Once you’ve invested in a gym membership, it’s important to make the most of it. Keeping your workouts fun and varied will ensure you get your money’s worth, instead of wasting it.

If possible, try to work out before or after work when the gym isn’t so crowded. That will also help you stick with your routine.

Set Realistic Goals

If you’re new to working out, it’s important to set attainable goals that align with your current fitness level at the gym. Avoid diving into an aggressive workout routine, which can increase your risk of injury and discouragement. Instead, start with small, measurable achievements, such as completing 30 minutes of cardio or weight training three times per week.

Creating a schedule for your gym visits will also help keep you accountable. Treat your workouts like any other appointment or event on your calendar, and commit to showing up on time and preparing fully. Putting a reminder in your smartphone can also be an effective form of self-accountability.

Many gyms also include group classes in their memberships, which can be a great way to add variety to your workout and meet other members. From yoga and spin to HIIT workouts, boxercise, and more, there are plenty of options to choose from. Just be sure to choose classes that align with your fitness goals and are appropriate for your skill level. This will ensure that you get the most bang for your buck from your gym membership!

Find an Enjoyable Workout Routine

In order to get the most out of your gym membership, you need to make working out a consistent habit. Whether you workout in the morning before work, at lunchtime, or after work on the weekends, it's important to set a consistent schedule and stick to it.

Finding a workout routine that you enjoy is also critical to long-term motivation and adherence. So be sure to explore the gym's offerings and try different activities until you find what you love – be it cardio exercises, strength training, group classes, or sports.

If you're unsure of where to start, ask for a free gym membership trial before signing a contract. This will give you a chance to see if the gym's hours and location fit your lifestyle, as well as whether or not its equipment and facilities are up to par. Then, you can make an informed decision about whether or not to stick with it. The last thing you want is to spend all that money and not use your membership!

Make Exercise a Habit

The best way to make the most of your gym membership is to develop exercise as a habit. A gym is the perfect place to do this, as most people will be there with like-minded individuals who are also dedicated to living healthier lives. This can help you to stay motivated even when you’re not in the mood to work out.

One way to make exercise a habit is to schedule it into your day the same way that you would any other appointment. This will help to ensure that you actually attend your workouts each week, and it can also be a great way to hold yourself accountable.

Another great way to make exercise a habit is to reward members when they reach certain milestones. This can be a simple as putting their name on an achievement board or providing them with free membership for the rest of the year. This is a great way to get members excited about their fitness goals and build a sense of community within your gym. This is a great technique to use during the holiday season, as many people will be thinking about their New Year’s resolutions and will be looking for motivation to stick to them.

Embrace a Workout Buddy

Getting a gym membership is not a waste of money, but it can be easy to let that shiny newness wear off and fall back into old habits. If you want to get the most out of your membership, you need to make working out a regular part of your schedule and not just a last-minute rush before work.

A great way to do this is to find a workout buddy. Ask friends, family, or colleagues if they’re interested, or join online platforms that connect workout partners. Be careful when meeting strangers online, however, as it can be unsafe. Make sure you choose a partner who can hold you accountable. On days when you’re standing at the door about to leave, a supportive workout partner can be just what you need to keep going.

A good partner will also be honest about their own fitness level and push you to keep up. That can be especially important if you’re just starting out or aren’t accustomed to strenuous workouts. That’s how you know they have your best interest in mind!

Explore Different Activities

There are plenty of workout options to choose from at most gyms. From CrossFit to circuit training, there’s no shortage of structured activities that can pump up your routine and make you never want to leave the gym.

You can also find a variety of group fitness classes to keep your exercise interesting. Many gyms offer these for free with your membership, so give them a try and see what you like! You’ll find that it’s far more difficult to slack off at the gym when you have people to motivate you and cheer you on. Plus, a workout buddy will help keep you accountable on those days when you’re pushing yourself to get through a tough workout.

Showing up to the gym consistently is one of the most important things you can do to maximize your gym membership. Set realistic goals that align with your current level of fitness, stick to them and watch your results grow! And, don’t forget to have fun! You’re paying for a membership to work out and grow stronger, not to spend time in an uncomfortable environment.