Introduction
Choosing the right gym can make a huge difference in your fitness journey. With so many options available—from big-name chains to local studios—it’s important to know how to choose the best gym for your goals, lifestyle and comfort level. Whether you’re a beginner looking for guidance or a seasoned lifter in search of better equipment, considering factors like location, cost, class offerings and overall vibe can help you make a confident decision. In this guide we’ll break down what to look for so you can find a gym that keeps you motivated and coming back.
There may be many reasons why you need to choose a new gym. Perhaps you have moved location and are starting again. Perhaps you are going to join a gym for the first time ever and are an absolute beginner.
Whatever the reason here are some tips and tricks to consider when choosing a new or different gym.
Do your research
Let your fingers do the walking
Do online research for the options of gyms in your location. Check out the opening hours, the facilities and the reviews. Check if they offer classes, what type of classes and what times they are held. Narrow the list down so that you can compare them.
Consider what is convenient to you
Is the gym location convenient? There is no point joining the most fabulous amazing trendy gym if you have to drive out of your way to attend.
What hours suit you best to attend the gym? If this will be your first time attending a gym then it will be best to go through your weekly schedule and mark off times that will suit you. Things to consider include your working hours; are you dropping or collecting children or family members somewhere; do you have other commitments outside of these times? Are you a morning or evening person? Do you prefer to work out early in the day?
Go Visit
Make sure to go visit the gym. Most gyms will be happy to show you around. However you may need to book and make an appointment first to ensure someone is available.
Get a feel for the place. Trust your gut – it will tell you a lot.
Be sure to visit close to the times you will be attending. For instance if you plan on going in the morning then visit then. Have a chat with the employee or trainer.
Things to Consider during your Visit
First Impressions
- Does the gym feel welcoming?
- Did the staff greet you or is there a general air of discontent?
- Is it secure or can anyone access the workout areas? Is it clean?
Facilities
- Were you shown all areas of the gym?
- Did the employee show you all the equipment and explain how you use it?
- Are the facilities neat and tidy?
- Is the gym spacious?
- Is there a wide variety of machines?
Are there enough machines for the size of the gym? For instance, a medium sized gym should have multiple treadmills to accommodate users, particularly during busy times.
- Is the equipment in good condition? Keep an eye out for ‘Out of Order’ signs.
- Are the gym area and work out areas clean and tidy?
- Do users replace and return the equipment?
- Are there dedicated spaces for working out and for stretching? Are these areas large or small?
Time of your Visit
- Try to visit the gym at the time you hope to attend. Is it busy at that stage?
- If there are others working out will you feel intimated?
- Is there a work-out room or studio you can use alone?
- Is there space for you to use free-weights?
- The atmosphere is important – if you feel uncomfortable or intimidated with the clientele then that may not work.
Gym Membership
Membership Conditions
- Did the staff member or personal trainer answer all your questions about the membership?
- Does the membership include some sessions with a personal trainer?
- Will the personal trainer do an assessment on your ability?
- Will this be reviewed after a period of time.
- Can you get more sessions if you want them?
- Will an exercise plan be provided when you first join?
Membership Fees
- Can you afford the fee?
- Does it compare favourably with other gyms in your area?
- Are payments monthly, quarterly or yearly?
- How much notice do you need to give to get out of the contract? This can be problematic in some gyms – they can make it awkward and difficult to leave.
- What is included in the membership fee? Are classes included?
- Your personal information – where will your bank details be stored when you first join?
- Will it be on a sheet of paper at reception?
- Can your details be accessed by others?
Classes
- Does the gym offer a variety of classes?
- Is the schedule of classes set or does it vary every week?
- Are classes included in the membership price?
- How do you sign up for a class?
- Is there an app?
- Can you cancel a class?
- Is there an additional cost to attend a class?
- Are there classes for beginners, intermediates and advanced and various abilities? Check out the facilities for the classes and have a look at where they are held.
Changing Facilities
- Check out the changing facilities. Can you get changed there before you workout or must you arrive in your workout clothes?
- Are the changing facilities adequate and safe?
- Are there facilities or lockers to store your personal belongings?
- Do you need to bring a coin or a padlock?
- Can you shower after your workout?
- Is there a hairdryer available?
- Again, is the changing room clean and tidy?
Access and Location
- Is there parking available?
- Is the access from the car park to the gym entrance well lit?
- Who can access the gym?
- Is there a ‘swipe-in’ mechanism in operation to only allow members to enter?
- Will you be comfortable walking in and out early in the morning and late at night?
Other Issues to Consider
Teen Gym
- This is a personal one…..I got caught out by not asking. I now know!
- Is there a teen gym? I’ve nothing against this, obviously, it’s just that my first session in a new gym clashed with the teen session. I could have done without it. So now I ask.
- What hours are they teen or child gym sessions? Note them on your schedule and work around them.
Groups or chats
- It can be intimidating when there are groups of men or women acting loud and brash. Do you observe this behaviour?
- Are people hogging the equipment and holding equipment while they are doing a set? Proper gym etiquette is to use the equipment you need, then replace it before you move on to another piece of equipment.
- Every person in the gym has paid their membership. You have as much right as them to be there. No-one should make you feel uncomfortable in the gym. It certainly is not proper to intimidate anyone or make them feel rushed.
- If you do feel bullied or interfered with then speak to a staff member. A proper decent gym will deal with this effectively and correctly.
- It is also proper gym etiquette not to interfere with others when they are working out. No matter if someone is very slow you can’t bustle them out of your way. Most people at the gym will be too busy looking at themselves to worry about looking at you.
Overcome the Feeling of Intimidation
- Remember your age and your ability – and where you are starting from. The muscled people in the gym may have been working out for a long long time. You are starting from a different place.
- You also have to take into account your age and abilities. You may have previous injuries or mobility issues that restrict movement and progress. Be honest and true to yourself.
- All exercises can be scaled, adapted and modified to suit your ability. A personal trainer can help you to find alternative exercises.
Muscle Soreness
- Remember to know the difference between being sore and being in pain. When you are exercising muscles in a new way there is bound to be some soreness. This can be quite pronounced in the day or two following the exercise. This is referred to as DOMS – Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness.
- As you become fitter and more accustomed to the exercises this soreness should lessen. However, if you experience sharp or acute pain – particularly while doing the exercise – then that is not normal. It is not right to continue to work through the pain. You will do more damage to yourself and to the area that is hurt. This could also have an impact on your exercising programs and ambitions in the future.
- Muscle soreness is normal. But being hurt or experiencing pain is not normal.
Conclusion
Take your time before you settle on a new gym. Perhaps you can do a class or two before you sign up to a full membership. This will give you a good way of establishing if it is the right place for you.
Once you find the right gym it should enhance, not impede, your fitness journey.
