Finding the Right Gym

Once you’re ready to get more active, one of the first things you’ll want to do is find the right gym - for you.

There are different types of fitness facilities to choose from! And you don’t even have to go to a fitness facility; you can work out outside or in your own home (assuming you have the space). Any movement is good, the trick is to find something you enjoy. If you live in an area with outdoor activities, then pursue those. Biking, kayaking, skiing, hiking, running, walking, roller skating... as long as you are moving (and having fun), then its a great option.

But if you are looking for a fitness facility, what are some of the choices? Let’s explore them.

Fitness center (a.k.a. “gym”)

This is what most people tend to think of when it comes to working out. If you are in a well-populated area, then there is probably a different gym on every corner (it seems that way, at least!). Gyms usually have a variety of equipment, and you go in on your own and work out.

Some gyms have personal trainers. Some gyms have group fitness classes. Some have both!

There are gyms that are open (or at least available to members) 24 hours a day while others have an opening and closing time. Here it really just depends on your schedule and when you plan to work out (another blog post on THAT topic later!). There are corporate or “chain” gyms - where you can often work out at any location if you are a member - as well as locally-owned ones.

Fitness center with lots of equipment to choose from

Daphne’s tip: No matter what gym you choose, there will be staff members who work there available to answer your questions. They can show you around the gym, explain how the equipment works, and get you started. Don’t be shy - just ask.

Studio

Typically smaller than your regular gym, studios are often focused on personal, small-group, and/or group fitness training. They will usually have only the equipment that they need for their training rather than a variety of machines. Some studios have themes where they might offer very specific type of training (yoga, Pilates, zumba, cycling, pole, bootcamps, or boxing, for example).

Studios are gaining in popularity and you can see them popping up all over the place. They used to be more locally-owned but there are more chain studios available than ever before. You will most likely only go to a studio for scheduled training but not really to go and work out on your own.

Studio group fitness class

Hybrid

Nowadays some facilities try to be the best of both worlds and offer something for everyone. They can have an open gym full of equipment where you can go work out on your own, but then they will also offer personal training and group fitness classes. This way, you don’t have to choose; you can do both.

So, how do you choose?

It all comes down to what you are looking for and where you feel most comfortable. If you are the kind of person that thrives off the energy (and sometimes competition) of others, then a facility that offers group workouts might be the right choice for you. If you prefer to put on your headphones, get into beast mode, and workout on your own, then a more traditional gym setting could be for you. Hybrids are the way to go if you want to supplement your own workouts with some classes (or vice versa). Any of the above will typically have personal trainers available to help!

A few more tips:

• Think about the atmosphere where you will feel most comfortable, because then you will be more likely to go.

• When will you do your workouts? First thing in the morning? After work? Consider the timing and see when the local facilities are open for use.

• What is close to your house or work? You are much more likely to go if it’s not too far out of the way.

• Before you sign up for a membership, talk to the staff. Meet the trainer(s), the manager(s), the owner(s). Are they easy to talk to? Do they seem to genuinely care about your health and fitness goals, or are they just trying to make a sale? Is the facility clean?

• Many studios and fitness centers will give you a free workout or a free class so you can try it out before you sign up. Think of it like a test drive. If they don’t offer it up front, ask for it. Try the workout or the class, and make your decision from there.

The more you like the facility, the people, and the workouts, the more likely you are to go regularly. Look forward to working out rather than dreading it - after all, it’s a reward for living a healthy lifestyle, not a punishment. Enjoy the process :)