May
14
- How to find a gym - Location, location, location (and hours!)
- How to find a gym - What to look for
- How to find a gym, the guest workout
- How to find a gym - Let’s talk money
- How to find a gym - The first week
This week, we’re going to be talking about how to find a gym. This is preparation for next week’s series on starting a gym routine and workout.
When I started working out, I found my gym by accident. I stopped in a little sandwich shop on the way to work, and there it was, a 24 hour fitness with people running on treadmills. I wasn’t really interested in gyms at the time so I just filed this information away under “useless info” and moved on with my life. Years later, when I decided to join a gym and start working out, I remembered that location and went back to sign up. I did absolutely no research and there was nothing behind my decision except an impulse to go join a gym. In short, it wasn’t a very smart way to make a decision. To avoid my mistake, I’m going to go over some basic tips of locating and joining a good gym.
The candidate list
First thing you should do is make a list of gyms in your area. These are going to be your candidates. When you make this list, ask your self two questions:
Where are you going to work out? Most people work out near their homes but there are exceptions. For example, I like to work out during the day so I needed a gym close to my work. Perhaps spend a many of your days at someone else’s house like a boyfriend or girlfriend. Should you be looking for a gym close to their location? Should you be looking for a gym with multiple locations? This is one of the advantages of chain gyms like 24 hour fitness, they offer multiple locations for the price of one membership. So make sure you’re thinking of where you’re going to work out when you’re listing these choices.
When are you going to work out? Are you a morning person? Do you like going to the gym in the afternoon? Will the evening be the right time for you? This is important since not all gyms are open 24 hours. So make sure you have an idea in mind when you start listing out your choices. If you like working out at night then your gym should probably be close to home. If you like working out during the day then your gym should be close to work.
Hidden Candidates
The easiest place to start your search is online. Simply go to any of the mapping search engines like Google maps and look for gyms. They’ll usually list out several near your desired location. Print out this list, we’re going to use it next time, but first, we’re going to add a few hidden candidates to it.
What are hidden candidates? They are gyms that don’t bill themselves as gym. That means there are workout facilities in a variety of places that don’t advertise themselves. Why would they do that? Well, because they’re not really in the business of being gyms. For example, many office complexes have gyms for the use of employees. However, they might also be willing to provide access to local residents. Hotels are the same way. Most hotels have small gyms for guests that might be open to locals as well. Schools are another great hidden candidate. High schools and colleges typically have excellent gyms that might be available for you, especially if you’re an alum.
These hidden candidates are going to have their own advantages and disadvantages. For example, many of them are quite small, but they usually don’t charge as much money. I’m currently using the gym at my office complex as my primary workout area. It’s a bit limited in selection but it’s very convenient and costs no money.
Location = Convenience = Motivation
Why is this all important? Well, because convenience is one of the most important qualities in a gym. If you’re motivated, then any gym can provide a good workout. If you’re not motivated then the best of gyms is not going to work for you. Location means convenience and convenience in turn means motivation. When a gym is convenient it’s easier to make yourself get up and go. You can’t tell yourself “well, it will be a half hour drive” when your gym is next door.
For me, having a gym at work is perfect. I go in the afternoon and the workout is both healthy for me and it provides me with a great break from work. I return to my desk physically exhausted but mentally refreshed. That’s motivation! That makes it easier to get up and go workout. So make sure that whatever gym you pick is in a location that’s convenient for you. Because you don’t want to detract from your motivation before you even step foot in the gym.
Tomorrow, we’re going to take that first step and start talking about what to look for inside a good gym.
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