They say that finding the right gym is essential when it comes to establishing a regular exercise routine. This applies particularly to fitness newbies, especially the ones lacking in (a little!) motivation. After all, there’s nothing that gets you moving faster that having spent money on an expensive gym membership, right?
Still, we get that it is easier said that done. Finding the right gym is the equivalent of what you see in Goldilocks and Three Bears — you need one that fits you just right for you to want to go back to it regularly.
Stumped as to how to do that? Luckily for you, Avenue One is here to help you out of this conundrum. Check out our list of 8 best tips for finding a gym that you’re ready to commit to.
Seriously, your wallet (and health!) is guaranteed to thank you for it.
1. Location is key
Location is everything when it comes to picking the right gym to commit to. It may sound trivial, but what are the odds of you heading down to the gym regularly if your commute is an hour long each time?
It’s best if you’re able to nail down how and when you’ll be making your way down to the gym. This way, you’ll be able to plan if your gym should be closer to your workplace, your home, or wherever is more convenient for your schedule. The easier it is for you to go down to the gym, the less likely you’ll feel inclined to skip out on it.
2. Do judge a book by its cover
One of the best tips for finding a gym you’re ready to commit to? By going down and taking a look at it for yourself, of course. In most cases, you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but this definitely doesn’t apply to picking out gyms.
Take note of the cleanliness, the equipment, as well as the staff working at the gym. Is it an environment you can see yourself in? Can you foresee yourself coming here regularly? If there are any glaring issues you can’t see past (such as it being too crowded or noisy), then it’s probably best you give it a miss. After all, you wouldn’t want to be able to use it as an excuse to not show up, right?
3. Sign up for apps such as Guavapass
Still completely clueless as to what gyms are suitable for you? Well, another solution is to sign up for apps such as GuavaPass.
An all-access app that allows you to search, book, and enjoy unlimited fitness classes in a variety of gyms, you’ll be able to try out a diverse range of workouts until you find one that works for you. With everything from yoga to indoor cycling classes available, you’ll be totally spoilt for choice! And also (hopefully) one step closer to finding your dream gym.
Raring to sign up? Well, this should just sweeten the deal for you. Sign up for classes at a discounted rate with a coupon code — courtesy of our sister magazine, Daily Vanity!
If you’re a first time user, simply key in DAILYV10OFF to enjoy this promotion. Valid until 31 October 2019. Sign up here.
4. See if they offer trial packages
A gym that offers a wide variety of classes as well as trial packages is definitely a keeper! A sound strategy is to pick out a few classes that sound interesting to you, head down for the trial, and try to visualise and see if you can see yourself coming back regularly.
The fact that it’s a trial package also lessens the sting from your wallet (most of them are free), and gives you the freedom to shop around until you find a gym you’re ready to commit to. Sounds like a solid plan!
5. Check out their social media
Because who isn’t on social media in this day and age, right? Snoop around on your potential gym’s social media accounts so you have a better idea of what their culture is like over there. You’ll want one that fits your lifestyle, goals, and aims.
It’s like this: if you’re more into calmed, relaxed yoga sessions as opposed to kickboxing, make sure not to go to a gym that specialises in kickboxing, and vice versa! The environment (and the people within it!) are very important factors when it comes to committing to a gym for long-term. Trust us, this is probably one of the best tips for finding a gym that you’re ready to commit to.
6. Compare prices with nearby gyms
Try to find one that works with your budget, but also note that sometimes the cheaper option may not be the best one. There are times when going for a more pricey one may actually work out for you in the long run.
The reason for that? Accountability. The more money you’ve invested in said gym membership, the more likely you are to show up so you wouldn’t feel as if you’ve wasted your money.
In fact, springing for certain classes or paid programmes is a even better way to stay accountable and consistent when it comes to your exercise routine. After all, there’s nothing quite like a disappointed (and or motivational) gym instructor to keep you coming back for more, right?
7. Make sure there is a good mix of equipment
Not really into any fitness classes? Well, if you’re more into solitary workouts of your own choosing, be sure to take note of the variety of gym equipment available.
A sign of a quality gym is one that comes with a diverse range of equipment and machines to pick from, preferably from different brands that specialises in said equipment.
According to a fitness industry consultant, this is a sure-fire way to tell if the gym cares about their users having the best possible experience or not. Also check to see if the machines are clean, if they appear weathered or worn, or if they should be due for an upgrade.
Trust us, small factors like these can truly make or break your commitment to your gym in the long run.
8. Double check the contract
Did you know that there were up to 90% of complaints about gym memberships reported in fitness clubs by the time 2008 came around? Yup, signing up for a gym membership is no monkey business, so make sure to check and double-check that contract before signing it.
Here are good tips to employ once you’ve decided to sign your name on the dotted line:
- Make sure to get all verbal promises by the gym staff in writing.
- If you sign up for a contract that automatically charges your credit card each month, read and re-through the contract again to ensure that you won’t be charged additional fees for doing so.
- Read through the fine print and take note of what happens if the gym goes out of business.
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