There are many  different gyms out there today and all of them are a little bit different. Finding one you feel comfortable with is key.

If you join a gym where you are uncomfortable or intimidated, you will more than likely quit and give up. Therefore it is important to really feel at home with whatever gym you choose.

First, consider what you really want. Are you strictly at the gym to lift weights? Do you want to take aerobics classes? Do you want it for the cardio equipment? Or perhaps you want all of these things?

Once you have a clear idea about your needs, here are some other things for you to consider when choosing the right gym for you.

Location

You want to find a gym where you don’t have to travel very far. If getting to the gym takes too much time out of your day, you are most likely not going to stick with it or go as often as you would like.

Hours of operation

Do the hours of the gym fit in with your schedule? Can you comfortably get in a workout and not be pushed for time?

Cost

This should really be at the top of your list. How much money will it cost you and will you get your money’s worth?

It’s much easier to spend a little extra money on a membership with a gym that has top of the line equipment and that is more inspirational to be in, rather than a worn-down gym that looks like a cave.

Cost may also vary according to the time of the year you are purchasing a membership. Gyms tend to have better deals during the high times of the year such as around New Year. If you can hold off getting a membership until there are special offers, you will surely end up saving some money in the long run.

Also make sure you are paying for exactly what you want for that price. Don’t get coaxed into adding on services that you aren’t going to use or paying for things that don’t interest you. Watch out for salesmen who run down a list of extra options/services that you could add to your membership.

Another thing you want to watch out for are gyms that want to lock you in with a long-term agreement. These places will try to sign you up for 1 to 3 years, and then there is no way to get out of the membership contract. You need to have flexibility.

Cleanliness

How clean is the facility? Are there staff members who wipe down the equipment daily? Do they make sure members wipe down their equipment after using it? Is there rubbish on the floor? Are the locker rooms a mess?

These are all things to consider when purchasing a membership. If the place looks like a mess, you need to evaluate whether that is something you can put up with every day visiting the gym.

If the management of a gym can’t take care of their facility, how do you expect them to take care of you?

Membership privileges and features

Do you get discounts on anything they sell once you are a member? How much will you be paying for these things?

You need to find out what extra features come with the membership and what you have to pay extra for. See if there are any perks to joining that gym over another one.

Make sure you understand exactly what comes with your membership (and what doesn’t) before you sign any papers.

Equipment

The equipment that you use needs to be in good working condition. Look at the different styles and brands of equipment that they have, and make sure that it is something you are interested in using.

How is the free-weight room? Make sure the dumbbells aren’t broken or missing.  Make sure the grips on the barbells are not worn down so badly that they are completely smooth and your grip will be compromised.

Look around to see how the members are handling the equipment. Are they dropping the dumbbells on the floor? Are they slamming the machine weights down when they are done with a set?

If you see any of these things, be wary about the gym and the equipment. Especially look to see how the staff handles a situation like that. If they have good equipment, they will surely make sure things like that don’t happen.

Clientele

What types of people are working out at the gym? Do you see many men? Do you see mainly women? Is there a good split between both? Make sure you feel comfortable working around the people you see at the gym.

If you feel intimidated or unsafe being around these types of people when working out, keep searching for a place that you can call home. Remember, searching for the right gym is all about you, no one else.

Try before your buy a membership

No matter what you see, always try out the gym before you purchase a membership. You will make a big mistake if you just walk in and buy a membership without looking around at other options, as well as seeing how the gym you are considering is operating.

It’s a good idea to ask for a trial membership, a guest pass, or any arrangement they have that will allow you to try out the gym for at least one day. Most places will give you a free pass to try it out. However, for those that don’t have a free offer, the average price for a day pass is roughly around $10 per day.

Even if they make you pay, it will be well worth it to see if you like it. A $10 investment is much better than spending $500 and hating every minute.

Also, make sure to go to the gym at the same time that you would normally work out. This will allow you to see how busy it gets during the times you are going to be there.

Always read the fine print before you sign

By reading the agreement and the fine print, it makes you aware of the contract you are signing. This can include how you will be paying for the membership, the term of the contract, cancellation policy, and other pertinent information that you need to know.

References

https://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/weik29.htm

https://www.choice.com.au/health-and-body/diet-and-fitness/gyms/buying-guides/gym-memberships

https://www.houseofwellness.com.au/health/fitness/choosing-gym-personal-trainer