Gym memberships can be a great way to commit to a workout, but it can be challenging to determine which gym is right for you. Here are a few things to keep in mind while on the search for the perfect place.
Price
The price of a gym membership varies widely. Depending on what the gym offers, it can be as low as $10 or as much as $100 or more per month. Decide how often you want to work out and whether you’re going to want guidance the whole way. Also, consider paying annually, as it will usually result in a discount. Some gym memberships come with trainers that will work you, while others only offer the use of the equipment. You can always look for free options first, like the gym your apartment or condo has on offer and if you live in the suburbs, check if your neighborhood has a clubhouse with gym equipment!
Cleanliness
You want your chosen gym to be regularly sanitized. These are spaces that see hundreds of people per day walk in the doors, and each piece of equipment is hands or feet on. All that sweat has to go somewhere. Don’t choose a gym without being inside the space first. Ask questions about how often they clean the machines and showers. It will be obvious as soon as you walk in if they’re a neat and orderly business or if they lack in the sanitation department.
Amenities
If part of your workout will include swimming, you’ll want to choose a gym with a pool, so you aren’t paying a separate membership for pool access. You’ll also want to know whether you can take a quick shower after your workout if you plan to head directly to work. Being knowledgeable about which amenities are offered by the gyms on your list can go a long way towards helping you pare it down.
Classes
Lots of gyms offer classes such as yoga and Zumba- a dance class that gets you swaying to the beat and your heart pumping. Others offer stationary cycling classes in an upbeat ambiance. Working out in a group setting with an instructor on set days of the week can go a long way towards helping you keep yourself accountable. These classes are often available for a fee without a gym membership, but many gyms offer a set amount of classes with their package. If you are running on one of their treadmills in the mornings before work, you might as well reap all the benefits of your membership!
Regardless of what gym you choose, be sure to look at the paperwork you sign. Some gyms require autopay, a debit from your account that can be hard to stop without canceling the card itself. Be clear on what their payment schedule is and whether they have an easy way to cancel.
