Don’t Join a Gym Without Considering These Important Factors
How to Find the Right Gym (and Keep Going to It)
I’ve been there—motivated, ready to crush my fitness goals, and walking into the first gym I saw, thinking, Yep, this is the one!
Spoiler alert: It wasn’t.
The truth is, not all gyms are created equal. I learned the hard way that picking the right gym isn’t just about fancy equipment or catchy slogans—it’s an investment of your time, money, and energy. And with so many options out there, finding the one can feel harder than choosing what to watch on Netflix. So before you sign on that dotted line, let’s talk about what really matters in picking the perfect gym for you.
Membership Plan Prices
It’s nice to be able to go to those gyms with all those fancy amenities and pitchers of cucumber water. However, affordability is something most people look for when trying to find the right workout facility. A good gym will meet the needs of all members, balancing quality and flexible membership plans, benefits, and payment options.
Gym Hours
Between work, family, and trying to get the recommended hours of sleep, there are only so many hours in a day that you can fit in a good sweat session, right? With that, most people look for gyms that are open 24 hours. But, hey, if you’re okay with gyms that have open-to-close hours, that’s perfectly fine too. I will say, regardless of the hours of operation, you still need to find out a little more about the gym hours.
First, ask what’s actually available during their hours of operation. Are there group classes there? Do they offer personal training? If you’re hoping for some expert advice, you don’t want to show up when they’ve all gone home for the day. And if you’re excited about the sauna or pool, double-check when they’re open. Nothing kills post-workout vibes like discovering the steam room is “closed for maintenance.”
Location, Location, Location!
For me, the right gym must be near my home. I’m just not driving out of my way to go to the gym—that will make me not want to go. It’s also good to think about if the gym has multiple locations. This is helpful in case you want to workout with friends at a different location or if you want to exercise while on vacation. Just be sure to ask what the rules are in regard to that. Some gyms require a different membership package for that.
Types of Equipment
Your gym should have all the necessary resources that actually help you reach your fitness goals, not just look cool on Instagram. You want a facility with a variety of equipment that works different parts of your body, of course. Every gym should at least have the basics of:
Free weights
Open space (for stretching, body weight moves, or to dramatically plop on the mat after intense hip thrusts)
Power racks
Cardio machines (treadmills, bikes, rowers—you know, for those days you pretend to love cardio)
Strength machines (like Smith machines and assisted pull-up bars for when your arms are screaming, “Nope!”)
When you check out a gym, take time to actually look around. Is the equipment in good shape? Or does it look like it survived the 80s? Make sure it has what you need, whether your goal is running a marathon, getting stronger, or just surviving one push-up without collapsing. Choose a gym that aligns with your goals, not the other way around!
Clean Environment
Another aspect I look at in a gym is its cleanliness. You shouldn’t walk into a gym and smell the sweat coming off the guy on the treadmill (this would be a sign of poor air circulation too). If you’re paying for a gym membership, you want a place that actually cares about its members. A clean gym isn’t just nice; it makes working out way more enjoyable. Nobody wants to dodge mystery puddles on the floor or wonder if that treadmill has ever been wiped down.
Safety matters, too. Look for a gym with well-lit sidewalks, decent security, and a setup that makes you feel comfortable showing up—Even for those late-night or early-morning workouts.
Finding the right gym means thinking about what’s important to you. Look at things like workout equipment, cleanliness, location, hours, and other added perks. A good gym should fit your needs and make it easier to stick with your fitness goals. No matter which gym you choose, remember: You’re not just paying for a membership; you’re investing in your health. Pick a place that keeps you motivated and supports your overall wellness!
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