Long long time ago, I used to go to Karate classes for about three months. Three times a week, two or three hours an evening.
All us noobs didn't even get to throw a punch for 8 weeks, it was all punishing excercises.
And when we did eventually throw the most basic punch, it was at a ropebound weighted pole, for half hour solid, until the sweat ran and your knuckles hurt.
It was a somewhat serious karate club, they threw you out if you didn't try.
Within 3 months I had muscles popping out where I never even knew they existed. Stomach flat as a board. Could bunny hop up twelve flights of stairs, no bother.
I only quit because I got an evening job 2 nights a week (club DJ).
All you need to keep fit is within your own body. Most of it is basic excercises, like situps and push-ups. You don't need no gym, just use your own body's weight. And discipline.
Gyms rely on their revenue from lack of discipline. Cos the average white Brit ain't got the mental nous to do it himself, he needs a controlled enviroment. btw, I'm a white Brit, before you get the 'ump
Fitness and well being, more than anything, is a state of mind. And, to a great degree, diet.
There ya go, my pont of view, don't take it too seriously, if you weak willed, use a gym. If you like posing in spandex whilst breaking a sweat, use a gym. If you think a £5K machine will get you fitter than using everything already available in your own body, use a gym.
Flops, 11.5 stone, in mid-50's, 5' 10", regularly active, must confess to the beginnings of a beer gut since quittin' smoking
And anyway, I'm allergic to gyms, designer posers upset me
