Picking the right gym
If you’re just getting into weight lifting, just about any gym will meet your needs for the first several months. But I don’t recommend putting down money on any gym membership just because it’s the closest gym around. There are some other variables that you should take into consideration that may help you make a better decision.
Location:
As I mentioned before, location shouldn’t be the only thing that you take into consideration when joining a gym, but it’s certainly one of the most important aspects you need to look into when joining a gym. Ideally, you want to join a gym that is close to where you work or where you live this way you can’t make up excuses as to why you can’t get to the gym. In the best case scenario, you should join a gym that is in between where you work and where you live this way you can go to the gym before or after work, or if you’re off from work for the day it’s not too far out of the way to make a trip.
Atmosphere:
This isn’t always easy to spot as soon as you walk into a gym, but you should join a gym if the atmosphere within is uplifting. By uplifting I mean friendly staff who are knowledgeable about what they’re doing, gym members who seem motivated are important, (A few meat heads aren’t always a bad thing; they’ll help you stay motivated) equipment that is well maintained and clean, and music. I know some gyms that don’t have any music, and it’s a very awkward feeling lifting when it’s silent. If possible, ask others what they think about the gym and make your decisions based on a few testimonials from friends and other members.
Equipment:
When you get more advanced, more weight and proper equipment will be necessary for you to stay on top of your game. Let’s face it, some gyms aren’t equipped for that 800 pound squat or that 600 pound dead lift. Some gyms don’t even have that kind of weight available, and forget about it if there’s someone else there lifting – you’ll be fighting over weights all the time. If you’re more advanced, then picking a smaller gym might not be the best idea for you. Make sure they have the right equipment before signing up.
Hours of Operation:
Simply put, make sure the gym is open for long enough hours. If you work till 9pm every night, and the gym closes at 10pm, then that isn’t the right choice for you. Also make sure you check out their weekend hours, as most gym owners these days seem to be under the impression that people stop working out after 3pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
Price:
This is one of the last things that you should be thinking about when you join a gym because to me you cannot put a price on your physical health. If there are two similar gyms in the same area with similar pricing schemes, the cheaper of the two deals would be the logical choice. Be careful though, some gyms charges large “set up” fees, cancellation fees if you cancel early, and some will lock you into an entire year before you can cancel without penalty.
