So you have decided to join a gym or a health club, which is very good. After perhaps a long look in the mirror you have finally decided to get back in shape. While deciding to get back in shape is the first step, you need to be sure you will join the right gym. So which one would you apply a membership in? Gold’s Gym? Planet Fitness?
The availability of these establishments is not the problem. It can be a little overwhelming to decide which ones you would join. After all, you have to be sure you will get the most out of your membership. In this case, there are 5 considerations you should look into before you decide on a gym.
First Consideration: Location
How close is the gym to your home or office? It is advisable that you join a fitness gym that is close enough to either place so you would not easily get unmotivated to go to the gym during bad weather or if traffic is bad. Considering today’s traffic conditions, a 15-minute drive can turn into an hour and half trip through hell. You also would want to go to the gym without worrying about your safety when there is snow or if it is raining.
Second Consideration: Level of Activity
When you are shopping around for a gym to join, it is important to take a look at the level of activity inside the establishment. Visit these gyms after office hours or during the weekends, so you can see just how many people visit the establishment. Do try to avoid gyms that are always jam packed, even if you visit during the middle of the day. If you join such a gym, you would be waiting a long time to use the equipment.
On the other hand, a huge gym that is almost empty even during supposed peak hours is not really great, either. This means they are not attracting enough members and if they don’t this gym might close down after a few months of you paying the membership fee.
Third Consideration: Equipment
Naturally, you want a gym that has all the exercise equipment you need. Apart from the treadmills and other exercise machines, you also need to check if they have enough free weights around. Also check if there are plenty of squat racks and even open areas where you can lift weights.
Ask if there is an area that you can do basic workouts such as chin-ups, dead lifts, squats, dips, etc. While exercise machines are great to use, you may still want to do traditional workouts. The space is also important for your warm ups, stretches and other body weight exercises such as pushups. At least, you need not worry about getting in someone else’s way.
Fourth Consideration: Cleanliness
It is very important that the gym you join is clean. While the gym may not have to be very high end or newly built, it is important that the facility is and kept, clean. There should not be dust on the equipment, the shower areas have to be clean, the workout areas properly lighted and ventilated, etc. While the faint smell of sweat is unavoidable, there is no excuse for a filthy gym.
Fifth Consideration: The Staff
It is important that the staff on the gym is friendly and professional. Talk to the staff and ask questions about their establishment so you would get a feel of how they treat their members. The staff should be able to answer all of your inquiries in a friendly manner. They should also tour you around the facility and answer questions you have.
It is also important that the staff is knowledgeable about workout routines they offer as well as fitness programs they promote. They should be able to discuss the membership fees to you in a professional and courteous manner. Keep in mind that these are people you would pay to help you get back in shape. They should know what they are doing.
To sum it up, you need to choose a gym that is run by fitness professionals. Choose an establishment that is located near your home or office and have sufficient parking. The gym also needs to have enough space inside the gym where you can work out and should not be too busy or empty all the time.
As far as equipment goes, the gym needs to have all the equipment you need and should be set up in a way that makes it easy for you to do your workout. The equipment should be arranged so you would not have difficulty lifting weights, do your cardio exercises, etc. All equipment should be maintained or replaced on a regular basis to ensure safety. Lastly, the place needs to be clean and kept clean by an efficient maintenance staff.