Facts to consider when choosing a gym

When it comes to choosing a gym, how do you know where to begin? There are so many factors that play into it. Do you want a gym that is close to your work, so you can get a workout in before you hit the office? 

Would you rather there be one close to home? Distance is a huge factor. How far are you willing to drive? Do you want an all unisex or all men's or woman's gym? Do you prefer a small select group that is tiny and intimate, or a huge chain that has tons of energy and people? 

First you have to figure out what type of gym is right for me? Once you answer this, make sure that the gym you choose is convenient enough to where you live or work. No matter how much you love your gym, if it is a huge pain to get there every day, you won't be going as often as you should. Keep that in mind when making your decision. 

 

 Secondly, it is essential that the location of your gym is convenient or you are going to fall off the bandwagon before you know it.

After a long day of work you are not going to want to spend a good hour fighting traffic, another hour working out and then another half an hour driving home. You wouldn't get back until 10 at night! Instead, choose a gym that is on your way home. You will be much less likely to skip it and will feel guilty if you just drive by. 

Looking at the type and quality of the equipment offered in the gym is another thing to consider. If you find yourself doing a lot of cardio training as part of your workouts you will want to be sure there are ample machines available. Nothing is more frustrating than getting to the gym after work to find out that there is not a single machine in sight available for you to use.

Ask if they offer a sign-up list where you can write your name and time down to reserve a machine. This is a great solution that many gyms have now come up with to make sure their members can get their workouts in.

 Similarly with weight training, if you do more free weights than machines check out how many dumbbells they have of each weight. If you are looking for a pair of 20 pounders and they only have one set, you could be waiting a while since this is a common weight that people will use. 

I will discuss more factors in my next post