How to Find Your Perfect Gym
I always get made fun of when I tell my friends I’m in the middle of the very difficult decision of joining a new gym. But hey — it’s a big deal! Think about the amount of time per week you spend in the gym (or, would want to spend in the gym). Don’t you want to spend that time in an environment that’s most conducive to you, your training, and your underlying goals? Even if you’re not the biggest fan of working out (yet!), joining a new gym could be the motivation you need to ignite your fire.
When it comes to gyms, I’m known to be a little picky. I’ve been to my fair share of all different types: commercial, luxury, college, hotel, apartment, powerlifting, CrossFit, etc. Although I can usually make any work, especially if it’s only for a couple of days, I have very certain criteria that I look for in my perfect gym.
Here are some general guidelines on finding a gym that would work best for you!
Align With Your Goals
Everyone has their certain set of non-negotiables when it comes to gym equipment. If you already have some kind of idea of what you enjoy doing in the gym, then recognizing these should be relatively common sense. For example — if you squat, then you probably should find a gym with at least one squat rack. Simple. Similarly, if you know you’ll be more inclined to do a particular exercise (e.g. cardio) with a particular piece of equipment (e.g. stairmaster), then try to prioritize finding a gym with those specific machines. Ensure that the gym will have equipment that you actually use or would like to learn how to use. Of course, you’ll have to accept the possibility that you may have to compromise and make the best out of a situation (e.g. substituting the stairmaster with a treadmill at the highest incline). But you should never have to give up your non-negotiables.
If you’re training for a specific sport, look into memberships at gyms geared specifically to that style of training. Even if you’re not, don’t be afraid to check out these “niche” type of gyms! Even though I don’t always engage in one specific training style, I’ve loved visiting CrossFit, powerlifting, and even rock climbing(!) gyms.
Just starting out at the gym and don’t even know what to look for? As a baseline, I recommend finding a gym that has:
Cardio equipment
Squat racks
Benches
Designated warm-up and stretch area
Variety of dumbbells (and multiple sets)
Bumper plates
Kettlebells
Cheaper is Not Better
Okay, let me get some things clear first: I don’t know your financial situation and am by no means qualified to give financial advice, but I am all for saving money where you can. However, your money should hold VALUE.
I’m going to give the real-life example of my parents, since I have been having this argument with them for years. They each bought a gym membership over 20 years ago (fact check: 30 YEARS AGO).
$200 joining fee and $60 per year? Amazing deal. But five years later, they moved an hour away from said gym and kept their membership in the hope that a club would open up close to where they currently live. They have maybe stepped foot in a gym a grand total of two times over the last 25 years. That’s around $1,500 each that they essentially threw away!
Gym memberships and fitness classes are an investment. They’re not always cheap, but if you prioritize your health and budget out a certain amount for a gym that you will actually get use out of, it’s worth it. In fact, paying often serves as an incentive to actually drag your butt there. Skip a boxing class I already spent $40 on? Yeah right!
I’m by no means justifying shelling out half your paycheck in monthly gym fees, but I do think you can find a gym that’ll work for your needs within your means. And hey, maybe this’ll be the motivation you need to eat out a little less and cook more — those are some wallet AND weight wins!
Choose Convenience
Time is a limited commodity for all of us. Do your schedule a favor and find a gym that is easily commutable from your home, work, or school. Staying inline with my parents’ gym example, what are the chances you will actually take the time to go to a gym that is an hour away from you? If you’re someone who finds it difficult to get off your couch once you get home from work (*raises hand*), then find a gym close to your office. If you’re someone who takes a while to get ready and would rather shower in the comfort of your own home, find a gym closer to home. Better yet: some gyms will offer great deals if you sign up for their all-location membership, and it gives you the flexibility to have gym access by work, by home, and even when you’re traveling!
Good Vibes
Having a good gym environment is arguably one of the most important things I look for when searching for a new gym. Gyms will usually offer a free trial membership for a day, sometimes even a week. Take advantage of this! I’ve gone full months on free passes alone. Not only do you save some money, but you get the opportunity to test different gyms out before committing to a plan. When “gym-shopping”, visit during times you plan on actually going — peak times are usually before or after the typical 9-5 work day, so you can see if it gets abhorrently crowded. Another key thing to notice is the culture. Scope out whether the other gym-goers, trainers, and staff are highly-motivated and energized. You are a product of your surroundings, and the setting you’re in definitely plays an influence on whether you’ll feel comfortable and push yourself.