How to Find the Right Gym and Make it Work for You

If the searing heat and glaring noonday sun haven’t give it away yet, summer’s here. Time to hide those stuffy jackets and sweaters and show some skin. It isn’t a surprise that the months right after the holidays leading up to summer are peak seasons for gyms and fitness establishments all over the country.

Whether for vanity or physical fitness—to each his or her own—one shouldn’t haphazardly choose a gym like one chooses a pair of socks. It’s a process that demands careful consideration. After all, if you pick a gym that’s hard to get to or that doesn’t offer you activities you’re interested in doing, you may find yourself making more and more excuses to justify putting off your exercise regimen. So if you’re planning to enroll in a gym this summer but don’t know where to start, here are some things to consider. 


KNOW YOUR GOAL

Before you scout around for a potential gym, it’s imperative that you first determine what is it exactly you want. According to this article on WebMD.com, the first question to ask yourself is, “What do I want from my workout?” From there you can narrow down what kind of gym or fitness center suits you best. If you’re seeking to improve your cardiovascular endurance you may want to look for a gym with ample treadmills or Stairmasters. If you intend to build strength and tone your muscles, a gym with free weights or machines is for you. Look for a gym that offers what you need. 


LOCATION, LOCATION

For your workout to actually work out, consistency is key. The primary reason why people don’t stick to their exercise routine is laziness. To counter this, choose a gym that’s accessible. If it’s not close to where you live, work, or go to school then deciding to go there will already be a challenge. Here’s another tip from WebMD.com: look for a gym that you regularly pass by on your way to work or going home. That way, it’ll easily become a part of your routine.


FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT

Don’t be afraid to inspect a potential gym. Look at the quality and quantity of their machines. Are they clean and well maintained? The threat of acquiring tetanus from simply lying on a bench press machine isn’t what you’re looking for. This article on Real Women’s Fitness says it’s important to have good quality machines that work well and hit the right muscles. They don’t have to be brand-spanking new. Also, if, for example, there’s only one treadmill, chances are you’ll be waiting for your turn. Look for a gym with a variety of equipment to minimize waiting time as well as to vary your workout.


COST

Next to lack of time, cost is the second most popular excuse to not go to the gym. However, if you know what kind of workout you need, that will determine the kind of gym you’ll go to and, in turn, the fees you’ll be paying. If running on the treadmill is your thing, an expensive gym with three sets of free weights and lifting machines won’t be useful. If you simply want to take classes, there won’t be a need to pay the full fee that gives you a whole gym. The solution, according to Prevention Magazine, is to look and pay for the basics. You may also want to look into possible discounts you can get; for example, your college alma mater may just have a gym that offers discounts to its alumni.


HOURS

Make sure the gym’s operating hours match with your work out schedule, says Prevention Magazine. That way, there are no excuses. Some prefer to work out early in the morning before going to work, while some visit the gym during their lunch break or at night. (Note: it’s been proven that those who work out during their lunch break suffer less fatigue at work than those who work out before or after work.) The key is to avoid the peak hours so waiting time is reduced. To do this, visit a potential gym at your intended workout hour and observe the number of people coming in and out, according to WebMD.com.

• Unfortunately, I don't have time to go to the gym.
  by Lourdes Espanol on 2010-03-29 08:51:56
• Unfortunately, I don't have time to go to the gym.
  by Lourdes Espanol on 2010-03-29 08:51:57
• Wow, I never knew that there are factors to consider before choosing the right gym. I'm enrolled in Gold's Gym and I'm trying my best to go there at least 2 to 3 times a week.
  by tinapay on 2010-03-30 15:02:52
• We just moved to a condominium with free gym, but I'm still too lazy to go. Perhaps I need to meet somebody from the same building who could be my work out buddy.
  by Mrs. Kolca on 2010-03-30 15:25:45
• I have already found the perfect gym for me, and that is our in our own home! My equipments include washing machine, broomsticks and dustpan, scrubbing pads and brushes and many more cleaning materials! Haha! Scrubbing the floor manually is the best form of exercise! (Sorry i cannot afford the time and money needed to enroll to a gym)
  by claire on 2010-03-31 15:43:27
• I have recently inquired at one of the popular gyms here in Metro Manila as to their latest promotions. Unfortunately, the location is far from my home. I'm looking for others now with a good location.
  by marchineness09 on 2010-04-02 16:02:10
• Same here. I don't have much time to go to the gym. I prefer to do it at home.
  by pinkpie on 2010-04-06 00:07:55
• I've never gone on work out in a gym.. but when i was a lil' I used to go with my father whenever he gets into the gym.. and when I try to lift those weights..I got fevered the next day bec. I've been strained out.
  by zyramae_12 on 2010-04-06 10:48:01
• A lot of people say they dont have time to exercise. Pero you really have to make time for it if you wanna be healthier.
  by Rachel on 2010-04-11 22:42:58
• Hay, I have the time, not the money. Haha.
  by meeeow18 on 2010-04-29 16:21:10
• i can do excercise at home .
  by Teresa on 2010-05-06 23:45:04
• since i dont have time, my gym is at home..i used to jog on my living room early upon wakening after my coffee..i bought dumbell, 5lbs for toning my arms, 10 lbs for toning my legs..i focused much on my abs by crunches and lift ups..i just try to experiment and watch for any muscle contractions thus ds shows ur muscles are working..in between rest periods i used to eat banana and drink water only, take note not cold because fats in our gut expnad like sponges wen cooled so fat burning and toxins will stay...try to drink warm water upon wakening and after dinner...try ds guys..
  by rubyej on 2010-05-29 15:41:44