9 Tips To Choose The Perfect Gym | Workout & Exercises slideshows | Physical activities center

Location Is Really Important If You're Going There Regularly

Where is the gym? A great gym a long way away isn't much use to you, and some really good gyms are in really unsafe areas. A good gym for you, though, might be a safe one that you can reach easily without feeling like you're in danger. Also, check opening times. Some gyms are part of malls or other developments and have to close their doors when the development does. Before you shell out for a membership, go for a trial and pay attention to the journey. Imagine yourself doing it on a Monday afternoon; if you can't, it might be the wrong gym for you.

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Check The Gym's Opening Hours Fit With Your Schedule

Your working hours might conflict with those of the gym. Then again, if you're looking for led or taught classes, you might want to check when they're scheduled. Typically the bulk of them will be before and after conventional working hours, though many gyms are getting better at running early morning and lunchtime classes in response to rising demand.

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Are You Comfortable On Your First Visit? You Should Be

The first time you visit the gym, see if it matches your goals. If your idea of a good gym is a sweltering concrete box full of massive, rusty barbells where conversation stops as soon as you walk through the door and every head turns to stare silently at you, don't let me hold you back; if you prefer a more welcoming, less challenging environment, check that the gym you're considering has it. Some are more friendly than others, and you don't want to be put off coming to the gym by the feeling that you're somehow unwelcome. Staff should be friendly and helpful and you should be able to observe other users using the equipment and exchange pleasantries at appropriate times (wait til they put the barbell down!).

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Is It Clean? Is It Welcoming? Is It Well Lit?

Some gyms leave the place grimy to prove how real and tough it all is. Others are just filthy. Other people's sweat is something to be avoided where possible and while there's no way to make a gym perfectly antiseptic you should be able to touch and use equipment without feeling like you need to be scrubbed down by the CDC afterwards. A dirty gym will show in other attitudes too: poorly maintained equipment, surly and unhelpful staff and other bad signs are all of a piece, evidence of a gym that isn't worth your money. Find one where they sweep up!

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The State And Availability Of Equipment Is Important Too

When you visit a gym for the first time, try to go at the time you'll actually want to go regularly. Don't try it out on Saturday morning if you'll really be there on Friday afternoon. And check the availability of the equipment you want to use. Is there plenty of it, or a long line waiting for it impatiently? Is it being used correctly? And does it look safe and well-maintained? Cardio machines like cross trainers and treadmills often predominate in gyms but that's because of high demand; if you see dozens of them, all empty, maybe you came at a slack time, which is why I suggest going at the times you'll want to use the gym and asking the staff when the busy periods are.

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Who Are The Other Members - Do You Feel Comfortable Around Them?

Who are the other members? It's a good idea to pick a a gym where most people are more or less like you in terms of their goals. If you're just trying to get some exercise and lose a little weight, don't pick a semi-pro powerlifting gym: they don't want you and you don't want them. A good way to find a gym where you'll share goals with other members is to ask around your friends who share your goals, for a recommendation or even a training buddy. Another way is to look online for groups sharing your goals that meet in local gyms.

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Are The Staff Friendly And Competent?

The staff should be friendly and helpful. But they should also be knowledgeable, supportive and welcoming; they should agree with your goals and help you reach them. They should be ready to spot you on machines or training stations if needed. Talk about how they will go about this when you visit the gym. remember, you'll be relying on these people, so make sure you feel like you can trust them. One good way to check is to check up on their qualifications. and while you're at it, check up on the prices for the gym's physio service and ask how much a trainer costs, in case you need one.

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Don'T Let Your Wallet Decide - But Don't Ignore It

How much does the gym cost? That can be a major factor in what gym you choose. Does the gym require a sign-up fee? Can you pay monthly or even weekly, or must you commit to a yearly package? Additionally, check whether the gym charges extra for led or taught classes or if you get a discount or a certain number of classes free with membership. Don't feel that because you've looked around the gym means the next stop should be to sign up there. Shop around; gym staff will understand, and if they give you the hard sell, that's a good sign that you and your hard-earned cash belong elsewhere.

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Ask Around Before Joining - See What Friends And Co-Workers Say

Sometimes a web search can turn up every place for miles. Sometimes gems can be missed out if you don't ask some actual people. Talk to people at work and online, to your friends and family, and find out what they know. They might know of a place that's right up your street but doesn't have a good web presence or that your search skipped over somehow. They also might know something about the places you have found that you won't learn for yourself until its too late, so ask them for their experiences and recommendations too. A word of mouth recommendation is the most reliable way to find a good gym.