Location Selecting a gym that is close to home or work is essential, as it allows for a smoother integration into your lifestyle. If you do not select a gym that is within or near your usual traveling patterns, it can soon become a chore and an excuse not to exercise.
Tours If you are thinking of joining a particular gym, ask for a tour of the complex (won't cost you a thing). This way you can inspect and learn about the following: Opening hours Equipment Staff Members (atmosphere of the gym) Group fitness classes Facilities (toilets, showers, change rooms, child minding, pools, parking) Cost
Opening Hours Be certain the gym is open at times that accommodate your lifestyle (work, family commitments) so you can train when it best suits you.
Equipment Select a gym that has a variety of cardiovascular equipment (treadmills, rowing machines, bikes, etc) and weight training equipment that you feel you can and will use. Ensure the gym and the equipment is clean and is in working order. If the equipment looks old and appears as though it’s about to fall apart, then it is probably not the gym for you.
Staff You are going to need assistance in the gym with equipment use, training programs, 1st aid needs and fitness advice. So make sure the staff members have the appropriate fitness qualifications, 1st aid certificates and knowledge base. Staff should be genuinely friendly, caring, positive, approachable, motivational and supportive.
Members What kind of people does the gym attract? If there are extremely large dumbbells in the gym and an absence of females, then you may well be in a predominately body-builders gym. If there are minimal free weights, a majority of cardiovascular equipment and machine weight training equipment, you will find this gym is predominately populated with people interested in weight-loss and general fitness. Know what type of people you want to train with and focus on gyms that cater to that population. Also, ensure the current members are friendly and positive, as this can dictate how well you train and low long you keep exercise apart of your life.
Group Fitness Classes If you like the idea of exercising with a group of people, then ensure the gym offers a variety of group classes with session times that suit your lifestyle. If group classes are going to be your main focus at the gym, be sure to ask the following questions: Is there an extra fee on top of membership to participate in the group classes? How many people are in a group class? What level are the classes? (i.e. beginner, intermediate, advance) Do I need to arrive early before a class starts to get a spot? What should I bring to a class? Can I get a free-class pass so I can see if i like it? (try before you buy)
NOTE: Most group exercise instructors are not qualified to train high risk members. So, if you have a certain condition (i.e. pregnant, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, epilepsy, spine conditions, etc) then you should give the group classes a miss. We recommend you follow a structured exercise program that has been prescribed by a qualified trainer with a Diploma of Fitness and/or a degree in Exercise Science/Human Movement Studies.
Facilities Below is a list of facilities that can be available in gyms and what you need to know about them, before signing up for membership: | Toilets and change rooms | Ensure there are showers, toilets, change rooms and a place to leave your belongings. Check that these facilities are clean and tidy. | | Child minding | Find out what it costs, what time it is available (to match your exercise times), what does the child minding room look like, who are the child minders and do they have the appropriate qualifications. | | Parking | There should be parking available with an appropriate amount of car-park spaces to suit the gym population. Enusure parking is well lit (for night time) and close to the gym. | | Pools | Ensure they are clean and well maintained. Also, check what times the pool is open and if there is a lifeguard(s) on duty. | | NOTE: Some clubs offer a wide variety of facilities and services. Membership prices are often a reflection of these extra services, so be certain you will make use of these extra facilities and services before signing up for the membership, otherwise you may be wasting your money. | Cost Cost is one of the main factors when choosing a gym. Many gyms have a joining fee, but these can be avoided if you join during special promotions (e.g. opening of a new gym). Be sure to ask the following questions to aid in selecting a gym: Do I pay weekly, fortnightly or monthly? Is there a joining fee? Do I have to pay a certain amount of weeks in advance? (in regards to membership payments) Do I have to sign up for a minimum of 12months? Can I cancel membership at anytime and without penalty? - Can I put my gym membership (and payments) on hold if I am sick or on holiday?
Do I get a health assessment and exercise program (as well as program updates) included in the membership? Ask yourself: Does a gym membership fit into my budget?
Tips Most gyms offer a one week free membership so you can “try before you buy” If you get one week free at a gym, remember the following: Ensure that you are shown how to use some of the machines and given an exercise program to use in that free week. This program should be FREE! If they want you to pay for it, then forget that gym. If the gym does not offer an exercise program for the free week, then they are obviously not concerned about your health and safety, so move on to the next gym.
A great time to join a gym is when they run specials, such as: "no contracts and/or no joining fee." Sometimes the sales process can be a bit daunting. Keep a level head, stay in control and do not succumb to pressure. Do not be afraid to ask for a tour of a gym. Be picky and do not settle for second best. Shop around until you find the gym for you.
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