Are you thinking about joining a gym for the first time?
Are you feeling daunted by all the different gyms around and what they have to offer?
This guide will help you choose a gym that’s right for you.
Think first about location. When are where do you want to be working out? Perhaps it’s on the weekends near home; perhaps it’s during lunchtime near work. Remember to take into consideration that if you’ll be travelling to or from the gym at rush hour you’ll want to be close by so you don’t end up spending longer in traffic than you do at the gym. Some gyms have multiple locations for the one membership cost. This may be convenient for you if you intend on working out a lot or travel around your city.
Cost is an important factor. There’s not only the ongoing gym membership to consider but also sign up admin fees, parking fees or public transport costs depending on how you’ll be getting there and if the gym has its own free car park. Some gyms are affiliated with a nearby car park so you can get a discount. Some of the cheaper gyms don’t provide the same left of facilities and amenities than the more expensive gyms, for instance you may have to bring your own padlock for the lockers.
Some expensive gyms include facilities like saunas, swimming pools, child minding that you may intend on using. But if not it’s probably worth you looking for a cheaper gym so you aren’t paying higher fees for no benefit.
24 hour gyms can be great for people who do shift work. They provide 24/7 access to the gym even though there may not be any staff there. Make sure they have a good security system, like portable emergency buzzers that you can wear around your neck in case you need help while there’s no one else there.
If you are new to gym going I’d suggest choosing a gym that holds group classes. They’re a great way to motivate yourself and learn the ropes. If it’s your intention to do classes then make sure you choose a gym that has a class schedule that suits you. For instance if you intend on going on weekends make sure the gym is open and running the classes you want to attend.
If you’re thinking about getting a Personal Trainer it’s a great idea to get a recommendation from a friend. If you ask the gym staff to provide you with a trainer you might not end up with the best trainer for you and your goals. Feel free to try out several trainers until you find one you enjoy working with and can help you attain your goals.
Ask the gym when their busiest time periods are. If you intend on working out at those times make sure you chose a gym that has plenty of equipment, otherwise you could find yourself waiting ages for the machines which will demotivate you.
If you have a friend who goes to a gym and you want to go with them then it’s a great idea to ask their gym if you can have a free trial or discount to try it out first. If going with your friend is what will get you there then use this to your advantage.
Hopefully this guide has helped you think about what you want from your gym experience so you’ll get the most out of it once you join.
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