Stop me if you’ve heard this one…
A runner walks in to a gym, buys a membership, scopes out the weight room and then heads outside for a run, never to be seen again.
Ok not all runners are that way, but I know a lot of us have gone through phases of swearing we’re going to be consistent with yoga or weight training or core work and then slowly letting it fall by the wayside as we’d simply prefer to run.
I thought this funny Instagram, summed up many runners :)
Which is why I wanted to go back in time and share a story that might get you excited about the gym this year.
After graduating college, I lugged my meager belongings back to Kansas City. One of the first things I put in my budget was a gym {yes I’ve always had a budget, I call it financial health!}.
Of course I love running because I can do it anywhere, but I knew that a gym was key to keeping me on track. In this particular setting the treadmills were on a landing that looked out over the large weight room. An area I was absolutely terrified to venture and found that few from there made it up my way either!
Yet, they noticed my consistency. I started to get little comments about “wow you have such a great stride” or “your endurance is incredible!” And you know what, that felt awesome! It encouraged me to not just see what they were doing, but learn and tip toe my way down to the big boy area. {Very few women in the Mid-West hitting the weights hard in 2003}. 
Slowly my nerves gave way to excitement at growing and learning. I still spent oodles of time on those treadmills watching horrible Bravo TV all winter long, but I also took some kickboxing classes, lifted weights and in general realized showing up made me feel really good.
When we moved to FL, our places all had condos and our cost of living was double so I didn’t even consider a gym. But now, back in Colorado I’m remember how well it served me and I think it’s time to head back.
Should You Join a Gym in January?
So what are some of the biggest benefits to runners of coughing up a little cash and spending a little time indoors instead of on the roads?
Habit Master
One of the reasons my gym worked so well in Kansas City was that I passed it on the way home from work. I made it a point to keep my bag in the car and stop. That ensured I got in a workout, instead of changing in to my comfy clothes.
Read more about the benefit of habits >>
Variety is Muscle
We know that changing up our workouts is important to recruit different muscles, prevent injury and yes keep things interesting.
But on our own, we often neglect these things. In the gym, you might take a class and find you enjoyed dancing around without looking at your GPS. Other days, you might just be inspired by the moves you see people doing with free weights or on a mat. It certainly taught me all kinds of ways to vary my lifting and recruit different muscles.
Plus by adding in that cross training, you’ll be working muscles that we neglect in a straight forward motion of running. It’s why you can run for an hour, but your back hurts after swinging a golf club for 9 holes.
Learn more about maintaining muscle mass with running >>
I See You Syndrome
Whether you take a class or simply show up to use the treadmills, people definitely notice your consistency and you’ll be surprised after missing a few days to hear a manager or another client say “haven’t seen you in awhile.” It’s not a criticism, it’s just a note that people see you and suddenly you have a new found accountability.
A home gym might be easy, but for some of you too easy and thus you skip it. Heading to the gym can provide a space for you to enjoy a little stress relief and time away from the household chaos.
[bctt tweet=”5 Reasons to Join a Gym this year. #4 might surprise you” username=”runtothefinish”]It’s Fun
Holy crap did this runner just say that time in the gym could be fun?!
I know, you think I’ve overdosed on holiday cookies, but it’s true. I’ve laughed my butt off in countless cardio classes where my lack of coordination made it utterly clear why I run and I’ve found that there are other ways to challenge yourself besides pace. It’s bizarrely rewarding to be able to do push ups or touch your toes or I hope in 2017 an unassisted pull up!
Sure those were things we learned as elementary school kids, but I couldn’t do them then! I like proving to myself I can indeed get better with age.
Learn more about building a solid foundation >>
Cardio Player
Runners tend to feel like we’re cheating if we take a walk, use a bike or gasp the elliptical, but your body actually really loves it. Especially during the winter base building months, don’t be afraid to play the field. You’ll engage different muscles (especially those glutes), which will make you stronger when you hit the roads.
Switching up your routine is also one of the keys many trainers point to for fat loss. I’m still on the LHR bandwagon, but I think both work! So if weight loss is the goal, definitely get around.
Read more:
Best Cross Training for Endurance Athletes >>
Benefits of Fitness Classes for Runners >>
Embrace the New Year’s Gym Rush >>
How often do you go to a gym?
Or why don’t you?
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I made sure when I moved that there was a fitness facility in the building. It’s not much, only a few machines and free weights, but it’s better than nothing. I think strength training or doing a different type of cardio other than running is really important for long term running health.
I can certainly attest to the value of strength training! Do it!
I love having a gym membership simply for the practicality of having a place to workout when I don’t want to run in the rain. Strength training is also super important as a runner and I believe that having a gym membership helps me stay committed to my weight routine.
Diana
http://betterthanalive.com
Love how balanced you are Amanda; we have a gym membership. My mom and I try to go as often as we can; I love the weights and doing workouts with my mom! :)
It’s true – that time in the gym can be really fun. I hope that everyone this year will do great and see motivation every time looking at the mirror. Good luck! :))
Strength training is very important for runners to avoid injury. So too is mobility. We have both strength and yoga workshops specifically for runners a few times a year at KRU.
Being able to see inspiring moves and learning ways to vary your lifting is a great benefit of a gym membership. Seeing a variety of ways that people workout and trying them for yourself is a good idea. Finding a gym that is nearby and has a good variety of equipment could help ensure you are able to go frequently and enjoy your workout.
That’s a good point that you’ll be encouraged to continue working at a gym because of social pressures. If you build rapport with the employees they’ll notice your presence, or lack thereof. I’ve kind of floundered on my New Year’s goals, so maybe a membership could get me back on track.