Maybe it is talk of the recession again or just the pure realisation of what works in personal fitness; but running club membership numbers are soaring and showing no signs of relenting.

Previous bad press on lock in gym memberships; direct debit payments you can’t seem to cancel and all this quite often when the facility is not even being used coupled with the gym atmosphere often seen as undesirable anyway. Peak times and the equipment are jam-packed, the treadmills are being hogged and the free weight areas are blighted by grunting and intimidating bench pressing. Off peak when the vast majority of us are actually doing stuff (like work) visiting a near empty unsupervised, hollow gym desperately trying to remember what the induction advised to do and what was it advising us to do it for anyway; is not exactly motivating?

The convenience of running and the increasing visibility of running club nights seem to have struck a chord. Clubs these days seem to be attracting a healthy cross-section and not just high level competitive sorts. The modern day friendly club has activity tailored at multi-levels, mixed or single sexed groups, old/young, beginners, intermediate, speed sessions or just plain & simple groups going out for a jog or a run. Approachable, sociable and like-minded people who want to keep fit and try to enjoy their physical activity at the same time; feeling comfortable, safe, welcomed, motivated......and not too much out of pocket.

Annual memberships are a pittance in comparison to that of a health club and running provides a good all round fitness regime. This can be done at any time whenever convenient, shoe-horned into a chance time gap, from home....even at lunch time (workplace facilities permitting!) and of course at regular running club nights and gatherings.

Most running club website’s have a wealth of information to read up on. They usually set out what their particular main aims are plus the overall scope of the club including details of when and where they meet and what you might expect as a new member. Most will offer an introductory evening as well so that you can pop along and see what it is like before signing up and joining.

If you have not run for a while and would rather gain some confidence before joining a club then why not make a commitment and look at a plan to get your running under way such as A Quick Runners Start Up Guide, whilst not essential, as most running clubs have beginner’s evenings and have all been there themselves before, this plan will allow you to get some base level experience and a few miles on the clock before making the move.

Gear to get started is also no different to what you might spend on clothing for the gym. A decent pair of running shoes would cost as little as £40 but would be fit for purpose allowing you to start your running in comfort and safely, a couple of tech fit running T-shirts costing no more than £15 each, a pair of lightweight shorts for the summer and running tights or leggings for the winter (£15 & £25 each), a Hi Visibility vest for less than £10 and eventually a club vest at just £15; and you are ready to go.

Reasons for joining a Running Club!

Cheaper – low cost of membership and kit in direct comparison to a health club or say a Personal Trainer -a cost efficient way of keeping fit.

Friendly – a wide cross section of fellow club member’s male/female/youth/veteran’s (now called masters!)/beginners/intermediate/advanced levels) set yourself the challenge; there is no better way of getting fit at 40.

Like minded – people with aims and goals just like you; whatever these are.

Social – Not just about the running; hosting/visiting events and club social activities.

Meet people – with a common aim; you will be pleasantly surprised at the depth of interest and involvement in club running and events.

Tangible – Coaches and fellow club members will assist you and be going through similar feelings. You will know/have a sense of what you achieved and that you have exercised/advanced.

Motivating – being part of a team activity whilst doing your own thing will inspire you to progress and you will have the encouragement of those around you who will be expecting you at the next club evening.

Progression – Fellow club members will offer guidance, support and structure to help you achieve your goals; whatever they are.

Family/way of life – You will find that whilst clubs may differ slightly in their outlook most have a family atmosphere and partners/kids all get involved in the activities the club pursues. For many the club becomes a way of life for the whole family.

Outdoors – There is nothing quite like the great outdoors and running with the clubs or participating in events outside, leaving your front door and setting off has to be better than a false air conditioned environment?

Community/club vest/marshalling – Once you have become comfortable with membership and regular running the feeling of being part of the collective will shine through. Even to the point of taking part in an event (at your level) in the club vest or helping in the staging of the clubs own events will give a great sense of community, belonging & achievement.

Rivalry – friendly of course; being pushed by your fellow club members and against other local clubs will inspire you towards your aims; if your aims are keeping fit, losing/maintaining weight; completing a particular distance or just becoming more competent at running.

Goal setting – Start a training log and monitor your progress. Training Log running can help you with so much but make clear intentions, follow advice and use the club knowledge and guidance to realise these.

Inspirational – There will be many other members who are at a similar stage to you or have been there and will have a whole host of advice and tip’s to help you achieve your goals. Being part of a club where the common aim is running will provide motivation and the spirit of desire to succeed.

On your own or with a group – You can run anywhere at any time. From home, whilst away, for 10 minutes or for a whole hour. All you need is some commitment and determination and reap the benefits of your own training or that with a training partner for when you meet up at club nights where you will be inspired further still.

Portable – whenever/wherever it’s that easy..

Achievement – See the Runners Start up Guide if you are a beginner or if you run and want to progress the sense of ‘competing’ in a team vest where at the club meetings the club share’s your results and successes, pushing you on; tell your friends and family; set yourself a challenge whether this is an organised 5k run, a per mile run rate, a desired weight or a marathon and work with your club to fulfil your ambition, sharing your achievements!

Involvement/Belonging – You will be encouraged on runs by your fellow club members but also by marshals’/spectators from other clubs as you progress into event runs; you will find yourself being inspired by offering the same to other competitors/participants. You will have a great sense of belonging to your club but also the running community and movement.

Coaching or something! – You can inspire others and who knows where you love of running can take you...you won’t get this at the health club!