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Home » How to Choose a Gym?

How to Choose a Gym?





The main things to consider when choosing a gym are these:
- Location
- Health Screening
- Cost
- Hours
- Equipment and Classes
- Staff
- Atmosphere
- Consumer Protection Permit
- What should I bring?

Location
If your gym is more than a 10-minute walk or drive from your home or office, studies show, you probably won't go -- no matter how nice it is -- so make location your number-one consideration in choosing a gym.

Health Screening
Good gyms will give new members a questionnaire to help assess their fitness. If you haven't exercised for a while, ask for a fuller assessment by an instructor. Before letting you on the equipment, the gym should explain how it all works and suggest the best program for you to begin with.

Membership Cost
Membership fees vary widely. When joining a Gym ask what type of membership plans they offer. Do they offer Trial memberships? Do they have 6 weeks, 1, 2, or 3 Months Memberships? Or do they offer only 1 year memberships. Do you have to join all the services or can you choose only the services you want (e.g. I like aerobics, do I need to pay for the whole Gym? Ask these questions.

Be aware of Gyms who offer low rates. These Gyms work on volume so you will find these gyms usually crowded and you will definitely wait in line to use the equipment. Service in these Gyms is almost non existent and equipment is usually outdated and or often broken.

Hours
You know when you're most likely to work out so choose your gym accordingly. Are you an early bird person or do you prefer working out late at night. Make sure you clearly see the business hours of the Gym on your agreement.

Equipment and Classes
Training equipment should be clean (especially bathrooms and locker rooms), in good condition, and available. You shouldn't have to spend all your time waiting in line. The equipment should also accommodate people of all skill levels and sizes. If you've found, as many women have, that most weight machines are too big for you, ask if the equipment features smaller weight increments and adjusts to fit smaller people. Also, if you're interested in aerobics or high-intensity workouts, a wooden or suspended floor that gives will be a lot easier on your bones and joints.

Make sure, too, that the gym has the classes you want, whether kickboxing, aerobics, or power yoga. Class times and skill levels are also important. If you have the option, sit in on a class before you join.

Staff
If you're new to the gym scene, you'll want a good relationship with the gym staff -- you can learn a lot from them -- so check them out carefully. When you tour the club, pay special attention to what they're doing. First of all, how many are around? Do they seem friendly and helpful? Or are they flexing in the mirror, ignoring that guy on the stair climber who's having trouble with the pedals?

Besides having a good attitude, the staff at a gym should be trained in both first aid and CPR. They should also be certified. Are they university graduates in exercise or physical education, or are they certified by an organization such as the American Council on Exercise, the American College of Sports Medicine, YMCA/YWCA, C.O.R.E.F.I.T., A.C.E. Ask these questions.

Atmosphere
You should feel comfortable at your gym -- with the people, the place, and the atmosphere. If you don't, you won't go.

Before purchasing a club membership, take a tour during the time you think you'll be working out. That will allow you to see how crowded the gym will be when you're there.

The little things can make a big difference, too. If music is a big part of your motivation, pick a club that offers a variety of radio stations you can enjoy.

Consumer Protection Permit
Before joining make sure that the club has a permit from Consumer Protection Office. All health clubs must have one. This will save you many headaches should you decide to stop your membership because you are unhappy with the service.

What gear do I need for the gym?
Nothing too expensive: a water bottle, two towels (large for the shower and small for wiping sweat off the equipment), t-shirt, sweat pants or cotton shorts, lock, running shoes, and toiletries. Weightlifting gloves are also useful for weightlifting.

Follow these guidelines and whether it is your first time joining a Gym or whether you are a veteran your Gym experience will be a positive one.

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