Choosing the Right Gym

If you are going to make exercise a regular part of your daily or weekly routine, choosing a gym is an important decision. You want to choose a place that meets your needs and makes you feel comfortable so that you will be likely to return. Over the past fourteen years of working out, I have belonged to or worked at all kinds of gyms: university gyms, a hospital rehab facility, community centers, hotel gyms, the YMCA, Bally's Total Fitness, California Fitness, Lifestyle Fitness, Lifetime Fitness, Urban Active, as well as personal training and yoga studios.

'My husband is currently in the process of changing his gym membership, and this got me to thinking about things to consider when choosing a place to work out.

1. Evaluate your goals and needs. Not everyone exercises in the same way. How often per week/per day do you want to exercise? Do you prefer using cardio machines (like treadmills, elliptical machines, rowing machines, stationery bikes, etc.), group fitness classes, free weights, resistance weight machines? Do you want to work with a personal trainer? Are you trying to lose weight, tone your muscles, improve sports performance, increase your endurance? Do you like variety in your workout or are you comfortable in your routine? Once you clarify your goals and needs, then you can more effectively determine the right match for you.
2. Determine your budget. You can find gyms priced all over the spectrum. Figure out what you can afford to pay before you go in, so you are not roped into a contract that is more than you can manage. Gym fees are often not set in stone; don't be afraid to negotiate. Often you can ask what specials are being offered - one area sales people are frequently willing to drop is in the "membership" or "sign-up" fee.
3. Evaluate the cardio / weight floor. Things to think about: are there enough machines of each kind to accommodate all users during the busiest times of the day? (You might visit during the times that you would likely use the gym to see how busy it is.) How sophisticated are the machines/do they have all the options that you like/is everything in working order? Is there a variety of different kinds of machines? Are there enough TVs? How close are the machines to each other? Is everything clean and sanitary? How noisy is it?
4. Evaluate the group fitness classes. Look at a class schedule. Think about the times that you would be available to take classes, and check out the selection. Is there a variety? How often does the schedule change? Is there an extra charge for classes? What qualifications do the instructors have?
5. Amenities. Are towels provided? Are the locker rooms clean and sanitary? Are there plenty of showers? Do the locker rooms provide hair dryers, shampoo, etc.?
6. Personal Training. Is personal training available? What are the rates? What are the qualifications of the trainers?
7. Extra programs. Does the gym offer any additional programs, such as nutrition or weight loss classes, run clubs, basketball leagues, etc.? Is there a spa, shop or cafe? Does the gym offer discounts to its members on any other community services? Is childcare available and what are the hours?
8. Convenience. Location, location, location. Remember, you hope to be visiting your gym several times a week, if not every day. Make sure that it is close enough to your home or workplace so as to be relatively easy to access. Also, make sure the hours, including weekend hours, align with your schedule.

There are so many things to think about when choosing a place to work out, and sometimes, it may be difficult to find a perfect fit. If you can think of something else to consider, let me know!

Today's workout:

65 min. run (7.23 mi)

50 min. yoga