First, some of the reasons why gym membership can be a major advantage for serious exercisers: Increased physical activity is one way for just about everyone to improve the quality of their life! Being active is a good lifestyle, and benefits health, weight management and self confidence! The best approach to evaluating gym membership for health, weight loss or physical development is to ask 'How can gym membership help me?' Having identified that, you then select the best gym for you.
Ask yourself these questions: Do you want personal training and a hands on approach? Do you want to, and know enough to do it (use the equipment such as elliptical machines and weights) alone, only asking the occasional question of a qualified trainer? Would you prefer to be left totally alone? Want help with taking, recording and explaining of body measurements such as fat to muscle ratios? Are group classes and events an incentive for you? Are you more likely to continue if surrounded by others also exercising? Is it a social environment or exercise friends you are looking for? What other alternatives are there? Classes can be done often without a gym membership, and other fitness or weight loss classes are normally available outside gyms.
Exercise equipment for the home of just about every variety is available for purchase or lease.
Exercise DVD's and Wii Fit provide excellent guided programs.
Being outside can add another dimension of pleasure to walking, running, rowing! Are you more likely to do it using a special place dedicated to the purpose? Is it convenient- local, within walking distance, on the way home from work? Does it have exchange options if your location changes? Do the times suit you? Are there like minded people also using the facilities e.
g.
weight loss seekers, body builders, runners, your age, sex? Are the surroundings attractive to you? Enough to encourage a real exercise program with lots of participation over time, going several times a week? Do you want to sign up to a gym and then sit back waiting for the weight loss or the muscles to build without putting extra effort or time into exercise? (In case you didn't guess this is a deal breaker- gym is not for you!) Is the money or time commitment a concern? Are you likely to find the cost an incentive to keep going or an easy excuse to stop? Since this is hopefully a long term relationship is it a stable business? One which makes money is more likely to stay in business than one just getting by.
Can you get a short term trial? Does it try to cater to needs such as membership suspension for holidays or other away times? What are the conditions for leaving early? The state of the gym itself should appeal but is very much an individual attraction- from the bare bones to plush models.
The type of equipment and its age and condition again depends upon your requirements.
State of the art may be overkill for you or you're a tech head who likes all the latest gadgets.
To find the best gym for you, check out the facilities, talk to staff, and members if you can, if others have avoided it find out why...
but remember this person may reject it for the very reason you like it, or vice versa! Some Extra Tips: If you are using pedometer steps for weight loss this is still a great asset at the gym.
It is one way of knowing if you have done enough exercise for weight loss if you are working alone i.
e.
without a personal trainer or exercise class.
Also remember that you may not be able to use all the gym' facilities straight away.
This is OK.
Getting to know it slowly may create the opportunity to find the best machines, techniques and teachers for you.