CHOOSING A GYM: 10 THINGS TO LOOK FOR
By VINCE DELMONTE
Now that you've made the commitment to start a workout program, the next step
is choosing a gym. You will want one you instinctively feel comfortable in, on your first visit.
Until you form a habit, and come in on a regular basis, the gym won't have a
personality.
Once you are acclimated and get used to your new environment, you will find
it much easier to get yourself to go. For inspiration you can click on No Nonsense
Musclebuilding, by Vince Delmonte.
If you don't have that initial gut feeling when you walk in, chances
are you aren't going to stick with any type of regular plan, and will eventually just stop going altogether. By
being sure your gym is a good fit for you, you help take yourself one step further
to realizing your health and fitness goals.
Keep in mind if a traditional gym isn’t for you, you can set
up a home gym, for complete private workouts. There are a number of home gym systems that
include everything needed for the key lifts.
Power Tech makes several mult-station units that should be considered.
Cybex makes a cable machine with a chin up bar, that enables you to do hundreds of
exercises. Click on products, and you can see my online catalogue containing many home gym bodybuilding
products.
1. Location
Who really wants to spend twice as
long driving to and from their gym as it takes them to do their workout?
After a long day of work, you are not going to want to spend a good hour
fighting traffic, another hour working out, and then another half an hour driving home.
Think about either choosing a gym that is located close to your
house, or else on the drive to or from work. This is a great option, since if you have to pass by
it every day, you’ll be reminded to work out.
2. Membership
Cost
Gym memberships vary in costs so shop around
before making that final commitment. Consider how long you are signing the contract for, as this can vary.
Many gyms like to rope you in for years, and if you aren’t quite sure it’s going to be a long-term
arrangement, you’re better off finding something short-term.
If you wait until around late summer or New Year to sign up, you will find many
gyms have special promotions going on.
3. Membership
Demographic
Another factor to consider is the membership
demographic that goes to the gym. Some women will prefer going to an all-ladies gym, as it
increases their comfort factor. For others, a mixed gym is the perfect solution, because half of the reason
they go there is to socialize, and perhaps even find a date.
Whatever your needs, make sure you enquire about this, and take it into
consideration.
4. Additional
Benefits
You will want to ask if the gym offers any additional services or
benefits, along with your basic membership, and if there is a fee. Examples are daycare
services, physiotherapy, massage therapy, nutritional counselling, and fitness testing.
5. Operating
Hours
Always be sure to check the hours of operation. If you are an early
morning exerciser, you will want to be sure they are able to cater to this
preference.
Additionally, ask about their holiday policies. Many people enjoy working out on the
holidays. It is a relaxed day for them, when they can really get in a good workout. If you are
looking forward to this, and then go and find the gym closed, you are going to be more than
disappointed. Similarly, there are some people who prefer working out late at night, so be sure if this
is the case, you will be able to do that.
6. Personal
Training Services
Having good, qualified personal trainers on
hand, is critical to helping you realize your full fitness potential. Even if you are fine with
your program now, consider that in a year you might be plateauing, and in need of a ‘check-up’ on your current
regime.
Having the option of knowledgeable staff cannot be stressed enough. Many gyms
hire almost anyone who has a basic interest in fitness, so be sure to enquire about the actual
certifications the trainers hold.
7. Group Fitness
Classes
Ask about the various group fitness
classes offered, at the gym you are considering. When boredom kicks in on your
workout plan, this is just the thing to get you going.
There are thousands of different fitness class styles available, so there is sure
to be something that suites your interest. When checking up on this, inquire if there are any
additional fees associated with it, so you are prepared when you go to sign up.
8. Cleanliness
One very important factor to look for is the cleanliness of the
gym. You do not want to be working out on equipment that is not clean, as gyms are a place where
germs can be in high concentration. Make sure they have
towels and spray bottles in various places around the gym, to clean up after workouts.
Have a look at the bathrooms, and change rooms, to make sure they are up to standard.
9. Type/Quality
Of Equipment
Looking at the type, and quality, of the equipment offered in the gym, is another
thing to factor in. If you prefer free weights, make sure there is a large number of dumbbells present.
During rush hour, these could be hard to come by.
If you prefer to weight train on guided machines, be sure they
have enough variety that you can work all the necessary muscles. If you find yourself doing a lot
of cardio training as part of your workouts, be sure there are ample machines.
Nothing is more frustrating, than getting to the gym after work, to find not
a single machine available for use. Ask if they offer a sign-up list, where
you write your name and time down to reserve a machine. This is a great solution many gyms have come up with,
to make sure their members get their workouts in.
10. Cancellation Policy
Look at the gym's cancellation policy. If you
sign up for a 3 year membership, and move after a year due to work, are you going to be partially refunded? It will
be a bad situation, if they offer no refund, or transfer membership.
Some gyms are good about this, and some are not. Weigh the likelihood of your
cancelling, among other things discussed above, when making your decision.
Considering all of these essential factors when choosing a gym. Overlooking just
one, could lead you to being less happy with your workout facility. This could be the
excuse why you do not stick with your program.
Remember, Confucius says: "If you want to quit a exercise program, go ahead and quit, just make
sure you work out twice as hard, and often. Then when you start back, you will be twice as
good."
For an excellent training program to accompany your new gym membership click on
No Nonsense Musclebuilding by Vince Delmonte.
| 
