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Fit Factor: Finding the right gym
Posted on Jan 4th 2008 6:00AM by Martha EdwardsHave you resolved to get fit in 2008? Good -- you've come to the right place. Chances are, I'm a lot like you -- a couple of years ago, my biggest source of exercise was walking to the store to get a slushie. I've never been overweight but I'd like to be toned and fit. Being out of shape is kind of a drag, you know? So in early 2007, I signed up at a gym near my house, picked up a schedule of their drop-in classes and I've never felt better.
For many people, working out at home or in the outdoors is the way to go -- but for the majority of us, we need a structured environment like a gym to work out in. But the gym you choose can make a big difference in your results. Here are some tips for picking the right place:
Location. I used to be a member of a gym that was a 20-minute drive from my house through traffic that could e atrocious depending on the time of day. Now I belong to a gym that is mere minutes from where I live. The result? I go to this gym much more than I did the old one. When you have close by, it makes it that much easier to convince yourself to go. When the commute to the gym is long, the process of working out becomes a long ordeal, and that's the last thing you need.
Equipment. When you workout, it's best to have a balance between cardio and weights, but chances are, you'll favour one or the other, and you'll spend more time on the one you enjoy. Me, I'm a cardio junky, so I love having lots of treadmills and elliptical trainers available, and I hate waiting or signing up to work out. But I balance it out with weight lifting, so I like my gyms to have a weight room that is easy to navigate. Another thing to notice: Is the gym equipment fairly new?
Classes. I love mixing up my routine with a variety of drop-in classes--and yoga classes are a must. But a mix of classes is useless if they're always full, so ask about that too.
Amenities. Is there lots of free parking? A gym I belonged to was across the street from my city's largest concert venue and hockey arena, so when there was something on, it was impossible to find a space. Other things to check for: How are the locker rooms? Do they provide towels? Is there a day-care? A hot tub for a post-workout dip? If you like to read magazines while you're on the treadmill, do they have a good selection? Are the TVs?
Staff. Are the staff friendly and helpful? Does the gym have a selection of personal trainers to show you the ropes?
Most gyms will let you try out the facilities before you buy a membership, so if in doubt, do that. And don't be afraid to ask for a better deal -- chances are, they have some sort of special they can offer you.
Want more great tips? Check out this article.
For many people, working out at home or in the outdoors is the way to go -- but for the majority of us, we need a structured environment like a gym to work out in. But the gym you choose can make a big difference in your results. Here are some tips for picking the right place:
Location. I used to be a member of a gym that was a 20-minute drive from my house through traffic that could e atrocious depending on the time of day. Now I belong to a gym that is mere minutes from where I live. The result? I go to this gym much more than I did the old one. When you have close by, it makes it that much easier to convince yourself to go. When the commute to the gym is long, the process of working out becomes a long ordeal, and that's the last thing you need.
Equipment. When you workout, it's best to have a balance between cardio and weights, but chances are, you'll favour one or the other, and you'll spend more time on the one you enjoy. Me, I'm a cardio junky, so I love having lots of treadmills and elliptical trainers available, and I hate waiting or signing up to work out. But I balance it out with weight lifting, so I like my gyms to have a weight room that is easy to navigate. Another thing to notice: Is the gym equipment fairly new?
Classes. I love mixing up my routine with a variety of drop-in classes--and yoga classes are a must. But a mix of classes is useless if they're always full, so ask about that too.
Amenities. Is there lots of free parking? A gym I belonged to was across the street from my city's largest concert venue and hockey arena, so when there was something on, it was impossible to find a space. Other things to check for: How are the locker rooms? Do they provide towels? Is there a day-care? A hot tub for a post-workout dip? If you like to read magazines while you're on the treadmill, do they have a good selection? Are the TVs?
Staff. Are the staff friendly and helpful? Does the gym have a selection of personal trainers to show you the ropes?
Most gyms will let you try out the facilities before you buy a membership, so if in doubt, do that. And don't be afraid to ask for a better deal -- chances are, they have some sort of special they can offer you.
Want more great tips? Check out this article.
