Love your post/question! Funny you ask that because one of the mgrs at my AF club asked me if I'd come here if I really didn't have to. My response? HECK NO!! BUT, I weigh how I feel after going through a session with my AF trainer vs. how I used to feel when I'd go right from work to dinner to the couch to my bed. Guess which side wins?

We all benefit from some type of cardio and strength training. No doubt about it. Now, whether you do it at home or at a gym is entirely up to each person. You have to admit though that going to the gym keeps you more in check (really easy to hit the lazy button when you're at home).

I enjoy the support, and at times, the camaraderie that has developed with the staff and some of my fellow members. In the end, it has definitely added to my overall enjoyment, which has resulted in me actually wanting to go to the gym.

Hope this helps. Take care!
Dino

I actually pondered for a few days before figuring out how to answer this! I have been working out religiously since July 5, 2011. I see my trainer twice a week & I go at least one other week day & both days on the weekend by myself. I would love to say to you that I love going..... But if I am really being honest - I love the two days a week with my trainer... but I almost have to force myself on the days I go for straight up cardio by myself. Get a work out buddy if it will help (I am thinking on it myself for those alone days)

All in all do what works for you & keep at it. Listen to your body & rest when yo uneeds to & work really hard when you can!

Keep up the awesome work!

Something Laura said made me think of something about my trainer. I only workout with my trainer once a week. The other thing that makes me go is that I know he's going to be checking my workout card. We actually write little notes to each other during the week. I don't want to let him down. I know he's invested in me so why shouldn't I be! Keeps ya going.

Novice or seasoned veteran, I think it's awesome you are making it to the gym 3 times a week regulary. I finally got back in the gym at the beginning of this year and go about 5 times a week, sometimes less and sometimes more. Sometimes I may even go twice a day.

I work full-time, have two little girls, and am in school. Sometimes an early morning escape to the gym before work is the best way for me to start the day.

From the other responses it seems like each person does what feels right for them. Keep up the good work and don't worry about how often everyone else is going or if they are enjoying it more than you.

I have committed myself too my gym. I go every day. I am determined to lose all the excess weight I have accumulated in the past 10 - 15 years. I will make myself lose 250 pounds.
Other people and I may not see the change, but I will definitely feel it.

I go to Sun Prairie, Wisconsin

I am glad that I read this post and that you asked this question. I just started in March and workout part-time with a friend, the other time by myself and I would say just 3 days a week right now, but I personally don't feel like I am doing enough. I enjoy the virtual classes the best, as I have no idea what I'm doing or really what I should be doing to lose this weight, just to be completely honest. I wish I could go in with confidence and do some machines on my own, but I always feel like everyone else knows what they are doing and are judging that I don't. I do feel lonely at times and so wish that I had some more workout buddies, even someone to walk with around where I live. I do not live where my current gym is located. I guess I got off-track on your post, sorry. I hope you are enjoying what you are currently doing and getting in some great workouts. :-)

Hello Christina, Did you get any free sessions with a trainer when you joined? If you did and haven't taken advantage of it you really should. If not I would recommend hiring one if for no more than a few session. They are always running specials at my AF.

In my experience having a personal trainer that I see once a week (you can set your own schedule with your CPT)has been then magic bullet. We have a plan. He teaches me new things to do every week so I have a list of exercises I can do in the gym so I don't get bored walking on the treadmill or riding the bike or elliptical. I do some old school stuff like jumping jacks, jump rope, suicide drills, step, medicine ball, etc. The other thing that having a trainer does for me is that good ole accountability factor. I keep a workout card (lists all the stuff I do and how many times). Lots of folks in the gym keep a file at the Personal Trainer area. I know he checks it during the week, he writes me notes So, I work hard because I know he judges himself on how well he does his job and I don't want to disappoint him. It's a win-win. I've lost 54#

Just one or two sessions will give you a improve your comfort level with the equipment and how to use it for best result. Making you, I think, more confident on the days you work out without your buddy. Good Luck!

At the Beloit AF they have "Equipment 101" classes twice a week for free. You sign up and a personal trainer takes you through all of the machines and shows you how to use them properly. See if the Monona club offers anything like that, or be honest with the manager and ask for some guidance on using the machines, I am sure they would be willing to get you started in the right direction.

Thank you I will ask them, I can't afford a trainer right now.

Sometimes its hard you work all day. Then you want to go he and see your family and friends when this happens I think I just want to keep seeing them so I go workout so I will be here for a long time! Over the last 3 months I have change my whole life style, with diet and now exercise! If I can do it anyone can. Hang in there keep your head up and say this is for me I want to feel better
!