Sometimes the hardest part of a fitness journey is choosing which gym you want to join. There are so many factors to consider when searching for the perfect gym for you; budget, fitness goals, location preferences, size of fitness center, etc. There is no one-size-fits-all gym, so you need to consider all of your options to make the best choice for yourself!
Finding the best gym is similar to starting a new relationship. You'll need to do a lot of personal reflection to find what you value the most, pros/cons lists to determine if it's worth your time and energy, and in-depth research to find the juicy details of what you're getting yourself into. You may even ask around to see what opinions your friends and family have. It may take trial and error, but eventually you'll find your perfect match!
The first step of your gym search should be determining where you want to work out. Would you prefer the closest possible gym or do you want to head out of town to avoid bumping into people you know? Do you want something closer to home or your work? Find all of your options in a specific area that is most convenient and beneficial to your preferences.
Consider the size of the facility you're looking for. Some gyms are large, multiple stories, and packed full of equipment and people, while other gyms are smaller, quieter, and more private. You have to determine how comfortable you are working out in different settings when considering gyms and do some research on their size and capacity.
Nobody wants to work out in a gym full of old and rusty machines. Find a gym that not only has nice and modern options, but one that takes care of and properly maintains their equipment. Not only should the gym have high quality equipment, but it should have the proper machines and tools for your personal fitness journey. If you prefer cardio, do they have more than just a treadmill or two? Does the gym have effective weight lifting equipment that is safe? Determine what you need and find a gym that has what you're looking for.
A common dealbreaker for some gyms is the friendliness and attentiveness of their staff. Nobody wants to walk into their gym and be met with rude front desk staff sitting on their phones. Look at online reviews, visit the gym, or ask your community - if a gym is known for a poor staff, you should likely search for other options. If a gym has a quality staff, it will likely be better-maintained and they will go out of their way to make you feel comfortable.
There is no dancing around the fact that gym memberships are expensive. You have to set a budget and join a gym that is within your price range, but you should also look into what perks are included in your membership. Why pay $70/month for a gym with no perks when you can pay a similar price for a gym with group fitness classes, child watch, personal training, access to sports courts, and discounts to local businesses and programs? Find a gym that gives you more than just machines and get a better value for your membership.