I’m taking another short break in transmission on my quest for happiness (?!) to talk about something which isn’t (however) entirely unrelated.
I already mentioned that I was planning to do something about joining a gym. In my previous life, gymming 4-5 days a week offered me a huge sense of accomplishment and a bizarre feeling of complacency that I took for granted. I had the same feeling yesterday. After going to the gym.
Yes, you read that right… I finally went to a gym after 4 months off.
I attended a morning Body Pump (weights to music) class and for the rest of the day was able to feel quite smug that I’d done my exercise and no longer needed to feel guilty that I didn’t want to go for a walk, or divert my eyes when I saw someone jogging past (lest my guilt overtake me and I wallow in the bottom of a corn chip packet).
However… you may have noticed the rather nebulous statement above, “I was PLANNING to do something about joining a gym.” I didn’t just say, “I joined a gym!” Nothing quite so definitive and decisive. Normally I’d blame my oft-discussed apathy for such a statement, but today I believe the cautious approach is quite justified.
Because, it’s not something you should do lightly.
This morning on my Facebook page I responded to a comment from someone by saying that the gym is (should be) a big part of my life, so an informed decision was VERY important.
You may recall I have actually struggled to do something about a gym since moving to my new beachside locale over two months ago. But, the time has come to bite the bullet. And – because I am far from an expert very wise and experienced – I thought I’d share some of the factors I’m considering in making this important decision.
Firstly, before starting your research I think it’s important to identify the factors you are looking at when planning to join a gym and I think these can be grouped under four broad categories: Cost; Service; Quality; and Accessibility. (Oh, and there’s a fifth secret category I’ll reveal to you at the end of this episode blog post!)
1. Cost (and / or value for money)
It’s sad but true that cost is a huge factor in choosing one gym over another. My last gym was VERY reasonably priced and probably spoiled me for what would come next. As I’m not currently working it’s even more of an influence. But, having said that value for money is also something that can never be underrated.
Unless money is really really tight, I’d suggest against cost alone being a deciding factor, because sometimes you ONLY get what you pay for. You pay a pittance and you get a gym with minimal services – which may, however, be all you are after. Many of the 24hr gyms popping up now work on this principle.
Another aspect I am considering however, relates to any sort of timeframe commitment required. I am nervous about contract periods and do not want to be locked into a gym for more than six months for many reasons (in case I move, in case classes change and are no longer relevant, or in case the gym goes bankrupt!). Payment options are also worth contemplating when making a decision. I’d prefer to pay for several months up-front rather than in weekly instalments or direct-debits. I know that wouldn’t suit everyone, but is my own preference!
2. Service (equipment, classes)
I like big butts classes and I cannot lie. I struggle to self-motivate, but if I have a class to go to then I’ll almost mindlessly get myself ready and there. So, for me the availability of classes is ALL-IMPORTANT. I’m also fussy about classes. Years ago I did step classes and general aerobics, body attack and so forth; but now I’m a lover of dance. I’m not a good dancer but love love love losing myself in the music. If I had my way I’d just do endless faux Zumba (Zumba-fied hip hop) classes by an old fave instructor (Nikki); but that’s not to be, so I make do with normal Zumba. I also like Pump classes (weights) and the occasional interval/circuit-based class (like CrossFit and similar).
Others HATE classes and only want to use the free weights or machines on the gym floor. Others combine this with some cardiovascular exercise using treadmills, exercise bikes, rowing machines and cross-trainers / ellipticals. Some gyms have a pool and offer water-based activities.

The old me. Post workout!
It’s also important to consider what other services your gym has to offer. Child-minding might be a priority. Or you may need to scope out the change room facilities to make sure you’ll feel comfortable showering there before rushing back to work. The availability of lockers may be something else to consider.
3. Quality (staff, instructors and equipment)
At my last gym (run by a local government / Council for its staff) ALL gym employees were exercise physiologists. They were all ridiculously knowledgable and many continuing to improve on their existing knowledge with specialisations or additional education. I must confess that I don’t like the ‘one-on-one’ you generally get for ‘free’ on joining a gym. While I use the cardio-equipment, I never use the gym floor weights / equipment so the ‘free’ program that someone writes for me when I join a gym is kinda pointless.
I was at my last gym for just over a year and didn’t once use my program – but visited 4-5 days most weeks. Having said that – I always received great advice from the staff and felt confident that they knew what they were talking about.
The quality of the class instructors (or affiliated personal trainers) can also be a factor. In the early 2000s I belonged to a gym which introduced dance classes. Many of us regular aerobic-goers rocked up excitedly only to find that the instructor treated us like a group of 5 year olds, making us do steps in small groups or having one row of people dance across the room at a time. Cardiovascularly it was a waste of time and in terms of fun… well, it was humiliating. Fortunately the gym’s managers took the feedback and cancelled the class when the instructor struggled to change their style.
The quality of equipment is also a biggie. It’s encouraging to see decent (and hardy) machines, rather than the flimsy type available from rental companies at discounted prices. ‘OUT OF ORDER’ equipment sitting idle for any length of time is not a good look.
4. Accessibility (proximity and availability)
The proximity of a gym from my workplace or home is another key factor. Years ago I belonged to a gym near my house because the classes I was attending were early morning, after work or on weekends. It meant I never really used the change rooms there (as I wasn’t coming or going from work and was usually at home before or after class). Most recently I belonged to a gym on-site at my workplace. Classes were minimal (no morning classes and only a few post-work classes) but lunchtime classes forced me to take a lunch break each day. The gym was literally in the foyer of the building next to mine – so almost unavoidable.
I know for a fact that – if I have to travel any distance – it’s far easier for apathy to prevail and for me to make excuses.
The opening hours can also be a deciding factor. My last gym didn’t open on weekends. This was not an issue because I’d chosen it for its proximity to work, not home. I was attending every weekday and had no need to go on a weekend. Whereas, if you’re working long hours or shift-work, you may want to join a gym which is open on the weekend, or open late at night.
And finally, as for the fifth factor… well, you probably guessed it; but it’s that vibe you get from the gym. You know the one… when you walk into a place and you either hate it or love it. I’ve written recently here about trusting myself and my instincts and it’s something I DO do, whether I’m house hunting or meeting new people. I rely on my spidey senses.
So… these are all of the factors I’m considering in my ‘which gym to join’ decision. I’ve narrowed it down to two (there aren’t a lot of options in my new hometown). Both have their minuses (namely only one dance class a week at each!), but they also have their pluses (one is lower in cost; and the other is closer to my place).
I’ve gotten a three-day pass for one and hope to do the same with the other so I can attend a couple of classes and get a feel for the level and quality of services offered.
So… wish me luck!
What do you look for in a gym or workout venue?
What have I missed?
PS. Here in Oz, I’m linking up with Jess and IBOT!
January 15, 2013
When I used to go to the gym (it was a really, really long time ago BR – before running) the things that mattered most to me were
1. location – had to be close to home and preferably in a shopping centre so I could pick up those few extra groceries that I was always needing.
2. child minding
and
3. cost – because I’m a cheapskate at heart.
January 15, 2013
I can most definitely relate to 1 & 3 Char. As I said in the post… I really don’t need any additional motivation to come up with excuses and – quite frankly – having to go TOO far out of my way definitely deters me from doing anything. And now that I’m watching my pennies, the cost is far more important than it once might have been!
January 15, 2013
Great advice – now I wish it wasn’t 5o kms to the nearest gym!
January 15, 2013
Oh Annaleis.. and here I am complaining there are only a couple of gyms in my new hometown (well, three perhaps, but one has NO dance classes)!!!
January 15, 2013
6. cute, straight men. Kidding. Sort of.
Of course, for purely motivational purposes, they don’t need to be straight.
January 15, 2013
I think attractive men (well, the straight kind anyway) would make me feel self-conscious at the moment… this big red-faced thing bouncing around.
Though I used to see work colleagues at my old gym and didn’t really care what I looked like, so maybe I’m just too relieved (to be there) to care… or the endorphins have kicked in!
January 15, 2013
Great points! It’s almost entirely about the quality of the classes for me. I get bored if I’m not in a group setting and it has to be an energetic, hard-core workout or I won’t go. I’d always rather be struggling to keep up than wishing the instructor would pick it up a bit.
Good luck finding your new gym home!
Visiting from IBOT.
January 15, 2013
Thanks Azara and thanks for visiting! As I was writing it I imagined a whole other post about instructors and what I like and don’t… though had some vague feeling I’d done a similar one before. (When I searched I realised I’d talked A LOT previously about instructors whose style I liked vs those I (ahem) liked-less!).
I hate being pushed too far outside of my comfort zone, but do like to push myself!
Deb
January 15, 2013
Great post! I would have to say “the vibe” is possibly the biggest deciding factor for me. I also really prefer a ‘nice’ gym – new, working equipment, clean etc so it feels like a bit of a treat (did I just say that!) to go there. Proximity and price are so important though too.
In the post there’s a link to my failed attempt to join that gym when I first arrived and in that post I mention that I mention I became a bit emotional while sitting and waiting for my appt. (And no, not at the lack of Zumba classes!) I was there just a week or so after the first anniversary of my father’s passing and… the site of the gym USED to be a sports centre which my family visited when I was young. We’d meet other families there on a weekend to play tennis etc. I had VERY strong memories of my dad there (a good athlete and tennis player) and struggled to look out at the courts without having a reaction! (I didn’t look yesterday so not sure if that feeling’s passed!)
January 15, 2013
Yes, I added the vibe thing cos for me I often go on gut-instinct when making decisions. I weigh all of the pros and cons and even when I KNOW I should make a certain decision, it ‘feels’ better going the other way. Strange isn’t it!?!
Deb
January 15, 2013
Great list you have! If you do have a pass for both I would also get the feel of the people that actually go to the gm as well. You want to be with a group of supportive people. Make sure you are comfortable! But that’s about it from me! Most of all ENJOY!!! You are going to LOVE IT!!!
January 15, 2013
Good idea. I like the one I’m trialling already as it has a range of age groups (I live in a town with a lot of retirees). I should also go after working hours to see what it’s like then. (As I’ll undoubtedly be working again some day and need to attend then!).
And thanks!!!
Deb
January 15, 2013
I hope one of the two gyms are the rig fit for you!!
I’ve never been a huge gym goer Im more partial to team sports and outdoors for exercise, oh and swimming!! I think there are a few classes that I would enjoy though, especially Zumba!
Karen #teamIBOT
January 15, 2013
Hi Karen, I grew up playing a lot of sports and didn’t even get those interested in running when I was younger. I always had so much training on and so many games I didn’t need to do anything else. Sadly that all changed! And yes, anything dancey is fun in my books (though I don’t like latin stuff… which is why faux Zumba was a favourite of mine. Easy hip hop would be ideal!).
Deb
January 16, 2013
I’ve never been a member of a gym. I’m not sure I ever will. However, last Winter I did enjoy a four week trial for a very good price. Although I didn’t enjoy it enough to want to join.
I found exercise equipment a little boring, and the classes I was interested in were on at times I couldn’t attend. I also have an aversion to contracts. But most of all, I discovered that I prefer to exercise outdoors… although in Winter I might change my mind about that again!
January 16, 2013
I’m the same with exercise equipment. I don’t mind the treadmill / exercise bike on occasions but get sick of them very easily!
I think the same thing’s happened with walking. When I first moved to the beach I was walking a bit but now I’m like ‘meh’ same-old, same-old!
January 16, 2013
Hi Deb,
I would go for the one that FEELS the best. Where you feel at home. End of story.
xxx
January 16, 2013
Thanks Liz. I suspect they will be a key factor. No amazing vibes from the one I’ve tried so far. Will see what the other one is like.
January 16, 2013
I haven’t been to a gym ever! I’d love to, and would be a regular gym junkie I’m sure, but I just cant’ afford it or have the time right now. Maybe one day…
January 16, 2013
You keep fit though Jess, which is great. I’m not good at getting myself t exercise, so classes are key!
Deb
January 17, 2013
Hi Deb! I was thinking, “I’d go with the gym that feels the best” and then I read Liz’s comment that said exactly that. 😀
🙂 Marion
January 17, 2013
Yes, I hope to try the other one next week and then make a decision. (Though feeling a little underwhelmed at the options at the moment!)
January 17, 2013
for me it is all all all about ACCESSIBILITY and PARKING these days.
January 18, 2013
Yes Miz, I belonged to a gym once upon a time where parking was a nightmare. It wasn’t laziness about walking some distance, but there was minimal on-site parking and the nearby streets were always busy and full!
Accessibility is a biggie for me. If anything’s too hard I’ll make an excuse!
January 18, 2013
Some great advice there….
What do I look for? Well:
1. An instructor that is more of a Morpheus than a Drill Sergeant (inspiration from your photo above!)
2. The treadmills are not overlooked thorugh a huge window by the busiest street in the city.
3. One in which people are considerate to wipe down the equipment after use!
4. And many more…but I need to remember this is a comment and not a blog post!
Seriously, thanks Debbish, you give us things to think about and mull over…..
January 18, 2013
Thanks for that…. Yes, I did look at the cardio room and there were HEAPS of treadmills etc. The instructors are also key, I definitely agree. I’m trying the Zumba class tomorrow, so that may be a deal-breaker!
Deb
January 18, 2013
My tip would be also consider how any services (that you aren’t going to use) offered by the gym may impact on you. My 2 sons both do their swimming lessons at the local gym. They are at the same time each week and the gym clearly displays to other users when the classes are on and lap lanes are less available or not at all. However, there are people who every week without fail will grumble about kids in the pool, or kids in the change room !
January 18, 2013
Good idea Karen! The website and program does list other activities so I should check that out! The first gym I’m trialling has a pool as well as tennis courts and squash court (apparently – yet to see it, though unlikely to use it!). I’m possibly also paying for a lot of stuff I’ll never use!
Deb
March 12, 2013
This post is very useful.. I am sharing it on my page.
Thanks,
Borntoworkout.com
March 12, 2013
Thanks for your comment and for sharing!