Thinking about joining a gym? Congratulations!
You are about to take an important step along the road to securing
your long-term health. However, selecting the right fitness center
can be daunting.
Gyms are available in all shapes and sizes. Some
are bare-bones operations that focus on attracting hardcore
weightlifters. At the other end are family-based facilities such as
the YMCA that offer a fitness center in addition to many other
amenities. In between are scores of fitness chains that target
adults of all ages.
If you live in a medium-sized or larger city,
you probably have several options to consider when choosing a gym.
By asking yourself five important questions, you should be able to
zero in on the right facility choice for you.
Examine Your Needs
Of the dozens of questions you could ask
yourself about a gym, there are five overriding potential inquiries
that stand out. They are:
Where is it located, and when
is it open? Choose a gym located close to your home or
workplace. Some gyms are stand-alone entities, while others are
part of franchises that may have several branches in town available
to all members. Either way, you are far more likely to stick to
your workout regimen if you don’t have to drive across town
to get to the gym.
Also, consider the facility’s hours of operation. Some gyms
are open 24/7 while others may offer more limited hours, especially
on weekends. Choose a gym with a schedule that matches your
own.
How much does it cost, and
what are the terms? Gym membership cost is sometimes related to
amenities. A gym that offers nothing but free weights probably has
lower fees than a facility with a pool, sauna, and racquetball and
basketball courts. So, consider your needs – present and
future – as well as your budget when factoring cost.
Membership plans differ from facility to facility. Like landlords,
some gyms offer month-to-month contracts, while others expect you
to commit to at least a year of membership.
It is important to read the fine print here. Is there a sign-up
fee? Will you have to pay a penalty if you cancel the membership?
Do you pay monthly, or on some other timetable? Don’t rush
into signing anything, and simply walk away if the terms make you
uncomfortable in any way.
What equipment is
available? Cardio and strength-training equipment is available
in a seemingly endless variety of options. Look over the equipment
at your prospective gym and make sure it’s clean and well
maintained. Don’t be afraid to ask about both the cardio and
strength-training machines. Try them out, or ask someone to
demonstrate how they work.
Remember that gyms can be busy places, so make sure the facility
has enough equipment to go around. For example, 10 elliptical
machines are better than five if gym is often crowded. Also, ask
about time limits when using machines. Some busy facilities limit
machine use to 30 minutes, which may be too restrictive if you like
to walk on a treadmill for 45 minutes.
What classes are offered?
Before signing on the dotted line, ask to see a schedule of the
classes the gym offers. It makes no sense to belong to a gym that
doesn’t offer your spin class at a time when you can attend.
In many cases, these classes may only be available to those who pay
an extra fee. So, check the charges and whether class sizes are
limited.
Some facilities also offer fitness classes specifically designed
for women who are expecting. If you are pregnant – or if you
may be in the near future – you’ll want to ask if the
gym offers special classes or employs staff with expertise in this
area.
What is the quality of the
staff and the facility? A gym is only as good as the people who
work there. When you visit, take note of the staff’s
attentiveness and overall demeanor. Ask about whether or not
fitness experts are available. Does the facility offer personal
training and nutrition services? If so, what certifications have
these specialists earned? Is on-site childcare staffing
available?
Also note the building’s cleanliness and amenities. Are the
locker rooms and showers kept clean? Are TVs and personal music
stations available in the cardio area?
After you have asked these questions, be sure to make any other
inquiries that are important to you. No question is too trivial.
For example, some people couldn’t care less if their gym
fails to offer complimentary towel service; for others, it’s
a deal-breaker.