How do you pick a gym that’s right for you?

It’s the time of year when a lot of us start looking for a gym to work out in, or maybe we just need a change from our current gym to give us that “spark” we need to reach a new goal. So how do we find the gym that is for us?

It’s not hard if you know what YOU want in a gym.

What I mean is this: What is important to YOU?  Is it cleanliness, a variety of aerobic classes, a large gym or small one, specific equipment (free weights, machines, kettle bells, cardio, etc), friendliness of the staff, childcare, qualified personal trainers, lounge area, towel service, coffee and goodies, or something else? 

The options can be endless, but in the end it is what is important to you.  What are you looking for in a gym?

The days of a gym owner filling a warehouse with lots of exercise equipment, no pictures, no thrills, and no staff, and then charging people to come use the gym, is a thing of the past. The focus of gym owners now is to try to make the member feel good, wanted, appreciated, and most of all, safe and welcome. Owners spend money and time creating a space that is functional, safe, stimulating and inviting to their members.  This effort is put forth in an attempt to make staying healthy an achievable goal as well as creating a profitable business.  So, with that in mind here are some things to think about before making the decision to join a gym:

What to look for in a fitness center

1. What do you want? Make a list of the most important things you need from a fitness center (Equipment, classes, showers, daycare, location, cleanliness, etc).  Visit the facilities that offer all or some of these services.
2. Fees - Gyms that offer cheap memberships are playing the numbers game, which means overcrowded workout facilities. For a few extra dollars a month, you can get a less crowded and better gym. You get what you pay for.
3. Contracts - read the fine print. What are the relocation and medical cancellation clauses? Will you have to pay an outrageous fee to cancel your membership if you are unhappy with the facility or its staff? What is the term of the contract - 1 year, 2 years, or more? Industry standard is 1 year for the larger clubs.
4. Access - is the fitness center open when you need it to be?
5. Sanitization - Are the restrooms kept clean and orderly? Is the equipment regularly sanitized by other members or by a staff member? This area shows the health of the club!
6. Management and staff - Are they friendly and courteous? Trust your instincts and first impressions. If there is a friendly person at the front desk to greet you and take care of your needs, then that is a good indicator that customer service is important to management.
7. Equipment - If the equipment is old and worn down, you may be causing your body more harm than helping it.
8. Peak Hours - Tour the facility during the hours you plan on working out. Is it packed so full that you will be waiting for equipment?
9. Recommendations - People that are happy with their gym are eager to share. Ask around. You will be more than likely to also discover the gyms that consistently have bad reviews.
10. Does the club offer personal training? If so, are/is the trainer(s) experienced and can they work with a variety of clients, including those with clinical limitations?
11. Does the gym offer ample staffing? For safety reasons this is a must.
12. The bottom line - Find out the total contract price, including any add-ons such as towel service and locker rental, coffee/tea, etc. Talk to the management/owner and staff to get a feel for the clubs “personality”. Visit the club the time you will be using it. Don’t be shy … go look at the club for cleanliness and if the equipment is in good order. Get a feel for the current members to see if it’s a friendly environment.

As with any big purchase, go shop around and compare. With a gym membership you can’t just return it after a couple of weeks … you’re stuck with it like luggage.

Happy shopping!

Ed White has worked in the fitness industry for more than 22 years and is a certified personal trainer. He has complemented his love of personal training with 12 years’ experience in spine care in physical therapy and three years as administrator for a medical clinic. He has a record of success in teaching people how to care for their body through exercise and proper nutrition. He now owns EveryDay Fitness on Athens Avenue in Redding where he continues helping people of all ages reach their goal. He may be reached at 530-246-1902. For more information visit his website at www.edfitness.com.