Choosing the right gym is like picking the perfect partner… it’s not something you want to jump into. Above all, try before you buy. Here are some tips for finding your ideal fitness space
As the new year commences, many people will list improving their health as their main resolution and gyms and health clubs are preparing for an avalanche of prospective members. Joining a gym or health club takes courage, but with so many options available it is important that you choose one specific to your goals.
Impulsive shopping for a gym in response to your over-indulgence guilt is a bad idea. You should treat choosing a gym like a quest for finding a lifetime companion — both can be viewed as an investment in your future. The question you must ask yourself is would you dive into a one-year relationship after meeting someone for 15 minutes? So why would you make a decision for a one-year health relationship in this amount of time?
Any relationship begins with a courting period, a few light dates before you make a bigger commitment to take it further. In fact, I recommend you be promiscuous and try out a few gyms so you can make the best decision on what suits your goals and your personality.
You can accomplish this by availing of guest passes provided by gyms or, if they don’t offer these, paying a nominal fee to check the gym and avail of its services.
You need to make sure you know what you want when you go to talk to the salespeople and make a list of questions to ask them. Gyms vary in size, services and equipment but an important factor in choosing one is its location. Selecting a gym between work and home means that you can go to the gym on the way to work or the way home. A major stumbling block to your health is lack of time, but by prioritising the location the excuse ‘it’s too far away’ will become a thing of the past.
If your goal is fat loss, a good working environment is essential. Modern gyms are turning into hotels, with a major emphasis on décor as opposed to training equipment and training environment. Having other motivated and inspired members will sometimes inspire and/or motivate you and it will raise your level of performance.
Endorsements
One of the best ways to determine whether a gym is right for you is to ask its current members. There is no better endorsement than a referral from someone you know and trust.
When you visit a gym, look at the equipment and enquire how old it is. Old weights don’t mean that they are bad, but do check if dumbbells are loose, if they match and that the gym floor is clean. Look out for ‘out of order’ signs on the equipment. There is nothing more frustrating than to enter a gym to do a workout only to find the equipment you need is broken.
Your progress in the gym is going to be influenced by the people you meet, the staff and the books they read. You need to ask about the staff turnover. A big turnover in staff could indicate an unhappy workforce.
Observe the actions of gym staff when you are on a tour. Can you see them and are they interacting with members? Check for qualifications beyond the national certifications and ask if the gym provides continuing education for its staff.
I have witnessed many gyms spend millions on décor but nothing on staff education. Uneducated staff can’t teach you what they don’t know. The physical condition of the staff will tell you a story in itself.
Another point on your list should be to check out the gym at peak times. If you do this you will notice if there is available parking or does it require additional fees, and whether the equipment you require is available. Amenities like parking and child-care services are very important.
A gym membership is an investment in your health but the contracts can be a bit of a minefield. Joining-up fees vary immensely, but you need to read the small print. Be careful when reviewing the contract, understand the obligation, the length of the agreement, billing procedures and opt-out or cancellation policies. A gym will be reluctant to let you walk away from your one-year direct debit unless you have to move a certain distance in accordance with your employment.
You should always try before you buy. Too often we just jump in, but you need to look beyond the fancy décor and the 45-inch plasma screens and look at the purpose of a health club — that is, to build health.
Impulsive buying and pressure to close the sale could lead to buyer’s remorse and resentment towards health and fitness. The right gym and atmosphere will unveil your physical and emotional strengths and weaknesses. It should be a temple, a place where you pay regular homage to yourself and your
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