Want to start working out, but not sure how to find a good gym? I’ve been a gym goer for years. Here’s my top tips:
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Just go and join one
Remember that if you’re not sure between a few, it’s better just to get signed up and start using it. Otherwise it’s been 3 months of looking and you’re still not doing much exercise. I’ve spent ages before deciding or doing the workout. I remember many years ago when I was thinking about joining a gym. I wasn’t sure which one, how much I wanted to pay or how far I was willing to travel. But I’d sure look into it…
Then, I’ve actually done it. I did a self-guided tour of some local gyms, went online, paid the bill and then became an actual official gym member. It felt very real when I got the ‘Welcome to Welcome Gym’ email. But it will feel even more real when I actually go and, you know, work out.
Deciding to join the gym and actually joining the gym are different things. One requires movement, action. Think about it all you like, weigh up the pros and cons, google the reviews. Nike’s advice is infamous for a reason, just do it!
2. How much does this gym cost?
The average gym member pays approximately £32 every month. It’s a lot of money, which is why you do need that bite size of time to realistically consider your options. Remember that pros and cons list? Grab a pen and paper, make an Excel spreadsheet. However works for you. So, what’s worth considering?
At the end of the day, you’re paying to be allowed to use machines. Don’t be fooled and reigned in to sky high prices by the adverts, because lots of the machines in most gyms, you’ll find, are very very similar.
Of course it depends on your income, but you gotta decide how high-tech you want your machines. When I first started going to the gym in my teenage years, I wanted functional and affordable, so anything up to £20 or $25 ticked that box. Now, I’m 28 and I prefer to go to a gym with different classes. I love strength training in the gym but I also enjoy pilates to support my running, for example. And that now costs me £46 a month.
3. Where’s the gym based?
Location, location, location. It’s almost as important as the price. There’s no sense in opting for the cheapest gym you can find, only to have to spend £10 on gas because it’s a million miles to access it. Think realistically here.
- Would you go after or before work, college, or school? And what about weekends?
- Is it easy to drive to?
- What are the bus routes like?
- Does it have parking, and is it free?
In most towns and cities, you should be able to find a few gyms that are near your work or education place or if you’re lucky, your home.
4. Does it have gym classes, and do you want those?
Would you want to be able to book onto a class any time you want? Say pilates, yoga classes, zumba, guided meditation, you name it.
It entirely depends on what you want, as an individual with a mindset to work out in a certain way. If you’re going to lose motivation by relying on yourself to think of exercise routines, your best bet is to sign up to some exercise classes.
5. How do you feel about the actual gym?
Go and look around the gym space. Do and do a tour of the gym you’re thinking about joining. Most gyms will happily do one if you just turn up.
- Does it have enough machines?
- How busy is it?
- What’s the vibe like, would you want to work out here?
- Does it have security lockers for your gym kit, and do you need to pay for a locker key?
- Are you okay with how clean (or not!) the changing rooms are?
- How do you generally feel about the facilities?
Ask the staff how busy it usually gets when you’re likely to go. Imagine signing up, turning up and then not being able to get on any machines. Check before you buy! Here’s a picture of the gym layout in the handout I got given, when I first joined my gym many years ago.
6. When would you go?
I know this seems something you don’t need to consider. But different gyms really vary their opening times and they have different types of memberships that include peak and off-peak. Do a quick Google search to see their busiest periods and, more importantly, their opening times.
- Early birds: If you’re an early bird who really loves catching the worm, a gym like Pure Gym is your go to fitness centre. It’s open 24 hours!
- Night owls: Gyms like Welcome Gym that open until 10pm or after are good for people who perform their best at night.
You’re good to go
You’ve found the perfect gym, great news! Now, remember that all progress takes time, slow progress is better than no progress and finally, rest days are just as important as workout days.
