When it comes to making exercise part of your routine, finding a gym that meets your needs and expectations can be compared to forging a new relationship. Selecting the best gym can play a major role in your willingness to work out and motivation to remain consistent.
Since you are investing your time, money, and energy into a gym, you must be certain that you’ve made the best choice for you and your training goals. Usually, joining a gym is based on online reviews or friends’ recommendations, but a few more components should be considered.
Before you commit to a lengthy membership, take a tour of the gym using the following list as a guide for what to look for, ask, and expect a facility.
Evaluate Your Needs
Ask yourself before looking for a gym do u really need a gym? A gym membership certainly has its benefits, but if you love exercising outdoors, your office or apartment building has a fitness center, or you’re just as happy working out at home. Then joining even the best gym in your city might be a waste of money.
Look for “Must Have”
First, you should write down the list of your must-haves for your best gym, which might be different from the “nice-to-haves”. If you’re seriously into strength training, a spacious, well-maintained free weight area might be high on your list. You’d be surprised how many gyms don’t have a space where you can do your own bodyweight workouts. Also, will you be showering and getting ready for work at the gym? Don’t forget to consider your pre-and post-workout routine when making your list.
Convenience
First and foremost, location is the essential aspect of finding the best gym for you. You better know how you’ll be commuting to the gym and when, so you’ll need to figure out if you need it within walking distance from your home or closer to your workplace for a lunchtime workout. The more convenient you make it for yourself, the more frequently you’re likely to go, getting more bang for your buck.
Gym Hours
Closely linked with gym locations are the gym hours. If the gym hours do not match your schedule, make sure it won’t work for you. Between balancing work, family, and sleep — you only have limited time to spare. So, a fitness club that opens late and closes early probably isn’t going to work for your schedule. It’s important to have a clear idea of the club’s hours and offerings, so you can plan your workout schedule accordingly.
Equipment
Equipment is one of the main reasons someone joins a gym. If you are looking for a specific group fitness class, you prefer a certain type of equipment. Knowing what types of equipment you currently need along with what you’d potentially like to use in the future is vital.
Ask To See The Equipment
Tour the facility and ask to see the equipment and classes being offered. Follow up by assessing the quality of the equipment and instructors available. Also, pick up a copy of the class schedule to be sure you can attend classes when they are offered.
Faulty Equipment Is Dangerous
A gym should also have various equipment, including cardio equipment such as treadmills, ellipticals, stationary bikes, dumbbells that go heavy enough to match your strength levels, barbells, benches, exercise balls, and a padded area for stretching, and finally, some machines.
Use The Free Trial
Taking advantage of the special deals and introductory offers is a great and surely inexpensive way to test out various so-called best gyms. You can ask for a week or two of access to the facility prior to committing to a membership. This will give you the opportunity to get a feel for the staff, other members, and the atmosphere of the space. Such free trials can help you to test various locations and options before committing to a long-term contract.
Fine Print
Gym fee structures can vary deeply. Once you find a gym that fits your budget, verify a few details to be sure. Check out carefully that along with membership fees:
- » Do they have any additional fees?
- » Is there any membership discount?
- » Is there any annual equipment maintenance fee?
- » Any cancellation fees?
- » If you decide to take a class or two, is that included?
- » Do they offer towels?
- » Shampoo and conditioner in the showers?
- » Hairdryers in the locker room?
- » Do they offer discounts for members on massage therapy?
Your Membership Worth for Gyms
Paying extra money unexpectedly can leave a bad taste in your mouth and potentially a hole in your wallet. Many times, clubs will call you back in a few days or weeks to offer you an even better deal than when you came in for the tour. While many gyms will work with you, so don’t be afraid to suggest a different price or a different membership than what’s stated!
If you live in the UAE, findyourgym.ae can help you find the best gyms in Dubai.
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