Choosing the Right Gym

Hey city peeps, happy Saturday! Hope everyone had an awesome week! The temperatures are climbing and it's starting to feel like spring! Let's all take advantage by getting outside and enjoying this gorgeous weather!

We had a question thrown at us this week that we wanted to share. It was from someone that signed up for a gym membership with her sister and wanted to know what kind of workout to do. She joined because her sister asked her to. Kudos to her for being a supportive sister! I think anyone that decides to get healthy and start an exercise regime is very brave. This made me realize that being a gym newbie is intimidating. Signing the contract is the easy part, it's actually going that's hard! I've taken my ease at the gym for granted, some might even consider me a bit of a gym rat, because I've been going for years.

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I've tried out many gyms in my day - Goodlife Fitness, Extreme Fitness, Fit For Life (no longer in business), Wynn Fitness & MMA World Academy - so I've learned a couple of things that I'd like to share with those of you who are thinking about joining. Do not join a gym impulsively! Most gym memberships require you to sign-up for one year - that's a pricey commitment. So, mull this over before you sign anything:

1. Location. This is the most important! You are not going to workout if it isn't convenient for you. Remember you want to maximize your chances of success! Pick a gym that is close to home or work or wherever else you spend most of your time. L tried out my gym for a while but it wasn't convenient for her. She has a gym in her condo - doesn't get easier than that. 
2. Facility. Choose a gym that has the equipment you plan on using. Do not pay for a membership to a fancy boxing gym if you don't plan on using the boxing ring! For me, all I require is a working treadmill, free weights and space. Space is really important because you don't want to feel like you are exercising on top of someone else or getting in their way. Also, check out their change rooms for showers, sauna, lockers and blow dryers if you plan on using that stuff. 
3. Classes. Check out their schedule to see what classes they offer. Don't assume they offer classes because some gyms don't. Classes are great for gym newbies. When I started out, I had no clue what I was suppose to be doing. Attending a class helped me ease into exercise because it took the guess work out of my routines. Classes are efficient use of your gym time because you get a great full body workout in one hour tops! It's also a great way to make friends and talk to the instructor who can give you valuable feedback. 
4. Cleanliness. Sniff around...literally! Does the place smell clean? Does the place look clean? If the gym is clean you will be able to see it - fresh towels, spray bottles for wiping down machines, clean floors, antibacterial bottles, etc. The last thing you want to get with your new membership is athlete's foot. 
5. Clientele. Are there douchey guys everywhere, drinking protein shakes and lifting their shirts in the mirror to stare are their six packs? Stay away! Each gym caters to a certain demographic so look around and get an idea of who goes there. Choose a gym with the right vibe. Don't get stuck feeling intimidated, uncomfortable or irritated because you will end up avoiding the gym. Remember, maximize your chances of success!

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While you are assessing the facility, spend some time chatting with the staff and ask the following questions (all are factors that will impact you): 

• What are the busiest times at the gym? 
• Is there free parking?
• What does your membership include? (towel service, multiple locations, fitness assessment, etc.)
• What are your hours of operation? (do the hours fit with your schedule and the time of day you are most likely to workout)
• Do they offer personal training? 
• Do they offer corporate discounts? 
• Any freebies that come with membership? (t-shirts, water bottles, gym bag)

Don't forget, you have 10 days to cancel any contract you sign. Most gyms offer guest passes to try out their facility and Groupon usually has pretty good deals. Recently, they had offers for Extreme, Wynn and Venice for very cheap! Also, ask for a tour of the facility. One time, I was a member of a gym for a full 2 years before I discovered there was a whole other floor! Needless to say, I've learned my lesson! 

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So back to our reader question at the beginning. We asked the sisters to identify their fitness goals in order to focus and cater a workout to that. Our recommendation was to get to know their gym by trying out some of their classes. Also, trying out cardio machines - treadmill, elliptical and bike. All are easy to use and great ways to burn calories. We told them to find their way around the gym and don't be afraid to ask for help. Staff and regular gym-goers are very friendly and almost always happy to help. We will be cheering on the sisters and hope they check back with us for updates on their journey! 

That's it for now. Let us know what are important considerations for you when choosing a gym and if you already have a membership, what makes your gym so great? Hope everyone has a great weekend and stay active! 

L&V xo