Once you have made the commitment to start working out, you may decide that the next step is finding a gym.  As most gym facilities require you to sign up for a minimum contractual period, choosing the right gym for you and your needs is essential to achieving your health and fitness goals.  After all you don’t want to end up paying for an unused gym membership that you are locked into for 24 months!

Here are a few things to consider:

Location:
Consistency is the key to achieving your exercise goals.  It is highly unlikely that you will go to the gym if getting there requires any substantial effort such as driving a significant distance.  Choosing a gym that is close and easy to get to will increase the likelihood of you sticking to your exercise routine.

Cost:
Gym memberships can be costly so you want to make sure you are getting the best value for money.  Not only do you need to consider the weekly/monthly payment, but is there a joining fee?  What is included in the membership – unlimited access to the club and classes free of any (additional) charge?  What are your options if you go on holiday or get sick and unable to exercise?  Do you have to pay extra for lockers or the use of towels?  What happens if you need to cancel your membership before the end of the contract? If the gym is part of a franchise, are you able to use the other clubs?

Additional Services:
Does the gym offer any additional services, if so what are the costs for members.  Such examples would be Personal Training, Physiotherapy, Massage Therapy, Swimming Pool, Nutritional advice, Fitness Testing, Day Care / creche, Cafe etc.

Opening hours:
If you are an early morning exerciser do the gym’s opening hours cater for you?  Similarly if you prefer to exercise later on in the evening will you be able to do that?  What are the weekend hours?

Exercise classes:
There will be times where you will be bored with your gym exercise routine.  During these times Group Exercise Classes often provide the motivation and variety that you need to stay on track.  Enquire about the exercise classes on offer and check the timetable to ensure that you will be able to make these if you need to.

Facilities:
Looking at the equipment and facilities on offer is also important.  Will you need a place to shower after your workout?  Does the gym have sufficient equipment for your needs?  If you prefer free weights, is there a large selection of free weights available?  If you prefer cardio, is there sufficient equipment available?  This is particularly important if you plan to exercise during peak times where there is high demand for equipment.

So be sure to consider all of the above when choosing a gym.  Overlooking just one item on this list could result in you being less than satisfied with your gym experience and less likely to stick with it.

Artilce written by Sovita Corkin, Personal Trainer

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