There are many things to consider when looking for a new fitness center or gym to help you meet your fitness goals.

One of the first things to do is think about how far you are willing to travel to exercise. You can find the perfect fitness center that ticks all the boxes on your wishlist, but if you won’t go there several times a week, it’s not worth it.

Think about your daily routine and where you are going already. Can you go to the gym on your way to or from work? If you work from home or only commute a few days a week, will you realistically leave your home to go to the gym? Or will the distance give you an excuse to skip your workouts. Set yourself up for success by choosing a fitness center you will actually visit.

Some of the other things you should consider when choosing a gym:

Chain or local gym? Think about the type of access you need. If you travel a lot or want the flexibility of going to the gym, whether you are on your way to work, meeting friends for lunch, or going to your parent’s house for the day, you might do better with a chain of fitness centers. If you are home most of the time and have found a location near your home or work that is a good fit, you may prefer a local gym with one or two locations.

Type of workout: Do you like taking HIIT classes or yoga? Do you like cardio or working out with weights? Curious about Crossfit? Still doing step aerobics? Do you prefer to work out independently or have a personal trainer to guide you? Do you like kettlebells or weight machines, or pilates reformers? Think about what you like to do and check the websites of the gyms you are considering or, better yet, schedule a visit to see what’s available.

Specialty gyms: Taking it a step beyond different types of classes like HIIT versus yoga or step, you may want to consider a specialty gym. There are gyms for all sorts of specialty workouts like boxing, kickboxing, or rock climbing. You can also look for sports-specific gyms like a basketball gym or a gym focused on racquetball or squash.

Workout time: Are you an early bird or a night owl? Will you work out before work or during lunch? Are weekend workouts your preference? Think about your schedule and ensure the gym’s hours meet your needs.

Amenities: This might seem strange to consider in a fitness center, but sometimes the amenities can make a big difference. Some gyms have saunas or whirlpools to use after your workout. Some have childcare available. Some have cafes or restaurants. Determine which
things are important to you, and make sure you have them on your checklist when considering a new facility.

Once you’ve narrowed down the gyms you like, BBB has more tips on things to consider before signing that contract.

 

For more information

Learn more about buying your own home gym equipment