14 Things You Need To Know Before Joining A Gym

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Choosing a gym is a bit like choosing a mate—you’re going to spend a lot of time together and things are going to get sweaty. And like looking for love, finding the right gym for you can be ~complicated.~ It’s also typically the first step of a fitness journey. Between the costs, vibe, and fine-print details, discovering the perfect fit can feel overwhelming.

Of course, having a gym membership isn’t essential to getting fit (there are tons of ways to fit in cardio and strength workouts outdoors and at home), but it can be a huge help. Think of it as a healthy investment with a strong ROI.

Here are 14 questions you should ask yourself (or a membership advisor) before joining a gym to help you figure out what you’re really looking for—it’s like a pros and cons list you don’t even have to make yourself. And, remember, there are no right or wrong answers to these Q’s. It’s all about what feels like a good fit for you.

1. What’s convenient to your home or office?

When it comes to picking a gym, think location, location, location. “I have seen many people sign up for gyms that are slightly out of the way just because they’re a bit cheaper, but if the gym is out of the way and not convenient to your home or your work, let’s face it—you’re not going to go,” says NYC-based trainer Diana Mitrea, co-founder of Stronger With Time. “After a long day at work, if it’s easier to drive home than drive to the gym, where do you think you’ll end up?”

2. When do you like to work out? 

“Another thing to consider is if you’ll need to attend the gym or classes at peak times,” says Cori Lefkowith, Orange County-based personal trainer and founder of Redefining Strength. “If you don’t like a crowd, you may want to reconsider going at peak morning or evening times.” (There are few things more annoying than someone getting all up in your space at the gym.) If your schedule means that you have to be there when everyone else is, ask the staff about how likely it is that you’ll spend time waiting for machines or equipment. Peak hours will vary, but we find our gyms to be busiest between 6:30-8:30 A.M. and 5:30-7:00 P.M. It’s also important to check the gym hours, if you like to work out especially early or late. 

3. Are group fitness classes a priority?

If you’re all about those group fitness classes, make sure the gym has what you’re looking for (so you don’t end up dropping cash on studio classes that you could be getting at a gym). “Take a good look at the workout class schedule,” says Mitrea. “Are the classes at convenient times for you, and are they interesting and exciting to you? Classes can provide great motivation and help you achieve your goals faster than you would alone. However, if most of the classes listed do not interest you [and you want to take classes], then you should look elsewhere.” 

4. What’s the class cancellation policy?

If you want to be able to keep your schedule flexible after signing up for a class, check out the cancellation policy. “Some of my clients have schedules that change at the last minute, and a gym that has a strict registration policy wouldn’t work for them because they need to be able to adjust their workouts last-minute,” says Lefkowith. Then again, if you want something to hold you accountable, signing up for classes with a strict cancellation policy may not be a bad idea—motivation to get out of bed, amiright? 

5. What is your current fitness level? 

If you’re just starting out, consider the size and types of classes the gym offers. “If you need more guidance and are just starting out, you may want a smaller class,” says Lefkowith. “Or, one more based on basics, where the trainers are focused on teaching. If you are experienced, you may find a larger class more fun. But thinking about how much instruction you need to stay healthy and not risk injury is important.”

6. What type of equipment do you like to use?

Love the treadmill? Choose a gym where there’s a good selection of them, so you’re less likely to wait on them. Into free weights? Make sure there are enough of those bad boys, too. “The workout you will stick with is the one you enjoy, so when you’re looking for a gym, find one that seems to have workout equipment and classes that you would enjoy,” says Lefkowith.

7. Are you looking to hire a personal trainer?

If group fitness classes are a little intimidating (especially ones with things like “burn” in the title), hiring a personal trainer for a while can be a great way to get you started when you’re just not sure what to do. Check the trainer rates before you join and consider if you’re willing to pay that in addition to your monthly dues. Also, see if the gym offers a free personal training session to new members.

8. Do you want to work out with a buddy?

While having a trainer is a great way to stay accountable, working out with friends can also keep you on track (not to mention, it’s cheaper). Try signing up at a gym your friend belongs to—or sign up for a gym membership together! If that’s not an option, consider the community you’ll find in the gym.

9. Do you want community or anonymity?

“Different gyms have different atmospheres. Some are bigger where the same people won’t always attend the same classes, while others have a very close-knit community where you’ll always encounter the same people at the same hours,” says Lefkowith. “Are you looking to find friends and really build a community, or are you just looking for a group atmosphere to workout in where you may meet a friend or two?”

10. Will you be getting ready at the gym?

Consider whether the locker room is a big deal to you. If you plan on working out in the morning and heading straight to the office or working out during your lunch break, think about what features are important. Mirror space? Hair dryers? Nice showers? It’s totally individual (and, personally, I can’t live without some counter space to set up camp at).

11. What’s your budget?

This is another big question to ask—what fits in your budget, and how much are you willing to invest? Gym membership prices vary greatly depending on where you live, but check different gyms to get an idea of how much cash you’ll shell out in your area. Also, consider whether there’s a joining fee associated with becoming a member. There also might be some ~sweet deals~ going on that you don’t know about, so ask a membership advisor about any current ones (or see if there are any special discounts for students, veterans, or just budget-savvy people like yourself). 

12. Is a contract a dealbreaker?

If you’re not sold on the whole “gym thing,” make sure you don’t sign up for one that requires you to commit to a year-long contract. Month-to-month memberships are often slightly more expensive, but they give you some flexibility if you decide it’s not a good fit.

13. Can you get a trial membership?

Before you commit to a gym, make sure you can try it out first. “It really is key to figuring out what gym or class is right for you,” says Lefkowith. If you are trying to decide between a few gyms, line up mini trial periods at each option before you join one—speed gym dating anyone? And make sure to really take advantage of the trial period whether it’s a day, a few days, or a week. So try out the equipment, work out at the time you think you’ll most likely be there at, and try a class or two. Then, when the trial period is up, ask yourself: How was my workout? Did I like the trainer? Did I like the vibe of the gym? (You want to answer yes, yes, and yes!)

14. Ultimately, what are your fitness goals?

This will really determine the gym you choose, says Lefkowith.”Your goals can influence what classes you should take. Looking to prevent injury? A yoga class may be what you need. Love dancing and know you’ll stick to that? Try Zumba. Think about your goals and whether that gym, and the trainers, have the tools to get you there.” And once you’ve found your gym soulmate, you’ll be scanning in and taking names like you’ve been there all along.

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