Overview
So now that you have finally decided to look after your fitness and are on lookout for a gym of your kind to join. Or maybe you have been a home-regime person working out religiously but want to have that gym environment to keep you going with your routine.
Irrespective of whatever reason, there are few important factors that you need to consider before enrolling for a new fitness home.
Nearby Location
To choose a gym that lies all the way on the other side of town, is almost demotivating with the thought of travelling that distance. Practically, choose a gym that is located between your work and home. For the days when you are time crunched, working out at a gym close by will be a boon in that hectic schedule. Because, a good work out should reduce the stress and not increase it.
Budget
This is the most important factor that one should consider before getting enrolled in a gym. There are many gyms out there whose costing are high due to extra facilities offered, which maybe something you must be looking for. The fees these elite gyms quote are high but that doesn’t mean you have to shy away altogether. If you are smart enough, then you can find out certain ways to get your fees cut down, like there are season discounts.
Most gyms offer discounted joining fees during peak season when people start joining, like after New Year’s or probably wedding seasons. Avoid paying for extra facilities or privileges you might not ever use and do not make long term agreement, opt for a week pass or monthly trail. Just in case you are unhappy with the gym, you do not get stuck in long term agreement and keep paying whether you go or not.
The Work Out Time
No one wants to spend their standing and waiting for equipment during the work out time. So if you are planning to work out right after work or maybe before (majority works out during these time) it would be good to know how busy it gets during peak hours. On your tour, see if there are enough cardio machine as these get filled up fast pretty quick, so you will not have to worry showing up and not getting to work out soon.
Members
A really good work out can be done only when you comfortable in your exercise environment, and not intimidated or embarrassed. More gyms these days are targeting specific genders like women only, competitive athletes, seniors or men. Make sure, during your tour, that you are comfortable working out around the current people and how crowded it can be.
Equipment
While zeroing on a gym, one thing you should always do is go inside and have a thorough look around. There are any equipment in the market that offer many healthy regimes and quite effective work out. You will want to make sure your gym is equipped with these machines. New machines tend to intimidate anyone, but look for any pictures posted on the machine or a staff member can help you with its working.
Be on a look out for out-of-order machines, these are indications of poorly maintained gym.
Cleanliness
This may not seem of much importance at the beginning, but once you start working out there and if the gym is neither maintained nor cleaned regularly, you will find it uncomfortable using much of the equipment. Check for things like towels are available to wipe off the equipment after every use. See if staff members are adamant in enforcing good hygiene habit. Peak in locker rooms and showers to check on their cleanliness, if you are going to use them.
Maintenance
Maintenance is all a gym regularly runs on, any loosen handle of any equipment can cause damage or injury. Also, nothing gets more frustrating when you arrive at gym and find your work out machine is no working, then you have to inform someone about to it so that it can get fixed, and them again after few days you make your way to gym and find it still unfixed.
There are machines that require longer time to be fixed, but smaller issues should be taken care of in timely manner.
Hours of Operation
Everyone has a different time-preference when it comes to work out, regularly. Some people are morning people whereas others would rather wait till late night so that gym is empty. There are gyms open 24 hours for their members and this may be something you want to inquire about.
Also, ask about their holiday gym hours. Are they closed during statutory holidays? Do they have reduced hours on these days? What about the weekend hours?
Depending on your dedication to working out, you may want to look for a gym that is open for most of the days in a year.
Holidays are the main time for many people to get back to work out and remain in shape. Seeing how they have off at work and how they can, in fact, spend a good amount of time in gym working out, so joining a gym that remains open is most suggestible.
Personal Training Option
Gyms offer different types of training options, some offer plans that includes your membership and personal trainer, with others you can separately pay for a personal trainer. There are also customized deals and also if you book more sessions, the cheaper they become.
Inquire for discount on group rates, if you have friend working out at the same gym, then this might help you cut down on your fees and make work-out fun!
Ask about the qualification of the professional trainer, as there are some trainers out, who are just professional rep counters and you want to spend your money on someone who is qualified and know what they are talking about.
When it comes to joining a gym, you feel like you have no clue and signing your life away. So be picky! Talk to friends for good reviews, visit the gym and take your time to find one which fulfils all or most of your expectations at affordable price. All in all, working out right is key to right health.
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