Don’t give up that gym membership


By Drew Picconi
Staff writer


Regardless of the price, a person’s health is of the utmost importance.

But with finances tight, more people are thinking twice about continuing their gym memberships. However, the gym can be a great way not just to stay in shape physically, but also to maintain your mental health.

In fact, local experts say, regular gym membership can help reduce the stress levels brought on by life, even in the most difficult of circumstances.

“Exercise releases endorphins, which reduce stress,” said Donny Waldron, general manager of Fitness for You in North Andover.

“From a mental standpoint, exercise is a good way to relieve stress,” added Lori Guile, senior manager of fitness at Cedardale Health & Fitness. “Physical activity makes you physically relaxed which helps relieve stress.”

Waldron said he frequently sees people getting “lost” in their workouts, providing a temporary relief from the stresses of their daily lives.

Alex Kiesel of Yang’s Fitness Center has also witnessed this, as the interest in the center’s yoga program has increased over the past few years, especially in the wake of the recession.

“It’s our largest mind and body class,” he said. “People might be under pressure due to worrying about their job, but this helps relieve some of that.”

Keeping a gym membership can also promote a healthy physique.

“I could make a list 10 pages long of all the benefits (of working out),” Waldron said.

Kiesel seconds that assertion.

“I believe people value health,” he said. “They want to keep things consistent, keep from feeling not good and maintain the positive.”

If it’s money that people are worried about, Waldron and Kiesel point out that their services are not so expensive that they cause a great strain on finances.

“Our cost per day is $1.33, that’s as much as a small latte,” Waldron said. “But you’re buying health insurance for your body by working out.”

Kiesel also encouraged healthy eating to go along with exercise, mentioning that a diet full of low-fat foods does not have to break the bank.

“We’re trying to educate people to make good decisions, but not spend all the money in their checking account,” he said. “You have to be smart about it.”