Should You Join a Gym or Fitness Studio?
If you’ve decided to step up your routine, here’s what to look for in a place to exercise.
Do you feel like you’re ready to take the next step in your fitness journey and join a gym? It’s probably taken some serious consideration to get to this point, and even if it hasn’t, there’s plenty to think about before dedicating your time and resources to this commitment. Here’s what you need to know.
Ten is the magic number.
“Location is extremely important, and 10 minutes from home is the magic number,” says Sue Marasco, senior vice president of branch operations at the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles. “Plenty of people join facilities farther away, but typically only a small percentage will use their gyms regularly or continue their memberships.” Jim Thomas, president of Fitness Management & Consulting in Dallas, agrees: “The gym location should be convenient, not something you have to go out of you way to get to.” He recommends a gym be within a mile of your home, but no more than three.
Make sure it’s fiscally responsible.
Perhaps you have a place in mind that’s close to home. Next, ask yourself if it fits your budget. What are you willing to spend, and does the membership fee come close to that? Does the gym provide what you’re looking for, such as a great weight room, a variety of group fitness classes, or personal training? “Go in knowing what you want,” advises Thomas. “Talk to the staff and instructors. Do you feel like they’ll keep you motivated and focused on your goals?” Whatever your reason for wanting to join, ask if your potential club offers a free trial and go at a time you would normally work out. This way, you’ll know how busy it is, what parking is like, and the type of members who exercise at the time you’d be there.
You jibe with the vibe.
When you walk in, you should expect a friendly greeting, and all staff with whom you come in contact should be helpful, able, and willing to answer any questions you have about the facility and its services. Marasco says the gym vibe should be one that not only keeps members coming back, but also encourages new membership. “The entire staff should be friendly and welcoming, the facility should be clean, the equipment in good condition, and as much as possible be up to date on current trends in equipment and classes.”