Not all gyms are created equal. There are gyms that will make it easier for you to reach your fitness goals and that will have an all-around positive impact on your life and well-being, and then there are gyms that, well, won’t.
It’s especially important to choose the right gym when you’re first undertaking a fitness journey. At that point, it’s vital to have a gym that shows you the best that gyms can provide. Without it, you might end up having a bad impression of gyms, which in turn might put you off fitness for life — and given the long-term implications of that decision, that’s not a position that you’ll want to be in.
With that in mind, we thought it would be useful to put together a list of some of the most common mistakes that people make when choosing a gym, which in turn should ensure you make the right decision.
Not Investigating What Equipment It Offers
People seem to assume that all gyms have the same equipment, or even that they’re equally suitable for everyone. That’s not the case. Some gyms are specifically aimed at people who want to bulk up, which makes them unsuitable for people who are looking for cardio-based equipment and activities. In other gyms, the opposite gyms. The best gyms offer a wide range of equipment, including free weights and cardio equipment, as well as group classes.
Paying Over the Odds — Or Committing to a Long-Term Contract
It’s a myth that more expensive = a better experience, and that’s especially true when it comes to gym memberships. Some gyms try to tie their members to an expensive, long-term contract, but that’s for the gym’s benefit, not the members’ benefit. Most people find that it’s better to join an affordable gym, such as Fitness 19, that offers flexible month-to-month memberships rather than long-term contracts. Some expensive gyms can make potential members believe that they’re simply charging the standard rate, but it’s always worth checking other gyms in the area first.
Overlooking Location
The gym’s location can matter more than you might think. You might love your gym, but if it’s a long drive away from your home or office, then it’s unlikely that you’ll go as often as you’d like to. It’s generally recommended to choose a gym that’s located between 10 and 20 minutes drive from your home or the office. That’ll make it easy to go multiple times a week and build consistency.
Skipping a Free Trial
Finally, if the gym offers a free trial, then take it. And in fact, if they don’t offer a free trial, then it might be worth reconsidering whether the gym is right for you (what are they trying to hide?). Spending a couple of hours utilizing a free trial gives you the chance to test the equipment, speak to staff, and check what the atmosphere is like. If everything seems good, then you’ll know that the gym you’ve chosen probably isn’t going to let you down!