Joining a gym can begin a wonderful fitness journey for those who prioritize their health. At the same time, it can be a challenging experience for someone who is unaware of what to look for in a gym. Below are a few considerations to make when choosing a gym.
One obvious consideration when choosing a gym is the membership cost. While some pricier gyms charge excessive money monthly, plenty of gyms offer reasonable packages to budget-conscious gym-goers. Memberships can be as high as $400 a month and as low as $10 monthly, depending on the package.
Outside of cost, prospective gym goers have many factors to think about, including their personal needs. For example, if your apartment complex or office has a gym installed conveniently for your use, joining a gym might be optional. However, if you cannot access the gym because of working late hours, you want to participate in classes, for example, cycling or yoga, or you need specific equipment, then joining the gym might be the right choice. Ultimately, the person should consider how joining the gym might satisfy fitness needs.
As a part of researching gyms, please take advantage of any passes they might offer, some allowing guests to visit for one to two weeks. Sometimes, the gym offers free passes; sometimes, the person must pay for it. In either case, the pass lets you see how the gym operates independently. Factors to consider include whether the equipment works. It also tells you whether there is enough equipment for everyone or whether members are waiting in line to use it. Ask gym staff if there is a locker room and enough showers, so if you decide to come during work hours, you can shower and change. Walk around the gym, the locker room, and the bathrooms to see if the space is clean.
When touring the gym, pay attention to the equipment available for use. Standard gyms contain both free-standing weights (hand weights) and weight machines. They also typically contain machines that allow people to get their cardio workout in, such as treadmills, rowers, ellipticals, bikes, and stair climbers. Some gyms also have a stretching area for members. Also, check to ensure the equipment's straps and pedals are working.
Also, many gyms offer classes, but participation in these classes depends on the gym package. Some packages require members to pay a little extra to participate in their classes. Double-check the contract to see if you can join these classes.
Additionally, some gyms offer childcare for gym members. This service is valuable for parents who want to meet their fitness goals but need assistance in watching over their children while they do so.
Because gym memberships are sales-driven, prospective members should look out for any promotional discounts that might reduce their membership. One way to save on gym memberships is to join with a friend or family member. Also, in January, many gyms offer membership discounts to capitalize on when many renew their fitness resolutions.
When signing a contract, see if an “out” clause allows you to get out of the contract early. Some memberships enable members to terminate their contract if they must travel a certain distance away from the gym. Also, consider whether the contract can be frozen if you must leave town for a short time, such as for a vacation. Further, ask the salesperson whether the membership is renewed automatically.
The final considerations relate to hours of operation and location. Ideally, you want a gym that is conveniently located and in a safe area. More significantly, you want to use the gym at times that are convenient for you.
