If you have made the commitment to get into shape but have put off joining a fitness club because you feel that the atmosphere may be intimidating do not wait any longer. You do not have to be in shape to join a fitness club!

If you feel that you might not “fit in” to a fitness club atmosphere then you are in for a surprise. The majority of people in fitness clubs today are there to lose body fat and to improve their overall fitness. Many people workout to reduce stress, prevent injuries or for medical considerations such as lowering cholesterol and blood pressure or to prevent osteoporosis.

Before you join a club look around a little. Fitness clubs are not all the same, many gyms cater to all age groups, some clubs cater to mature age groups, and some clubs seem to attract hard core gym buffs. Be sure to check out private clubs and community centers. Typically private clubs are larger and less crowded.

The management and staff at fitness clubs understand that it is difficult to make the initial plunge and are there to support you and make your experience a good one. Most fitness facilities offer a free first visit or sometimes a free week pass so you can try the club out and see if you like it. This gives you an opportunity to see how helpful and friendly the staff are and it also gives you a chance to get a feel for the other members of the club.

If you want to avoid crowds when you workout try to stay away from peak hours. Most clubs open at 6:00am for those early risers, however, if you are not a morning person simply try to avoid the rush which is typically between 4:00pm to 6:30pm.

If you find that all the modern fitness equipment is intimidating and confusing you have nothing to worry about. Most fitness clubs offer an orientation which will get you familiar with the gym equipment. For more detail you can see a personal trainer who will modify a program specific to your needs and help you set realistic goals. So do not put it off any longer, take that big step towards developing a healthier lifestyle.

Shaun Karp is a certified personal trainer in Vancouver. For further information call his office at 604-420-7800.