Choosing a gym

I said in my last post that I mainly plan on training at a gym.

Over the years, I have been a member at a number of different gyms, and there are a number of things you should consider before signing up.

1. WILL YOU USE IT?

This is the first, and I think one of the most important points.  There is no point joining a gym if you aren't going to go.  The amount wasted each year on gym memberships is staggering.  (An article in 2005 had the cost of wasted memberships in America as $12 billion dollars - and I don't think it would have gone down since then!) 

2. LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION

Where is the gym located?  The further away it is from you, the less likely you will be to go.  Ideally, it would be close to your home or work.  What is transport like?  When I joined my gym I didn’t have a car.  I won’t have one until June, so I always need to consider how easy the gym is to get to.  The gym I have just joined is accessible by multiple buses, or is a half hour walk away if I want to add to my workout a bit.

3. OPENING HOURS

Like location, how suitable are the gym's opening hours for you?  Most gyms are open long hours during the week, but times on weekends can be quite limited.  If the weekend is going to be big workout days for you, you want to make sure your gym is open! 

4. PRICE

How much is it costing?  A lot of times it may be cheaper to pay for a membership up front rather than on a fortnightly or monthly basis.  But for a lot of people, this may not be realistic.  Look around for deals, most gyms generally have a "sign-up" fee, but in my experience they will always be willing to waive this.  There is a lot of competition for your membership, so don't be afraid to negotiate with the gym.  This also links back to point 1 - how much will you use it?  What will the cost per use be? 

5. TYPE OF MEMBERSHIP

When considering price, think about different types of membership.  If you aren't 100% sure the gym is right for you, maybe you can get a casual pass.  I know some gyms offer 10-visit passes.  The gym I used to belong to had a fitness studio for classes; a cardio/weights area; and a pool.  You could sign up for just one of these if you wanted, rather than having a membership to all three that you may not use.

6. CLASSES

I like doing group exercise classes.  I find they are more fun than normal cardio, and I'm unlikely to leave half way through!  Most gyms offer lots of classes for varying levels of fitness.  Like with opening hours, the times these are offered need to suit you. 

7. FACILITIES AND SERVICES

What is offered in terms of personal training?  (If this is something you are interested in).  What facilities are available in terms of showers / changing areas etc. etc.  I don't think this is as important, but certainly something to consider, particularly if you are going straight from the gym to work.  Do you want the gym to have a swimming pool / sauna etc. etc?

8. READ THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Last, but certainly not least, read the terms of and conditions before you sign up.  Make sure you understand how much it is costing, how long you are signed up for, how easy it is to leave.  (Ideally, you won't want to leave, but still make sure you know you can!)

And on that note, this is a clip I love from Friends which shows the trouble Chandler had in trying to quit a gym membership: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oh8PFs0LTKc