I have always viewed fall as the real new year. Summer vacations are over, schools back in session and this is the perfect time to start new health habits. For some, that may look like joining a gym. Here are some suggestions to help you find the gym that’s right for you.

Location

Is the gym close to your work or home? Being close to a gym makes it easier for you to pop into and out of for a quick workout. It’s much easier to talk yourself out of going to the gym if you have to drive 15 minutes or longer to get to your gym.

Hours

Does the gym have early morning or late evening hours? Is it open on the weekends? Find a gym that works best for your schedule. Check it out during busy times - does it feel crowded? Ask when the busiest times are.

Gym Culture

Take a tour before joining the gym to see what the gym culture is all about. Better yet, see if you can get a free day or week pass to the gym so you can get a feel for the gym and the people that go there. It’s important that you find a gym that feels inviting and comfortable for you.

Staff

What are the qualifications of the people who work there? Find out how many people are specifically trained to be coaching and ask what their qualifications are. Does coaching come as part of your membership or do you have to hire somebody?

Cleanliness

Gym hygiene should be a top priority for any gym. Check out the bathrooms, are the shower floors clean? How old are the shower curtains? Is there dust underneath the lockers or benches? Check out the equipment, is there an organized place to stack weights or all they just piled up on the floor? Is there dust under machines or in the corners? Does the gym offer wipes or spray bottles for people to use after finishing using equipment?

Sign up sheets

Is there a time limit on cardio machines? Time limits can help decrease waiting time for a machine, but if you prefer running for an hour at a time, they may be prohibitive for you. Check to see what the variety of machines offered is like. Also, keep an eye out for out of order signs, if you notice a lot that could be a concern.

Classes

Is there a variety of class types offered? Some people report getting more out of their gym membership by taking classes. Are classes being offered at various times during the day? Are the classes that you want offered at a time that works for you? What are the qualifications of the instructors teaching the classes? How long has that instructor been teaching for? Is there sign up sheets for classes? Inquire about how often the classes change and how often the instructors change.

Fees

Find a gym that fits into your budget. What is included with your gym membership? Are there any hidden costs? Do they have any special offers or bonuses for signing up during a certain time of year? Read the small print on special offers, can you cancel your membership at any time or does the contract run for a specific amount of time? A good way to look at gym fees is to take your monthly fee and divide it by the number of days that you go to the gym, each visit to the gym brings the cost per visit down!

Finding the right gym is like finding the perfect pair of shoes….. There are many to choose from, but they’re is one that’s just right for you!

Not into the gym? Check out this post on what to do if you can’t get 10,000 steps in a day by clicking HERE