So you’ve decided you want to join a gym. Ā That’s great! Ā While there are plenty of at home workouts and you don’t necessarily need to be a member of a gym to get amazing results, the gym may be the perfect place for you. Ā Gyms offer equipment, classes, personal trainers and other amenities that may help you reach your goals. Ā But if you are looking to join a gym in an area where many options are available, you may have trouble deciding which one to choose.
Here are a few tips to help you weigh your options and choose the right gym for your needs:
1. Ā Cost. Ā Membership costs can vary widely from gym to gym. Ā In my area, monthly memberships range from $9 to $85 a month. Ā That’s a pretty wide range! Ā Depending what amenities you are willing to pay for will determine what you get. Ā I belong to a basic, no-frills gym and pay $9 a month. Ā They have all the basic equipment and plenty of it and offer several group exercise classes. Ā Because I only use the gym to supplement my running and at home workouts, this is perfect for me. Ā More expensive gyms offer towel service and child care. Ā I’m willing to bring my own towel and don’t need child care so this isn’t important to me. Ā Some gyms have more amenities such as hot tubs, saunas, pools, basketball courts, or raquetball courts. Ā While these amenities are really nice, decide if you will really use these. Ā If not, there is no reason to pay for them. Ā
2. Ā Contracts. Ā Be sure to evaluate what you would be committing to. Ā Many gyms will want you to commit to a year contract for a better price. Ā Because you never know what life may throw your way, carefully consider if you will really use the gym throughout the year. Ā If you aren’t sure, a month-to-month arrangement will be a better deal for you. Ā If you are being pressured to a long-term contract, you may want to consider moving on. Ā This should be your decision.
3. Ā Visit the gym during a busy time. Ā Typically, after work hours are busy at the gym. Ā By visiting during peak times, you will be able to see the availability of equipment and the type of people that are at the gym. Ā If no equipment is available, this will likely be an issue you encounter again and again. Ā You’ll also want to take notice of the people in the gym. Ā Are they people you would feel comfortable working out with? Ā I personally prefer to work out with “regular” people – those trying to stay fit or lose weight. Ā I have no interest in working out with the muscle-y men that are lifting heavy weights and looking at themselves in the mirror.
4. Ā Accessibility and hours. Ā Another important item to consider is the hours of operation and how accessible the facility is. Ā If you want to work out at 3 AM, you will likely want to find a gym near your house that is open 24 hours a day. Ā If the gym is too far or too inconvenient to get to, you probably won’t go as often as you intend.
In addition to these things to consider, there is one thing you need to avoid when joining a gym. Ā And that’s a gym that isn’t clean and has poorly maintained equipment. Ā If equipment is not properly maintained, it could lead to injury. Ā And while gyms are somewhat dirty by nature because people go there to sweat, the gym should be regularly cleaning the equipment, the floors, and the entire facility. Ā If the gym is dingy or dirty, it’s a good idea to go elsewhere.
Do you belong to a gym? Ā What is your most important consideration when choosing a gym?
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
October 6, 2014 at 5:22 amI actually belong to two gyms and I train in martial arts at a separate dojo. I pay a lot to workout lol!
Janel (A Mom's Take) says
October 6, 2014 at 10:29 amWe don’t belong to a gym, but we did when we lived right in the same parking lot as one. We lived in town houses and shared the parking lot with the gym, plus they had a huge pool for the boys. It’s just too far to travel now and we probably would end up waisting our money.
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Christina says
October 6, 2014 at 11:56 amThe people at the gym are very important to consider! I do not need to be working out next to a perfect looking Barbie doll in a hot pink thong leotard on the treadmill with full makeup done and not even breaking a sweat.
fancygrlnancy (Nancy Partin) says
October 6, 2014 at 1:56 pmI used to have a gym membership and loved going to work out. After having kids I just don’t have the time. THey are my gym. But I have thought about joining one again.
Ben @ Cheap is the New Classy says
October 6, 2014 at 2:15 pmGreat tips. I never EVER work out at a dirty gym. There’s way too much opportunity for me to get sick.
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Jen says
October 6, 2014 at 3:07 pmThese are all such important things to consider when looking at gyms. It seems there are so many to choose from so it is good to be able to narrow them down with this criteria.
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Pam says
October 6, 2014 at 3:14 pmFinding the right gym can definitely be a struggle! These are all great tips, especially visiting during peak hours. We neglected to do that with our first gym membership and the gym was always too packed when we made it up there.
Dawn says
October 6, 2014 at 4:02 pmI had a gym membership, but I hardly ever went so I cancelled it. I’m just way too busy to commit to a membership.
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Rachelle J says
October 6, 2014 at 4:20 pmI don’t have a gym membership because the only gym that offers childcare around me is the Y and they want $98 a month for my family and thats just not something I can afford. What I can afford is a yoga mat and free workout routines on youtube, which is what I use š
Lisa Bristol says
October 6, 2014 at 6:29 pmI do not belong to a gym. I think location and cost would be important factors to my decision.
Mickey says
October 6, 2014 at 6:58 pmGreat tips! We have an amazing gym but it’s a bit of a drive. I wish we’d reconsidered the distance from our house.
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Shell says
October 6, 2014 at 6:58 pmI like ones where there isn’t a contract. That helps a lot!
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Veronica says
October 6, 2014 at 8:23 pmThe cost of gyms add up, especially when they want you to do a contract. I usually just work out at home
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Felicia says
October 6, 2014 at 9:39 pmThese are great tips. We are not members of a gym, but I’d love to join again.
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kristin says
October 6, 2014 at 9:42 pmGreat list. I love my gym and the girls im stating to get to know.
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Beth@FrugalFroggie says
October 6, 2014 at 10:02 pmWe joined a gym once. We decided to buy home equipment. It was a better option for us. But I miss swimming laps in a swimming pool.
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Katrina says
October 6, 2014 at 10:03 pmI have a gym membership that I bought and used maybe a handful of times, I need to get my but back in gear
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Theresa says
October 6, 2014 at 10:46 pmI belong to a gym that is actually a family community center. What attracted me to it was the free 2 hours of babysitting I get when I work out.
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Christie says
October 7, 2014 at 4:47 amI’ve heard horror stories of gym equipment being covered in grossness. Definitely something to keep in mind
Amanda says
October 7, 2014 at 5:19 amI joined a gym recently. It’s more expensive than I would like to pay, but there is an indoor pool with a water slide. So I try to think of it as an entertainment for the kids during the winter too. I just wish we were allowed guest passes.
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Rosey says
October 7, 2014 at 8:00 amI’ve belonged to a gym w/a friend membership (discount for two of you), that was fun. And I’ve been a single owner too (not as fun). I haven’t joined one up north though, since we moved. It’s just too far to drive to get to one (esp. in the winter) so I work out at home. I do miss the gym though.
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Jeanine says
October 7, 2014 at 9:30 amI need to join a gym! I’ve always been hesitant so thanks
For the tips!
Jessica (Savory Experiments) says
October 7, 2014 at 9:48 amWe do belong to a gym. My most important feature was group classes, hours and an outdoor pool.
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Laura says
October 7, 2014 at 9:51 amThese are fantastic tips. I never thought to visit during peak hours to check out the clientele and the availability of equipment. Thanks!
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Billie says
October 7, 2014 at 11:17 amI don’t belong to a gym, partly due to the cost and mostly because it’s hard for me to get out. These are great tips!
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Ann Bacciaglia says
October 7, 2014 at 12:17 pmThese are all great things to look at when picking out your gym. I do not have a gym membership but i think location and cost would be on the top of my list.
Danielle @ We Have It All says
October 7, 2014 at 12:29 pmI’ve belonged to a LOT of gyms over the years and I think these are really great tips! Right now I belong to one that is 24 hours and comes at a great price – 5 of us cost $80 per month… plus no contract. It’s great.
Chrystal @ YUM eating says
October 7, 2014 at 1:12 pmBecause of where I live there are only a few gyms within a decent drive time distance. If I have to drive too far it’s just not cost effective for me to join since most of the ones around here all cost about the same for a family membership.
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Krystal's Kitsch says
October 7, 2014 at 1:52 pmI just really can’t handle a gym membership. I always forget to pay or skip using it!
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Megan @ C'mon Get Crafty says
October 7, 2014 at 2:23 pmI like how a lot of gyms have started doing a month to month deal – makes me much more willing to sign up!
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Brett says
October 7, 2014 at 6:07 pmGreat tips!
We’ve been tossing the idea around some whether to join up.
Jenn says
October 7, 2014 at 6:08 pmWe joined one awhile back paid for the year and rarely have the time to go. I like the month to month options!
Donna says
October 7, 2014 at 8:17 pmI belonged to a gym for almost 5 years… the first 2 years I went all the time, then I got pregnant, and rarely went the 3rd year, and the 4th and 5th year was even less. It was such a waste of money for me. Now I just workout at home or go hiking and walking with friends and family.
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Carly Anderson says
October 7, 2014 at 8:42 pmThese are some great things to look for when selecting a gym. Unfortunately I joined a gym last year that I ended up no feeling comfortable in.
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Camesha | Mama Motivator says
October 7, 2014 at 10:03 pmThese are some great tips. There are lots of things to consider when joining a gym.
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Shannon Gosney says
October 8, 2014 at 1:12 pmThese are some great tips for joining a gym. I definitely agree to avoid a gym that’s dirty and doesn’t have maintained equipment.
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Liz Mays says
October 8, 2014 at 10:58 pmI’m not a gym person, but if I were to take the leap, I would definitely need a month to month situation. That would be my first consideration.
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Mary O'Malley says
October 8, 2014 at 11:21 pmI did join a gym over a year ago but I never went to it. Now I’m working on myself by just walking to work and dancing whenever I get a chance.
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Amanda says
October 9, 2014 at 8:46 amI picked my gym because it was close and they had a good day care! Since my kids are little, the day care is key!
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Melissa @ This Girl's Life Blog says
October 10, 2014 at 10:02 amI don’t belong to a gym now but I use to have a membership at the Y. I picked it because it also had kid friendly activities outside of the gym part for me.
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