7 things to look for when choosing a gym

7 things to look for when choosing a gym

Joining a gym is a big decision.  Choosing a fitness center means making not only a decision on what best will meet your needs for getting in shape but also the time and financial interest involved in your choice.  You want to be certain that the money you will spend in choosing the right health gym will insure that you will be happy with the decision and not be wasting your money.

Before signing any contract committing yourself to several months if not an entire year, are you truly ready for making the plunge?  Is this a good time for you to do this and will you actually take and make the time to go to the gym regularly?  One smart to move to do before making up your mind is to visit several gyms. Many gyms will offer a free pass for at least a week.  Just like you shouldn’t buy the first car you see on a car lot, do your homework and make a list of gyms you want to experience by viewing their facilities and trying out the equipment firsthand.  When you visit each gym, go during the times and days you intend to work out.  How crowded is the gym?  What kinds of group fitness classes do they offer if that is your interest.  Do they offer working out with a personal trainer?  How friendly and accommodating is the staff?  What variety of workout equipment do they offer?

Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, here are 7 things to look for in a gym to get the best exercise experience possible:

1.  Location – This will probably be the make or break dealmaker.  Depending on whether you plan to drive from your job or home, if you can hop in your car and are there in less than 10 minutes (or walk) that can seal the deal.  But if it will take you much quite a bit longer, there’s a good chance you won’t go very often. 

2. Hours open – Is it a gym open 24 hours or not?  Most gyms are open all hours of the day but not all of them.  Make sure the gym is available for the times and days you want to work out.

3. Cost – Every gym will be different but all of them will have some sort of contract to sign indicating the cost per month.  The nicer the gym and more classes and equipment they offer, the more you will pay.  Check to see if they offer any specials such as free personal training or a few weeks or months for free.  You can try to negotiate the initiation fees or change the contract terms but there’s no guarantee they will accommodate that – but it never hurts to ask.  Always check the fine print to look for items stated such as a penalty if you get out of your contract early.  What happens if you are injured, sick or on a long trip and are unable to work out for months.  How do they handle your fees for the membership in these situations? 

4.  Features offered – Always have a tour of the facility to see everything they offer – is there an indoor pool, a racquetball court, tennis courts, fitness classes, specific machines or equipment you want, or do they offer personal training or physical therapy? 

5.  What is the atmosphere and environment like? – Every gym has its own special feel that some people will like while others may not.  Do you like work out centers with lots of people around adding energy to your routine?  Do you have to wait on using equipment?  Is there sufficient space around equipment when working out?  Are the instructors friendly and upbeat and easy to work with?  How clean and kept up is the building?  Are the bathrooms and changing rooms clean, spacious and well-stocked with clean towels?  Can a person wipe down equipment with a sanitizing spray bottle? Do they offer water and are there TVs to watch or can you listen to stations on your headphones?

6.  Does it offer child care? – For those with children, if you have to bring your child, do they have a child care room and is there someone in the room supervising the children?  Do you feel comfortable leaving your child in their care while you are working out?

7.  Does it have parking nearby? – Check on available parking for the gym.  You want to be able to park close by and not waste time searching for a parking spot or have to park quite a ways away just to get to the front door.