Joining a gym is a great way to meet your fitness goals. You can access all the equipment you need, join group classes for extra motivation and even get one-on-one personal training. But to get the most out of your workouts, the trick is finding the right gym.
To help you figure it out, Judd NeSmith, NASM-CPT, PES, BestReviews fitness expert and founder of Serious Fitness, has some tips for choosing a gym that can help you get fit. He also knows the must-haves to bring with you to ensure you can work out comfortably and effectively.
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When comparing gyms, the most important thing to consider, according to NeSmith, is the overall value. That means evaluating the facilities, such as the equipment, machines and amenities, against the membership fee.
Some gym chains, such as Planet Fitness, charge just $9 or $10 monthly, so they're an affordable option for budget-conscious people. On the other hand, upscale gym chains like Lifestyle Fitness can cost as much as $100 a month, but they often provide top-of-the-line amenities that may make it worth paying more.
A gym's location is another critical factor to consider. The best gym is close to your home, so it's easy to get to and you don't have an excuse to skip a workout.
"It has to be convenient," NeSmith said. "And nowadays, even in small markets, you can find a gym within 6 miles of your home, often more than one."
While working out is important, you have to balance your time at the gym with work, family and social life obligations. So you want a gym that's open when you have time to work out.
Most gyms are open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., which may be a good fit for your schedule. If you work odd hours or need to be home for the kids, though, you may need a more flexible option.
"There's a growing number of gyms, like Anytime Fitness, that give you 24/7 keycard access, which is really convenient for busy people," NeSmith said. These gyms have someone at the front desk during regular operational hours, but you can still get full access with your card before and after standard hours.
Gyms offer amenities and privileges that can enhance working out and make it easier, but these services vary from gym to gym. For example, for some parents, finding a gym with daycare is crucial. If you don't want to work out independently, most large gyms offer group exercise classes and one-on-one personal training. NeSmith said many gyms even give new members one or more free personal training sessions.
Other amenities are more luxuries than necessities. These include a sauna or steam room, tanning beds or a massage therapist on the premises.
The best way to decide if a gym is a good fit is to take a tour so you can check out the facilities and get a sense of its atmosphere. There's usually less mystery with chain gyms, NeSmith said. "Many big chain gyms follow certain guidelines and protocols, so you know what you're going to get in terms of equipment and cleanliness."
You can find high-quality locally owned gyms, but it's best to see them in person because the quality can vary.
Most gyms have a good mix of equipment, but it depends on the facility. For example, large, full-amenity gyms will have plenty of cardio options and a large weight room with free weights and machines. Smaller personal training studios, though, may not have any machines and instead focus on free weight and cardio equipment. It's also essential to check the equipment to ensure that it's well-maintained.
New trainers at full-amenity gyms are often tasked with giving new-member tours, which NeSmith said is a real benefit. "They explain how the machines work, so it can be a really great value for people who are intimidated by gyms."
Visiting a gym also helps you get a sense of its vibe or atmosphere to make sure it's a good fit for you. For example, some gyms attract hardcore weightlifters, which may be intimidating for someone new to working out or just interested in general fitness.
NeSmith also recommends touring a gym during its prime time, such as Monday at 8 a.m. or 5 p.m. "Just to see how crazy it could be," he explained. "See if you're going to have enough space. Or if you're someone who really doesn't like large crowds and you need to work out at a peak time, you want to make sure the environment is conducive to your goals."
As with any service or establishment, you'll get the best sense of what a gym is like by talking to people who use it. Get gym recommendations from your friends, and ask what they like and don't like about their gym. You can also check out online reviews for gyms in your area to see how paying members feel about them.
Q. What features should I look for in a gym if I have health issues or am recovering from a condition?
A. If you've gotten your doctor's clearance to resume exercise after a medical issue, NeSmith stresses the importance of choosing a gym with a staff trained in CPR and an automated external defibrillator on the premises. "Most, by law, should have an AED," NeSmith said.
Q. What type of gym is best for an experienced gymgoer?
A. If you're a hardcore gym enthusiast with a high fitness level, NeSmith said, you may prefer a smaller, niche personal training studio. It won't have the same amenities as larger chain gyms, but you'll get detailed, advanced personal training.
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Master Lock ProSeries Resettable Combination Lock
You can secure your belongings in the gym locker room with this industrial-strength combination lock. It features easy-to-read numbers and a tamper-proof design that can give you peace of mind when working out.
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Workout Log Personalized Training Diary
This workout journal makes it easy to set fitness goals and keep track of your progress at the gym. It provides space to record your reps, sets, weight, tempo and cardio, as well as your body weight and measurements.
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Jennifer Blair writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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