Choosing the Right Gym: 8 Steps to Guide Your Selection
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Does it sound familiar to you? There are too many offers and promotions when it comes to joining a gym, and I’ve heard enough. It’s annoying when some of them are misleading and just make it harder for you to decide… so here are some tips to help you choose a perfect gym to call home. 🙂
Choosing the right gym has a huge impact on how well you stick to your fitness program; for example, if it’s really out of the way but cheap, what are the chances you’ll go regularly? A gym membership isn’t something you buy and don’t use; instead, the more you use it, the more you get and the better value you get from it.
So before you decide to sign that membership contract, it makes sense that you also ‘check’ first. Attractive prices and promotions can be tempting, but COST and the HOT salesperson or receptionist ARE NOT everything when it comes to choosing the right gym for you.
FIRST, narrow down your selection to a few potential health clubs you like, and then consider the following suggestions (in no particular order) to guide you in making the right choice:
#1 – CONVENIENCE AND ACCESSIBILITY (RENTAL)
In order for you to stick to your exercise routine and not find it difficult to work out, going to the gym should be convenient for you. You are more likely to use a club if it is close to your home or place of work. You won’t go if it’s far away or if you have to endure constant traffic jams just to exercise. If you join a club that is not convenient for you, you will eventually find an excuse to stop going. When I first joined Fitness First in 2003, it was less than a 5 minute drive from my workplace, and it still is, but the closest one to my home was 20km away. But now that there is a new Fitness First in Bukit Tinggi, Klang, the gym is also 5 minutes from home. Now I have the best of both worlds. Lucky me.
#2 – TRY BEFORE YOU BUY
Be sure to take a “test drive” at the gym BEFORE you sign up. The sales staff, membership advisors, or sweet youngsters, or whatever you want to call them, are well trained in promoting the benefits of the gym, so it is essential that you try out some of the equipment yourself and get a feel for the real atmosphere. . BEFORE registering. You’ll need at least a day pass to try out the gym and decide for yourself before signing up.
Visit the gym’s website for a day pass, it’s almost always given out for free. Come at the same time you plan to come in the future, get changed, work out, maybe try a class, take a shower, relax, and then go home. So, you decide.
#3 – DO YOU LIKE IT?
When you tour the club, pay attention to the details. How clean is the facility? Is the music too loud? Is all equipment in good working order? Too many “out of service” signs may indicate poor maintenance. Do new members receive orientation and instructions on how to use the equipment? Make sure the club is a place where you enjoy spending time, because if you don’t, then again, it’s only a matter of time before you start making excuses not to go.
#4 – GROUP CLASSES
This is down to one’s personal preference – if group classes are what motivates and motivates you, find a gym that offers a good mix at a time that suits your schedule. Some gyms have classes starting at 7am, so there’s always something for someone. For me personally, even if the group study falls apart, it wouldn’t really affect me because it’s not my thing, but it may be for you.
#5 – COMPETENT PERSONNEL AND YOUR SAFETY
A decent gym should have CERTIFIED instructors/personal trainers. The International Health, Racquet and Club Sports Association (IHRSA) recently recommended that gym owners only hire personal trainers with certifications from accredited agencies through the National Commission of Certifying Agencies (NCCA) or an equivalent accrediting organization. These include: the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM); American Council on Exercise (ACE); the Cooper Institute; National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM); National Council on Strength and Fitness (NCSF); National Federation of Professional Trainers (NFPT); and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). A credible certification will ensure that you get a trainer that meets the guidelines to provide safe and effective training. Something we Malaysians can relate to: it’s like comparing a Kancil to a Volvo that comes fully equipped with side impact bars, airbags, etc.
According to the American Heart Association, almost a third of sudden cardiac arrests outside homes and hospitals occur in gyms or sports facilities. Therefore, it is better if the gym you choose is fully prepared for such an incident at all times with personnel trained to perform CPR, and also the gym must be equipped with AEDs (automated external defibrillators). Also… are they friendly and helpful? Or do they just smile when you sign on the dotted line?
#6 – HOURS OF TRAINING
Most gyms open early and stay open late, so this shouldn’t be a big deal. However, before you join, make sure your club is open when you plan to go. Then visit the club at the exact times you intend to work out. Check if the club is too crowded or if there are long queues for the team at that time. In a recent survey of 1,500 website visitors conducted by the American Council on Exercise (ACE), 46% of respondents indicated that crowded gyms are the number one reason they don’t go to the gym. Believe me, it can be very frustrating and time consuming if the gym is too crowded when you work out; ends up wasting a lot of time.
#7 – PAYMENTS
Many clubs have a variety of payment options (monthly cash payment, automatic credit card billing, direct debits, etc.). Find a payment schedule that fits your needs. Find out exactly what the membership fee is and what it includes: ask and see how much your friends are paying. Will you have to pay extra for towels? Don’t forget to factor in registration/administrative fees and deposits that may be required.
#8 – REPUTATION
Before you join, talk to current members about their experiences with the club. Also, it helps if the gym is a member of IHRSA (International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association), as member clubs must adhere to a code of ethics that protects the health and safety of its members and also protects you from being harmed. victim of unscrupulous business practices.
With a little research and patience, you really can find a gym that you can call home, hopefully for many years to come.
Don’t feel pressured to sign a contract right away, but take the time to review it carefully and ask questions if anything isn’t clear. You have the right to make the seller wait, even for another week. Once you sign up, give yourself a good pat on the back, because you’ve made a worthwhile investment in your health.