Getting your money's worth at your local gym

Does this sound like you? Enter gym, head straight for elliptical machine, do 45 minutes, go home. That was me when I still had a gym membership. I didn't know how to use many of the machines in the weight area, and even if I did, the muscle bound men and women in there were looked way too intimidating (but maybe that was just me!). But if you're going to pay $50 or more per month for a gym membership, you might as well make use of every inch of it, right?

That's why I love this article which will help you get your money's worth and use every corner of your gym. For instance, did you know that some of the lesser used equipment like a stepmill or a recumbent bike may actually help you burn more calories? Plus, no time wasted waiting in line! And did you also know that if you lift up your feet when using upper body machines, you'll get an ab workout at the same time? It's little tips like those that will make your workout even more worth your while.

According to the article, people who signed up for classes at their gym showed up 2.9 times more often than those who didn't. So why not sign up for a class next time you visit? You may find that you love your new routine and knowing you have a Thursday night "date" with a fitness instructor may help you stay true to your fitness goals.