If you are ready to join a health club, and you are a beginner, read more to learn about ways to help yourself stay consistent and be successful. A couple of posts ago, I offered 6 tips for feeling less intimidated and nervous in a workout facility. Now here are 4 ways to stay consistent after you join a health club.

It’s January, and people are gung-ho about healthy resolutions. This is not a bad thing—especially healthy goals. But without some help, you may set yourself up to fail before you even begin.

Someone just said to me this week, “I don’t need someone to hold my hand while I work out. I can do it on my own.” This person was new to both working out and joining a health club. While this way of thinking is fine if you’re self-motivated and experienced, sadly many novice gym-goers are not. And soon after joining, they quit going.

That person had me wondering how often this happens. I know the success rate is very low for new exercisers, and the dropout rate is extremely high. In fact, many big health clubs bank on this. I wanted to see numbers. Numbers specifically for people who haven’t worked out, or haven’t worked out in a long time. This represents a large percent of the population.

In a study by The International Health Racquet & Sportclub Association (IHRSA), only 17% of new members used their gym twice per week in the first year of membership. The reason many big clubs like this is that the 83% of new members who stop coming in are still paying their membership fees. Some have even paid for the year upfront. This translates to less wear and tear on their equipment and facility, and less customer service in the facility. (They may not have to have quite as many staff on duty.)

How can you be part of the successful 17% and stay consistent with your workout program? Here are 4 things you can do.

1.            Get help.

Most clubs offer a free trainer or fitness personnel session when you join. Use this! It will help you get comfortable with everything you may use. Ask lots of questions and take notes about settings on machines and little tips you learn. You will also make a new acquaintance who will see you frequently as you come in to work out. This creates limited accountability.

2.            Set a schedule.

As simple as this sounds, sometimes it is hard to stick with it. Take your time to set your schedule and be realistic. If you think you are going to hit the gym after work every day, you probably won’t stick to it. Every single day will be overwhelming.

Aim to work out a minimum twice per week in the gym. Use those sessions as your strength training sessions. If you want to do your cardio there, fine. But you can easily add a walk or bike ride from home without going to the club. An exception to this may be if the cardio is what gets you into the club—maybe a group class that’s a lot of fun or you like to read on the bike. Then this becomes a great motivator to get you in more frequently.

3.            Go with a friend.

Make an agreement with a friend to help each other stick to a schedule of going to the gym together “X” number of days each week. Maybe take a regular class or begin a ritual of going out to eat a healthy dinner afterwards. Several studies show that 78% to 95% of people who start working out with a partner have success in their workout programs.

And a study by the Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology (JSEP) found that working out with people in better shape than you helps you improve 24% more than working out with people in your same fitness category. When choosing which friend to buddy with, the one in better shape might be the better choice.

Remember the fun factor. Fun is a huge part of continuing a fitness program. Find that friend you always have fun with!

4.            Find someone who will hold you accountable.

If you don’t have a buddy to work out with, hire a coach or trainer, enlist a family member or good friend, or at the very least, write your progress down in a workout journal. Whatever accountability method works for you, use it.

Be realistic about this. A journal only works if you write in it. Be diligent. You will see your improvements and also your failures. Remember that your failures give you guidance for what you can do better.

Joining a health club can be a big investment. But it has the potential to be worth every penny and more! Use what they have to offer to help you improve your health! If you have questions about what to look for in a good workout facility, leave me a comment or send me a question. Happy workouts!

Karen