feel or support.

I belonged to this gym and have toyed with the idea of going back for the perks, which are ... large exercise room, free group fitness classes, free towel use, locks already on lockers and GREAT daycare area, nobody can beat them in this area!

Why did I quit you may ask since all that sounds so great? Cost first and foremost. I didn't like classes there. Everyone it seemed in the classes were in pretty good shape and I just felt out of place and again, no one talked to each other unless they knew them.

Then if I went in the evening it was worse than a pickup joint. The young crowd takes over. Seriously BAD! But then again, at the , it seems in the evening it's a pick-up joint for 60+ crowd, but it doesn't bother me, I don't go in the evenings anymore for those reasons.

What I miss the most is the daycare. I know Samantha would LOVE it there!! But problem is, I have to love it there or I won't go and she won't ever see the inside of the daycare.

Right now I am comfortable where I am at and it is working for me. I'm actually enjoying exercising again, which is HUGE!! I'm sticking with it along with doing WeightWatchers (another post to come about this), so why stop what is working?  Exactly, this is why I am sticking with the Macomb Township Recreation Center.

I know in the end with having to pay for classes on top of my membership it comes out to be a few more bucks than Life Time Fitness, but one of my new motto's is, "Stick with what works!"

If you like the country club feel, then Life Time Fitness is for you. If you like the community feel, the Macomb Recreation Center is for you. Both offer trial memberships–at Life Time Fitness, you have to join and you have two weeks to decide if you like it or not and 100 percent money back if you don't. The MacombTownship Recreation Center gives you a free month to try out the facility.

I think no matter which one you choose, as long as it works for you, stick with it. I'm just glad I finally found what works for me!!

What do you think? Do you go to one of these gyms to exercise and get healthier? Do you go to another gym not mentioned, what are the pros and cons of this gym?