[quote=Allan from Fallbrook] . . . go for an hour walk everyday. That’s what I do and, in conjunction with a good diet, I maintain my ideal body weight. You don’t need a gym to do this. If you work an office job, go for a walk at lunch (I used to do this during my corporate days). It clears your head and relieves a great deal of stress at the same time.

Plenty of ways to go.[/quote]

Allan, I used to walk a lot around the neighborhood in the eves. I still walk my dog short distances. Even though I felt fine, the results weren’t there. For the average Joe or Jane, the plethora of free weights, circuit-training machines and classes (+ “free” utilities running the pool and jacuzzi) can’t be had anywhere but a gym. Most people don’t have storage room for all that equipment (even if they could afford to buy it) and don’t have the expertise to do a yoga class (for example) by themselves.

A gym membership is a GREAT VALUE, but only if you use it regularly.